Are you feeling the mid-career itch?

According to research, 31 is the average age that workers look to change careers.

A survey of over 5000 workers found that employees around this age are much more likely to consider a change of role or even industry. This is because they've been in work for over a decade by this point.

The top reasons cited were better earnings (33%), wanting a role they're more passionate about (31%) and better work/life balance (19%).

In my coaching practice, I speak to clients all the time who are feeling motivated to change careers because of a landmark birthday or significant life event. Their 30th, 40th or 50th birthday may be approaching or has passed, or they are thinking of starting a family, or they are on maternity leave and planning a return to work.

Some have taken a much longer break out of their careers to care for their kids or older parents, and now want to finally reclaim their professional selves. But so much time has passed since they were last in work that they need some help figuring out who they are now, what they want from their careers and how to re-enter the workforce.

Going forward, I want to really focus on the thrills and challenges of making a midlife career change. After all, I went through one myself and have never looked back, but I do remember how scary it was when I first starting thinking about it.

I'm going to be sharing lots more written posts on this topic via my newsletter, as well useful links, book and podcast recommendations, and Q&A's with clients who have made a midlife career change themselves, to give you inspiration and encouragement that you can do it to!

Am really looking forward to getting stuck into, sharing lots more conversation with you and helping you navigate this tricky but exciting change.

If you haven't already, just sign up to my newsletter here.

Has it been a slow start to your year?

Hello and Happy New Year.

How have you been?

I'm starting 2023 in bed. I was struck down with some kind of bronchitis bug pre-Christmas and it's been very slow to shift 🤧

I also think it might be burnout, hence the book on my lap (for advice) and the wellness journal (for reflection)...

Sometimes your body just goes on strike, and forces you to listen whether you like it or not.

So I haven't started the new year raring to go with lots of new plans and goals. I've just had to let go, and slow down, and reflect on why I got so run down (answer - probably trying to do ALL OF THE THINGS).

But there is plenty of time to get up to full speed. Or not. Maybe 2023 will be the year of slowing down a bit...

Are you feeling this way too? If so, I sympathise. In fact, we are perfectly in sync with the seasons right now, because nature too is in hibernation mode. So why shouldn't we follow suit?

Here's to starting the year at your own pace and no-one else's.

What do you really want in 2022? 🎄

The end of this year hasn't been what I expected.

We had a recent loss in our extended family which has left me feeling sad of course, but also reflective and asking some big questions.

Usually this is the time of year which, as a business owner, you start setting big goals for the year ahead.

How much do you want to earn? How many clients do you need each month? What will your marketing strategy be?

And yet I don't feel motivated by any of these things right now.

Of course these things are still important because running a business does take planning and preparation, but I'm much more preoccupied by what my WHOLE life will look like next year. How can I make the most of my time? Who will I spend it with? How can I support my body and mind to stay healthy and happy?

It's funny that these are the questions my clients have been asking themselves too. They also want to figure out how to maintain a balance and not let work crowd out their personal lives. And also how to set clear boundaries with family, friends and colleagues so that they can carve out more time for themselves and do the things they enjoy.

We've all been through a lot during the past couple of years, and possibly have come through it asking more questions about what we really want from our lives and careers.

If that sounds like you, here are a little exercise called 'Stop, Start, Continue' to help you figure out your 2022 plans:

Think back to 12 months ago…

• What were you doing? What was happening in your life? Where were you working? Where were you living? How were you feeling? What were your hopes and plans for the next 12 months?

• Now consider what hasn’t gone so well in your life and career? What will you stop doing?

• What do you want to start doing for yourself and your career during the next 12 months? What have you been putting off?

• And lastly, what has gone well in your life and career during that time? What are you proud of, and what will you continue doing in the future?

Hope you find this helpful. I'd love to hear how you got on.

Have a wonderful, restful Christmas and New Year and I'll see you on the other side.

Juliette xx