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This newsletter is where we explore the enriching journey of embarking on a new midlife career, all while navigating the unique aspects of health issues, wellness, and menopause. In this edition, we provide valuable insights and guidance to help you transition into a fulfilling career phase, considering the transformative effects of menopause.

Menopause is a natural biological process that typically occurs in three stages:

1. Perimenopause: Usually begins in the late 30s to early 50s, with an average starting age of around 45.

This transitional phase leading up to menopause can begin several years beforehand with irregular menstrual cycles and various physical and emotional symptoms. Hormone levels, particularly estrogen, fluctuate during perimenopause, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and changes in menstrual flow.

2. Menopause: Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 51.

Menopause happens when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months plus one day. At this stage, the ovaries have ceased regular egg release, and hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, have significantly decreased. Common symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.

3. Postmenopause: Begins after menopause and continues throughout the rest of a woman’s life.

Postmenopause refers to the period following menopause. At this stage, hormone levels stabilize at lower levels than before. Many symptoms experienced during perimenopause and menopause gradually subside, but other long-term health considerations, such as bone density and heart health, become vital. Many women consider hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle adjustments to manage postmenopausal health.

Embracing Change After a Successful Career

Your career transition is a personal and professional evolution influenced by the changes brought about by your circumstances, outlook, and menopause. Menopause is a life phase that reshapes your body and perspective on your professional aspirations and priorities.

Until now, you’ve likely enjoyed a fulfilling career, working diligently to provide for yourself and your loved ones. However, there comes a point when you wake up and realize you want something more meaningful. Your priorities have evolved, shifting away from merely paying bills and putting food on the table. Now, you seek fulfillment and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to humanity.

Menopause, with its hormonal shifts, can intensify this desire for meaning and fulfillment. It’s a stage in life when self-reflection and self-discovery take on a new significance as you ponder the next chapter of your career while also navigating the physical and emotional aspects of menopause. You might feel conflicted, wondering whether pursuing a new career at 50 is practical, especially with the added complexities of menopause. Is it the responsible choice to stick with what you know until retirement? However, you’re still healthy, full of energy, and eager to do something meaningful, fun, or fulfilling.

It’s important to note that while the timing and experience of menopause can vary among individuals, the following three stages are generally characteristic of the process. Here is a guide to help you navigate the dual challenges of menopause and a new career after 50.

Step 1: Know Yourself, Including Menopause

Understanding yourself is the first and most critical step in transitioning to a new career. With the added aspect of menopause, it’s vital to acknowledge how this life phase may affect your priorities, energy levels, and goals. Before you update your resume, take a moment to reflect on your experiences, all while considering the influence of menopause. Answer the following questions:

1. What are your strengths, considering the wisdom and resilience that come with age and experience?

2. What did you enjoy doing in your previous jobs, and how might menopause impact your enthusiasm and energy levels?

3. What do you love doing in your free time, and how can you incorporate these passions into your new career?

4. What accomplishments are you most proud of professionally and personally, and how can you leverage these experiences in your career transition?

5. Were you recognized for any achievements, and how can these recognitions boost your confidence during the menopausal journey?

6. If money wasn’t a concern, how would you maintain your well-being and make a difference?

7. Do you need to invest time and resources in education or training that considers your evolving needs?

8. Are you considering a radical career change or starting your own business?

This self-assessment, with an additional focus on menopause, will help you clarify your goals and what truly matters to you during this transformative stage of life.

Step 2: Update Your Brand

Your professional brand, encompassing your resume, LinkedIn profile, and online presence, is your ticket to a new career after 50. Begin by searching your name online to ensure there are no negative associations linked to it. Once your online image is clear, update your resume and LinkedIn profile with insights from your self-assessment.

Highlight the experiences and accomplishments that align with your newfound passion and goals, all while acknowledging the wisdom and resilience gained from your experience. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is consistent with your resume, and include a summary with relevant keywords. Remember, LinkedIn is a powerful search tool that potential employers and colleagues use to find individuals with specific skills and backgrounds.

Your resume represents your past, but it’s also a bridge to your future, where you can integrate wisdom and self-awareness.

Step 3: Network, Network, Network

There are three ways to find a job: applying online, working with recruiters and networking. In midlife, networking is the best strategy, especially if you want to change careers. Networking might sound intimidating, especially during midlife. However, it’s a vital job search or career transition strategy. We’re not talking about attending large networking events. Instead, focus on setting up one-on-one conversations. Start by reaching out to people you already know in your network or individuals you've connected with through mutual acquaintances or LinkedIn.

At this stage in life, submitting online job applications can be demoralizing, particularly when managing the symptoms and challenges of menopause. Instead, engage in meaningful, face-to-face conversations to discover what others do, where they work, and how you can assist them. Start by reaching out to people you already know and schedule brief 20-minute meetings.

When your meeting concludes, ask for referrals to other individuals in similar roles or organizations if you’re considering a career change. This approach will educate you about various careers and industries, potentially unveiling opportunities in the “hidden” job market.

The same principles apply if you’re contemplating starting a business or transitioning into a consulting role, with a unique focus on managing your career alongside your lifestyle and the type of business you want to build. Be curious and seek out business owners, networking groups, or experienced consultants for insights and advice. These conversations will expand your network and connect you with like-minded individuals who may offer job opportunities or collaboration prospects.

For a comprehensive guide on networking, consider reading “The 20-Minute Networking Meeting – Professional Edition: Learn to Network. Get a Job.” This resource provides valuable insights into building your network effectively.

Remember, networking can be an enjoyable and productive way to assess your strengths, reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and uncover opportunities you might have otherwise missed. The internet has transformed the job search process, making it easier for job seekers and more challenging for employers. You can discover a world of opportunities you'd never find online ads by engaging in meaningful conversations.

If you’re contemplating a career change, starting a business, or seeking advice on beginning a new career after 50 while managing the effects of menopause, please share your thoughts or questions by replying to this email. If you’d like a copy of our worksheet on defining your values, skills and accomplishments, reply to this email asking for the worksheet. You have the experience, wisdom, and motivation to embark on this new journey. You’ve got this!

Do you feel stuck in your career? Just reply to this email if you would like to chat. You can also book a time with me here 😊

Are you in midlife searching for fulfillment but feeling defeated, low energy, and unmotivated? Envision your purposeful future with renewed energy and motivation by joining my 6-week program, Career Discovery and Fulfillment in Midlife, starting Thursday, October 26th. Reply to this email if you would like more information.

Until next week,

Be at peace, just where you are.

Joanne Savoie-Malone

Founder of Power Play Career

P.S. If you know somebody who would benefit from this information, please have them subscribe to my newsletter and get a free magazine on menopause at www.joannesavoiemalone.com

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