Midlife career change

Make confident & empowered career & life decisionsI clearly recall my own pivotal moment – the excitement mixed with a touch of fear – as I stepped away from our family business into an entirely new field. At 58, retirement simply wasn't the answer for me; instead, I craved purpose, challenge, and a new path deeply aligned with my personal values. That yearning for meaningful engagement, for something that nourished my soul, pushed me forward despite the uncertainty. 

I had already explored the idea of leaving my current role and had thoroughly examined my motivations for wanting a change, along with what such a decision would entail (Your Guide to Confident & Empowered Life Decisions). Now, my mind was made up; I was no longer trapped in perpetual indecision. I was ready to move forward, determined to discover precisely what I wanted.

The next stage involved working closely with a coach, exploring my past professional achievements, personal strengths, desires, and meaningful aspirations, as well as potential future possibilities. This reflective and investigative phase wasn't brief –it spanned several months – but it proved essential. Ultimately, it guided me to the realisation that my next role would be as an accredited executive coach. This profession aligned perfectly with my strengths, life experiences, and my desire for meaningful interaction with people on an individual level. Through this exploration, I had uncovered something profoundly significant within myself that I hadn't previously recognised; the essential need to be socially connected in a way that genuinely supports others.

Career change in motion - back to the classroom

Reflecting on this time, when I constantly thought about wanting to make a significant life change because I felt I needed more but didn’t quite know what, the very idea of undertaking a post-graduate course wasn’t even remotely on my radar. However, when the idea of enrolling on the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching course at Henley Business School arose, I didn't immediately dismiss it. I genuinely believe that had I not already done deep introspective work on myself, I wouldn’t have believed myself capable or experienced enough for what the course required.

Returning to the classroom after nearly 40 years away from formal education was an incredible challenge, albeit one that was also profoundly rewarding. Apart from the learning aspect, the course allowed me to meet new people, spend time in a new environment, and engage in conversations that taught me things about myself that I'd either forgotten or never fully given myself the space to uncover. I was truly pushed beyond my comfort zone. 

Throughout this time, I was still working within our family business, which placed significant pressure on me. Yes, there were moments when I wanted to give up and simply stay where I was because it was easier, but deep down I knew it wouldn't fulfil me in the long term. I had started this journey because I wanted my next chapter of life to be meaningful in ways that I’d not had the capacity or time in my younger years. This awareness motivated me to finish what I had started, and I am so glad I did.

Creating the Midlife Career Transition Programme 

I have discovered new vigour and energy that I thought I had lost and at times, thought would never return. Yet now, years later, I am building a coaching business and embracing every new challenge. I find myself continually learning and feeling grateful in ways I couldn't have imagined five years ago. The path to my new career change all became clear after stepping decisively off the fence, choosing to make a significant life change and exploring what the possibilities for me might be. 

I understand that in the midst of change, excitement can sometimes cloud clarity, making it difficult to see the path ahead clearly – this is exactly how I felt. Drawing upon my own experiences, I've supported my coaching clients through similar stages of transition, sharing insights on what worked well and what didn't in helping me gain clarity about my own goals.

I wanted to create a programme that not only asks thought-provoking questions to encourage meaningful reflection, but also gently opens us up to possibilities we might never have considered. 

Jackie Clarke 

We are all unique and naturally approach problems and challenges differently. Nevertheless, I discovered a specific set of questions that I believe each of us needs to answer, questions that are deeply personal and thoughtfully designed to guide us individually in the right direction. This personal journey ultimately became the foundation of my structured Midlife Career Transition Programme. I wanted this programme to deliver an experience that feels joyful and full of optimism, because that’s what our midlife years can offer when we open ourselves to new ideas.

The Midlife Career Transition Programme - a step-by-step process

Specifically designed for senior female executives, my Midlife Career Transition Programme methodically guides you toward discovering and executing your ideal next steps.

Your journey begins by reflecting deeply on your career history, acknowledging both the highs and the lows. This critical first step uncovers the experiences that fuelled your passion and drive, as well as the triggers that caused stress, because understanding what you don’t want is just as powerful as knowing what you do. I’ll guide you through a comprehensive skills and strengths analysis to pinpoint your transferable talents and identify areas for growth. From there, you’ll explore exciting new possibilities, define clear, achievable objectives aligned with your personal vision, and craft a compelling personal brand tailored to your next chapter. 

The programme also equips you to manage your transition with confidence and grace, ensuring you’re emotionally and practically prepared. Finally, you’ll develop long-term strategies to sustain fulfilment, foster continued growth, and integrate your career and life goals meaningfully. By the end, you’ll have a clear, energising picture of the future you want and the tools to make it a reality.

You get out what you put in

From my earliest days mentoring young professionals, my mantra has always been: you get out of this what you put into it. Committing to this introspective journey with openness and honesty is crucial. By investing in yourself, you'll uncover the answers and clarity you've been seeking.

Midlife presents an extraordinary opportunity for transformation. It’s an invitation to leverage your accumulated wisdom and experience into a deeply fulfilling next chapter. Today, retirement at 60 is becoming less common, and staying active, purposeful, and engaged is increasingly recognised as essential to ongoing health and happiness.

Embrace this chance to build upon your successes and craft a career and life that truly inspires you. This is your moment – make it meaningful.