Reinventing Yourself at 50+: A New Chapter Awaits
Hitting your 50s and beyond often stirs a deep sense of reflection. Whether driven by personal life changes or professional aspirations, the idea of reinvention can feel both thrilling and intimidating. But here’s the reality: no matter your age, it's never too late to start a new chapter and reshape your future.
Embracing Change with Purpose
After navigating a divorce, becoming an empty nester, and taking on the role of caregiver for my parents, I realized it was time to make some intentional shifts. Despite the challenges, I stayed focused on growing my career, continued to expand knowledge and ultimately built my own business.
Supporting Data:
Research shows that individuals who stay adaptable and open to change tend to experience higher levels of life satisfaction and better mental health outcomes.
Steps to Take:
Identify areas in your life where you feel unfulfilled.
Set clear, actionable goals for change.
Create a step-by-step plan to move forward.
Lean on a supportive network—whether friends, family, or a leadership and personal growth coach.
Reconnecting with and Redefining Your Core Values
One client of mine, in her 50s, found herself at a crossroads after a major life shift. Together, we worked on redefining her core values, which guided her toward a more fulfilling direction.
Supporting Data:
Studies show that aligning your daily life with your core values leads to a stronger sense of purpose and long-term happiness.
Steps to Take:
Reflect on what matters most to you right now.
Write down your top 10 core values.
Assess how well your current lifestyle matches these values.
Adjust your priorities to live in better alignment with them.
Harnessing Your Transferable Skills
After spending over 22 years in corporate workers' compensation, return to work and risk management leadership, I realized that my skills could serve me in new and exciting ways. This led me to pursue certifications in coaching and, eventually, to launch my own coaching and consulting business.
Supporting Data:
According to a study by the American Institute for Economic Research, 82% of workers aged 47+ who sought a career change were successful.
Steps to Take:
List your key skills from both your career and personal life.
Explore how these skills could apply to new industries or roles.
Consider further education or certifications to strengthen your skill set.
Network with professionals in areas you’re interested in exploring.
Your Next Step: Embrace Change, Live Your Values, and Leverage Your Strengths
Reinvention is not just about making external changes—it’s about aligning your actions and mindset with your values, creating new opportunities, and realizing that your past experiences have uniquely equipped you for the next phase of your life. The journey ahead may feel daunting, but each small step will lead you closer to a more fulfilling future.
As you embark on this new and exciting journey, remember:
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." — Maya Angelou
Your guide,
Licia Thompson
PS: Are you a professional woman over 50 looking to explore your next steps? Message me directly on LinkedIn—I’d love to guide you through the exciting process of reinventing yourself and your career.
Former Macy’s & Bloomingdale’s Workers’ Compensation Return to Work and Managed Care Director, now certified leadership and personal growth coach. Author of “When Your Soul Whispers: Strategies for leaders to redefine values and move forward after life’s transitions” and humanities instructor at WorkCompCollege.
Purchase “When Your Soul Whispers”
#reinventionat50 #personalgrowth #selfcare #caregiversjourney #workerscompensationleadership