by lcmosley | May 1, 2025 | Blog
As women reach their middle age, they often find themselves evaluating their careers and wondering if they should make a change. This is a time when many women start to think about what they want to accomplish in their lives and whether their current jobs align with those goals. If you are a midlife woman who is considering a career change, here are three signs that it may be time to take the leap:
1. Lack of Fulfillment
One of the most significant signs that it is time for a midlife woman to change jobs is if she is no longer fulfilled by her work. If you find that you are no longer passionate about your job, dread going into work each day, or feel like you’re not making a difference, it’s time to start exploring other options. You spend a significant portion of your life at work, and you deserve to feel fulfilled by what you do.
2. Stagnation
Another sign that it is time for a midlife woman to change jobs is if she feels like she’s hit a wall in her career. If you have been in the same position for several years and there are no opportunities for growth or advancement, it may be time to consider a new job. Stagnation can be frustrating and demotivating, and it can lead to a lack of confidence and self-esteem.
3. Burnout
Finally, burnout is a clear sign that it is time for a midlife woman to change jobs. If you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained by your job, it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities. Burnout can have significant consequences on your physical and mental health, and it can also negatively impact your relationships and overall well-being. If you find yourself consistently feeling burnt out, it’s time to make a change.
In conclusion, a midlife career change can be a daunting prospect, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and fulfillment. If you are experiencing any of the signs discussed above, it may be time to take the leap and explore new opportunities. Remember that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and find a career that aligns with your goals and values.
Ready to take the leap and find fulfillment in your career? Join my free Midlife Women Finding Fulfillment Facebook group today! Connect with like-minded women, share experiences, and gain valuable insights to help you navigate your midlife career journey. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back – join us and take the first step towards a more fulfilling career!
by lcmosley | May 1, 2025 | Blog
Midlife can be a challenging time for women as we navigate changes in our careers, in our immediate families, and with our extended families. We often face new dynamics in our relationships with our aging parents – concerns about their physical health, their mental health, financial well-being, and more. We assume that our parents see their situation the same way we do. In this post, you’ll find 3 strategies for communicating with your parents and building stronger relationships with them.
1. Ask, Don’t Tell
One of the most important aspects of effective communication is the ability to listen. When communicating with your parents during midlife, it is important to ask questions and truly listen to their perspective. This means not just hearing their words but also trying to understand their point of view. Asking questions to understand puts you on their side and allows you and your parent to consider options together. By asking questions and truly listening, you can build a deeper understanding of your parents and their experiences.
2. Share Feelings
Another important aspect of effective communication is the ability to share your feelings and find out what emotions your parent is feeling. Here’s an example: “When Mom went to the hospital, I felt scared and helpless, especially since Dad didn’t know what was happening to you and I was 7 hours away. How did you feel?” By sharing feelings, you can create a deeper connection and build stronger relationships with your parents.
3. Speak to Loss
Loss is an inevitable part of life. Our parents are often facing significant losses (friends and family who have passed away, reduced health, giving up pastimes they loved and can no longer do, loss of independence, moving to a new location, etc.) Speaking to loss gives your parents permission to grieve. It shows your empathy with their experience and reinforces your relationship.
Navigating changing relationships with your parents during midlife can be challenging. Following the strategies of ask, don’t tell; share feelings; and speak to loss, you can improve communication with your parents and build stronger relationships with them. Remember to listen to understand their perspective, show how you feel and invite them to do the same, and give yourself and your parents permission to mourn losses.
If you are navigating your midlife years feeling stuck and unfulfilled, come join my free Midlife Women Finding Fulfillment Facebook community for inspiration.
by lcmosley | Nov 4, 2024 | Blog
Finding yourself or redefining your identity when your career has been the main way you define yourself can be a challenging but rewarding process.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on who you are beyond your career. Ask yourself questions like: What are my values, passions, and interests? What makes me happy outside of work? What are my strengths and weaknesses in other areas of life?
- Explore new interests: Try new activities, hobbies, or interests that you’ve always been curious about but haven’t had time for. This can help you discover other aspects of yourself and what brings you joy.
- Connect with others: Spend time with friends and family and build or strengthen personal relationships. Social connections can provide a sense of identity and support outside of work.
- Set boundaries: If your job has been all-consuming, work on setting boundaries to create a healthier work-life balance. This may involve limiting overtime, taking regular breaks, and turning off your phone.
- Seek professional help: If you find it challenging to navigate this transition on your own, consider seeking the guidance of a therapist, counselor, or coach. They can provide support and strategies for managing your career identity and exploring other aspects of yourself.
- Set new goals: Develop personal goals outside of your career. These could be related to fitness, spirituality, creative pursuits, or personal development. Working towards these goals can help you establish a new sense of purpose.
- Volunteer or give back: Engaging in volunteer work can provide a sense of purpose and identity beyond your career. It allows you to contribute to causes you care about and connect with others who share your values.
- Learn and grow: Continue to learn and grow with a focus on areas of personal interest rather than professional development. This can include taking courses, reading, or attending workshops related to your new interests.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation and practices can help you become more present in the moment and better understand your emotions and thoughts. This can be beneficial in discovering your true self.
- Be patient with yourself: Recognize that this process may take time, and it’s okay to feel uncertain or uncomfortable during the transition. Embrace the journey of self-discovery, and don’t be too hard on yourself along the way.
Remember that your career is just one aspect of your identity, and it’s possible to find fulfillment and a strong sense of self in other areas of life. It’s a journey of self-discovery that can lead to a more balanced and holistic sense of identity.
I know this mindset shift can be challenging. If you’d like some encouragement from other women doing the same thing, hop into my free group,
Midlife Women Finding Fulfillment.
by lcmosley | Nov 4, 2024 | Blog
As midlife women, we often find ourselves at a crossroads in our careers. Maybe you’ve been in the same job for years and feel like you’ve hit a plateau, or perhaps you’ve been out of the workforce for a while and are contemplating reentry. Whatever your situation, it’s never too late to consider your career options. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of four different paths: lateral moves within your current company, switching to the same job in a different company, pursuing a new career, and becoming self-employed.
1. Lateral Moves Within Your Company:
Pros:
- Familiarity: You’re already familiar with the company culture, colleagues, and processes.
- Stability: You maintain job security and potentially retain your current benefits.
- Transferable Skills: Your existing skills can often be applied in a different department or role.
Cons:
- Limited Growth: Lateral moves may not offer significant career advancement.
- Boredom: You might continue doing similar tasks, leading to burnout.
- Missed Opportunities: Staying in one company might mean missing out on diverse experiences elsewhere.
2. Moving to the Same Job in a Different Company:
Pros:
- Fresh Start: New environments can reignite your passion and motivation.
- Salary Negotiation: You can leverage your experience for better compensation.
- Networking: Expanding your professional network can open doors to new opportunities.
Cons:
- Adjusting Period: Adapting to a new company culture may take time.
- Uncertainty: Different companies have different expectations and dynamics.
- Job Search: Finding the right fit can be challenging.
3. Moving to a New Career:
Pros:
- Personal Growth: Exploring a new career can be a transformative experience.
- Passion Pursuit: Pursuing your interests can lead to greater job satisfaction.
- Lifelong Learning: It’s an opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge.
Cons:
- Financial Risk: Changing careers may initially involve a pay cut or more training.
- Learning Curve: You’ll need time to adapt to a new field.
- Uncertainty: There’s no guarantee of success in a new career path.
4. Becoming Self-Employed:
Pros:
- Independence: You have full control over your work and schedule.
- Pursue Passions: You can turn your hobbies or talents into a business.
- Unlimited Potential: Your earnings aren’t capped by a fixed salary.
Cons:
- Financial Instability: Self-employment can be financially unpredictable.
- Responsibility: You’re responsible for all aspects of your business.
- Risk: There’s no safety net, and success is not guaranteed.
In your midlife journey, remember that your career is a significant part of your life, and making changes can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. Consider what aligns with your values, interests, and long-term goals. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from mentors, career coaches, or support groups.
Ultimately, the path you choose should be one that resonates with your unique circumstances and aspirations. Embracing change can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to create a career that brings you joy and satisfaction. So, take that leap, explore your options, and find the career that’s right for you in this exciting new chapter of your life.
I’ve created a set of questions to help you clarify what you value in a new career. You can get it
here.
by lcmosley | Oct 31, 2024 | Blog
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities, from demanding careers to caregiving for loved ones. While it’s admirable to manage these responsibilities, the constant stress they bring can take a significant toll on our health and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the hidden health hazards of job and caregiving stress and discuss strategies to protect and enhance your overall well-being.
Stress is a natural response to the demands of life, but when it becomes chronic and overwhelming, it can have serious consequences for both our physical and mental health. Job-related stress, such as long hours, tight deadlines, and workplace conflicts, can lead to a range of health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. Similarly, the emotional and physical demands of caregiving can cause stress-related symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and burnout.
One of the most significant health hazards of chronic stress is its impact on the immune system. Prolonged stress weakens the immune response, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Additionally, stress can disrupt sleep patterns, impair cognitive function, and increase the risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Moreover, the interplay between job and caregiving stress can create a vicious cycle of strain on your well-being. Balancing the demands of work with caregiving responsibilities can leave you feeling stretched thin, with little time or energy to prioritize self-care. This neglect of self-care can exacerbate stress levels, leading to further health complications.
So, how can you protect your well-being in the face of job and caregiving stress? First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize the signs of stress and take proactive steps to manage it. This may include practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or yoga. Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care activities like exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy nutrition are also crucial for maintaining resilience in the face of stress.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professional resources like therapists or support groups. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step toward protecting your health and well-being.
In conclusion, the health hazards of job and caregiving stress are real and significant. By acknowledging the impact of stress on your well-being and taking proactive steps to manage it, you can safeguard your health and thrive despite life’s challenges. Remember, your well-being is worth prioritizing, so don’t hesitate to take the necessary steps to protect it.
