September 22, 2025 • 19 mins
Are you ready for a career change at 40? This comprehensive episode of The Mid-Career Makeover Show is your ultimate guide to navigating a successful career change in your 40s and beyond. Whether you're experiencing a career change at 30, career change at 35, career change at 45, career change at 50, or even a career change at 55, this episode provides the strategic roadmap you need.
Host LaVonne James shares proven strategies for professionals seeking a career change for teachers, career change from nursing, career change from accounting, and career change from social work. Learn why 40 is actually the perfect time for a career transition and discover the exact five-step process that successful career changers use to transform their professional lives.
In this episode, you'll discover:
•Why career change at 40 is your sweet spot for professional transformation
•Real success stories of career change from teaching and career change from nursing
•The Ultimate Career Change Checklist that eliminates guesswork
•How to write a compelling career change cover letter that gets results
•When and how to find the best career coach for your transition
•Career change advice from someone who's guided hundreds of successful transitions
• Practical strategies for overcoming the fear and financial concerns of mid-career change
Whether you're a teacher ready to leverage your skills in corporate training, a nurse exploring healthcare technology, or any professional feeling stuck in your current role, this episode provides the career change advice and actionable steps you need to create your most fulfilling professional chapter yet.
Perfect for mid-career professionals who know they're meant for more and are ready to take strategic action toward a career that energizes rather than drains them. This isn't about starting over – it's about optimizing your next 25 years of work.
Thank you for listening! For more information on mid-career transformation, visit AI4CareerSuccess.com. Connect with me on LinkedIn.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_02 (00:00):
Welcome to the Mid Career Makeover Show.
I'm your host, Lavon James, andtoday we're diving deep into
something that's been on so manyof your minds lately.
I've been getting emails, DMs,and messages from listeners who
are all asking variations of thesame question.
I'm approaching 40, I feel stuckin my career, and I know I need
a change, but where do I evenstart?
(00:21):
You know what?
If that's you right now, you arein exactly the right place at
exactly the right time.
Because today we're talkingabout the great 40-year career
makeover, and I'm gonna give youthe ultimate guide to creating a
fulfilling next chapter in yourprofessional life.
Now here's what I love aboutthis conversation.
When you're in your 20s, careerchange feels scary because you
(00:45):
don't have enough experience.
When you're in your 60s, it canfeel too late.
But when you're approaching 40,you're in the sweet spot.
You have enough experience toknow what you don't want, enough
wisdom to make smart decisions,and enough time ahead of you to
build something trulymeaningful.
So let's talk about why 40 isactually the perfect time for a
career change, and moreimportantly, how to make it
(01:07):
happen in a way that sets you upfor the most fulfilling decade
of your professional life.
unknown (01:13):
This is your way through.
SPEAKER_02 (01:27):
First, let's address the elephant in the room.
If you're listening to this andthinking, but I'm 35 or I'm 45
or I'm 52, this episode isabsolutely for you too.
The principles we're discussingtoday apply, whether you're
experiencing a career change at30, career change at 35, career
change at 45, career change at50, or even a career change at
(01:50):
55.
The beauty is that thesestrategies work at any stage of
your mid-career journey.
But there's somethingparticularly powerful about that
40-year mark.
It's when many of us start tofeel what I call the
professional awakening.
You've been in the workforce for15 to 20 years, you've climbed
some ladders, you've learnedsome hard lessons, and you've
(02:10):
probably realized that thecareer path you thought you
wanted in your 20s might not bethe one that's going to fulfill
you for the next 25 years.
And you know what?
That's not a crisis.
That's growth, that's evolution,that's your inner wisdom saying,
hey, we've learned some things,and now we're ready to apply
that knowledge in a way thattruly serves who we're becoming.
I want to share a story withyou.
(02:31):
Last month I was working with aclient, let's call her Beth.
Beth is 41, she's been teachinghigh school English for 18
years, and she came to mebecause she was experiencing
what so many of you are feeling.
She loved working with youngpeople, she was passionate about
education, but she felt like thetraditional classroom wasn't
where she could make her biggestimpact anymore.
Beth's story is so common, andit represents one of the biggest
(02:54):
trends I'm seeing in careerchange for teachers.
The education system has changeddramatically, and many
incredible educators are lookingfor ways to use their skills in
new environments.
Beth didn't want to abandoneducation entirely.
She wanted to evolve within it.
Here's what we discoveredtogether.
Beth's real passion wasn't justteaching English, it was helping
(03:16):
people communicate moreeffectively.
Her years in the classroom hadgiven her incredible skills in
curriculum development, publicspeaking, and understanding how
people learn.
We worked together to transitionher into corporate training and
development, where she nowdesigns communication programs
for Fortune 500 companies.
The transformation wasremarkable.
Beth went from feeling trappedand undervalued to feeling
(03:38):
energized and financiallyrewarded for the exact same core
skills she'd been using allalong.
That's the power of a strategiccareer change from teaching.
It's not about abandoning yourgifts, it's about finding new
ways to use them.
Now Beth's story illustratessomething crucial about
successful career change at 40.
It's rarely about startingcompletely over.
(03:59):
It's about taking your existingexpertise and applying it in a
new context.
You're not a beginner anymore.
You're a professional withnearly two decades of
experience, and that experienceis your superpower, not your
limitation.
SPEAKER_01 (04:12):
Are you ready to break through the noise and
build a career that trulyreflects your potential?
In Think Like a Leader to Builda Career brand that accelerates
your success, Lavon McIver Jamesshares the proven strategies
behind her brand breakthroughsystem.
Learn how to think like aleader, craft your unique value
proposition, and tell a storythat commands attention.
(04:35):
Whether you're looking to standout in your current role or land
your next big opportunity, thisbook is your guide to taking
control of your career and yourfuture.
Don't wait for success to findyou.
Create it.
Get your copy of Think Like aLeader to build a career brand
that accelerates your successtoday and start building the
(04:55):
brand and life you deserve.
Available on Amazon.
SPEAKER_02 (05:00):
Welcome back to the Mid-Career Makeover Show where
we're discussing career changeat 40.
Let me give you another example.
I recently worked with Marcus, a39-year-old nurse who was
experiencing career change fromnursing burnout.
Marcus had spent 15 years inhospital settings, and while he
loved helping people, thephysical and emotional demands
of bedside nursing were takingtheir toll.
(05:21):
But Marcus didn't want to leavehealthcare entirely.
We explored how his clinicalexpertise, his understanding of
patient care, and his knowledgeof healthcare systems could
translate into other roles.
Marcus is now working as aclinical consultant for a health
technology company, helping themdesign better patient management
software.
He's still in healthcare, he'sstill helping patients, but he's
(05:43):
doing it in a way that energizesrather than depletes him.
This is what I mean when I talkabout strategic career change
from nursing or any otherprofession.
You're not throwing away yourexperience, you're leveraging it
in a new way.
(06:11):
Now, let's get practical.
This is the exact process I usewith my clients, and it's the
roadmap that will take you fromfeeling stuck to feeling excited
(06:32):
about your professional future.
Step one is what I call thehonest inventory.
You need to get crystal clear onthree things.
What you love about your currentwork, what you absolutely cannot
stand anymore, and what skillsyou've developed that you're
most proud of.
This isn't about being negativeabout your current situation.
(06:52):
It's about being honest aboutwhat's working and what isn't.
I want you to literally writethis down.
Take out a piece of paper oropen a document on your
computer.
Draw three columns.
In the first column, write whatI love.
In the second, write what drainsme.
(07:12):
In the third, write skills I'mproud of.
Be specific.
Don't just write I hate my job.
Write things like, I lovementoring junior team members,
but I hate the endlessadministrative tasks that keep
me from doing meaningful work.
Or I'm proud of my ability tomanage complex projects under
tight deadlines, but I'm drainedby the lack of creative problem
(07:33):
solving in my current role.
This exercise is crucial becauseit helps you understand that
you're not looking to escapeeverything about your current
situation.
You're looking to amplify whatworks and eliminate what
doesn't.
Step two is what I call futurevisioning.
This is where you get to dream alittle bit.
I want you to imagine it's threeyears from now and you're
(07:54):
absolutely loving your work.
What does a typical day looklike?
What kind of problems are yousolving?
What kind of people are youworking with?
What kind of impact are youmaking?
Don't worry about beingrealistic at this stage.
Don't worry about whether youhave the right qualifications or
whether such a job even exists.
Just focus on painting a pictureof what fulfillment looks like
(08:15):
for you professionally.
Step three is bridge building.
This is where we get strategic.
Look at your skills I'm proud oflist and your future vision.
What's the bridge between whereyou are and where you want to
be?
What additional skills might youneed?
What experiences wouldstrengthen your transition?
This is often where people getoverwhelmed, but here's the
thing (08:35):
you don't need to build the entire bridge before you
take the first step.
You just need to identify thenext logical move.
For Beth, the teacher Imentioned earlier, the bridge
was getting certified incorporate training
methodologies.
For Marcus, the nurse, it waslearning about healthcare
technology and getting familiarwith software development
processes.
Neither of them needed to goback to school for four years.
(08:58):
They needed targeted strategicskill development.
Step four is what I call networkactivation.
(09:19):
And before you roll your eyesand think, I hate networking,
hear me out.
I'm not talking about awkwardcocktail parties and elevator
pitches.
I'm talking about having genuineconversations with people who
are doing work that interestsyou.
LinkedIn is your best friendhere.
Find people who have madesimilar transitions.
Find people who are working incompanies or roles that align
(09:41):
with your future vision.
Send them thoughtful messages.
Ask for 15-minute informationalinterviews.
Most people are incrediblygenerous with their time when
you approach them with genuinecuriosity and respect.
Here's a script that works.
Hi, John.
I came across your profile andwas really impressed by your
transition from his previousfield to his current role.
(10:04):
I'm currently exploring asimilar path and would love to
learn from your experience.
Would you be open to a brief15-minute call to share any
insights about your journey?
I'd be happy to work around yourschedule.
You'll be amazed at how manypeople say yes, and these
conversations will give youinsider knowledge about what
these transitions really looklike, what skills are most
(10:26):
valuable, and what opportunitiesmight be available.
You know, speaking of beingstrategic about your career
change, I have to tell you aboutsomething that's been absolutely
transforming how my clientsapproach their job searches.
It's AI, artificialintelligence.
I recently launched AI forcareer success because I kept
seeing my clients struggle withthings like researching
companies optimizing theirresumes for different roles and
(10:49):
preparing for interviews in newindustries.
Then I realized AI can do all ofthis and do it incredibly well.
The platform teaches you exactlyhow to use AI tools to
accelerate every part of yourcareer transition.
From identifying the perfectcompanies to target, to crafting
personalized cover letters, topracticing interview responses,
(11:10):
it's like having a researchassistant, career coach, and
interview prep specialist all inone.
Check it out at AI4CareerSuccess.com.
It's been a game changer for somany of my clients who are
making those big career moveswe've been talking about.
That's AI, the number fourcareer success.com.
Back to the Career Changechecklist.
We're at step five is strategicpositioning.
(11:33):
This is where we talk about yourcareer change cover letter, your
resume, and how you presentyourself as a candidate.
The biggest mistake people makewhen changing careers is
focusing on what they lackinstead of what they bring.
Your career change cover lettershould not apologize for your
background.
It should celebrate it.
It should tell the story of howyour unique combination of
(11:54):
experiences makes you theperfect person for this new
direction.
Remember, you're not a careerchanger.
You're a professional who'sready to apply your expertise in
a new context.
Let me give you an example.
If you're a teacher looking tomove into corporate training,
your cover letter shouldn't say,although I don't have corporate
(12:14):
experience.
It should say, my 15 years ofdesigning, engaging curricula,
and managing diverse learningstyles has prepared me to create
impactful training programs thatdrive real behavior change in
corporate environments.
See the difference?
Same background, completelydifferent positioning.
(12:50):
Should I work with a careercoach?
And obviously, as someone whodoes this work, I have some
thoughts on this.
Here's the truth (12:56):
you absolutely can navigate a career change on
your own.
People do it all the time, butworking with the best career
coach for your situation canaccelerate the process
dramatically and help you avoidsome common pitfalls.
A good career change coachbrings three things to the
table.
First, they bring objectivity.
(13:18):
When you're in the middle ofyour own career story, it's hard
to see the forest for the trees.
A coach can help you identifypatterns and possibilities that
you might miss.
Second, they bring expertise.
A career coach who specializesin mid-career transitions has
seen hundreds of these journeys.
They know what works, whatdoesn't, and how to navigate the
(13:39):
emotional ups and downs of theprocess.
Third, they bringaccountability.
Career change is not a linearprocess.
There will be days when you feelexcited and motivated, and there
will be days when you want togive up and stay where you are.
A coach helps you stay committedto your vision even when the
path gets challenging.
If you're considering workingwith a career coach, here's what
(14:01):
to look for.
You want someone who specializesin your type of transition.
If you're looking at a careerchange from accounting, find
someone who understands thefinancial services industry.
If you're exploring a careerchange from social work, find
someone who gets the nonprofitand social services landscape.
You also want someone whofocuses on strategy, not just
emotional support.
(14:22):
While it's important to havesomeone who understands the
emotional aspects of careerchange, you need someone who can
help you create a concrete planand take actionable steps.
And finally, you want someonewhose approach resonates with
you.
Some coaches are very directiveand will tell you exactly what
to do.
Others are more collaborativeand will help you discover your
(14:43):
own answers.
Neither approach is right orwrong, but one will probably
feel more comfortable for you.
SPEAKER_01 (14:49):
Are you ready to break through the noise and
build a career that trulyreflects your potential?
In Think Like a Leader to Builda Career brand that accelerates
your success, Lavon McKiverJames shares the proven
strategies behind her brandbreakthrough system.
Learn how to think like aleader, craft your unique value
proposition, and tell a storythat commands attention.
(15:13):
Whether you're looking to standout in your current role or land
your next big opportunity, thisbook is your guide to taking
control of your career and yourfuture.
Don't wait for success to findyou.
Create it.
Get your copy of Think Like aLeader to Build a Career Brand
that accelerates your successtoday and start building the
(15:33):
brand and life you deserve,available on Amazon.
SPEAKER_02 (15:38):
Now let's talk about something that doesn't get
discussed enough.
The emotional side of careerchange at 40.
This isn't just a professionaldecision, it's a deeply personal
one.
You're not just changing whatyou do for work, you're changing
how you see yourself and howothers see you.
It's completely normal to feelscared.
It's normal to worry aboutmoney, about starting over,
(15:59):
about what people will think.
It's normal to have days whenyou think maybe I should just
stay where I am.
At least it's stable.
But here's what I want you toremember: the biggest risk isn't
changing careers.
The biggest risk is staying in asituation that's slowly draining
your energy and enthusiasm forthe next 25 years of your
(16:20):
working life.
You have so much time ahead ofyou.
If you make a change now, youcould have an entirely new
career that spans two and a halfdecades.
That's longer than most people'sentire first careers.
You're not starting over, you'restarting the next chapter, and
it has the potential to be thebest chapter yet.
I also want to address thefinancial concerns because I
(16:42):
know they're real.
Career change doesn't have tomean taking a massive pay cut,
but it might mean someshort-term financial
adjustments.
The key is to be strategic aboutthis.
Start building your transitionfund now.
Even if you're just settingaside$100 a month, that money
will give you options and peaceof mind.
Consider whether there are waysto test your new direction
(17:03):
through freelance work or sideprojects before making a full
transition.
Look into whether your currentemployer might support your
transition through internalmoves or professional
development opportunities.
And remember, the cost ofstaying in an unfulfilling
career isn't just emotional,it's financial too.
When you're energized andengaged by your work, you
(17:25):
perform better, you get promotedfaster, and you earn more over
time.
An investment in your careersatisfaction is an investment in
your long-term earningpotential.
(17:50):
As we start to wrap up today'sepisode, I want to leave you
with some specific action stepsyou can take this week to start
your own great career makeover.
First, complete that honestinventory exercise I mentioned
earlier.
Set aside an hour this weekendand really think through what
you love, what drains you, andwhat skills you're proud of.
This foundation will guideeverything else you do.
(18:12):
Second, identify three peoplewhose career paths interest you
and reach out for informationalinterviews.
Use that script I gave youearlier and don't be discouraged
if some people don't respond.
The ones who do will more thanmake up for it.
Third, start following companiesand thought leaders in
industries that interest you onLinkedIn.
You don't have to engage rightaway.
(18:33):
Just start absorbing informationabout what's happening in these
fields.
Fourth, begin documenting youraccomplishments and the impact
you've made in your currentrole.
You'll need this information foryour career change cover letter
and interviews, and it's mucheasier to capture while it's
fresh in your mind.
And fifth, start that transitionfund.
Even if it's just$50 this month,you're taking concrete action
(18:56):
toward your future, and thatpsychological shift is
incredibly powerful.
Remember, career change at 40isn't about desperation.
It's about optimization.
You're not running away fromsomething, you're running
towards something better.
You have experience, wisdom, andclarity that you didn't have in
your 20s.
You have energy and time thatyou'll be grateful you used
(19:16):
wisely when you're in your 60s.
The great 40-year careermakeover isn't just possible.
It's probable if you approach itstrategically and stay committed
to your vision.
You have everything you need tocreate a fulfilling next
chapter.
The question isn't whether youcan do it.
The question is what are youwaiting for?
Your future self is counting onthe decisions you make today.
(19:37):
Make them count.
Thank you for joining me todayon the Mid Career Makeover Show.
If this episode resonated withyou, share it with someone who
needs to hear it.
And don't forget to subscribe,leave a review.
Until next time, dream big, takebold action, and own your
success, because the best is yetto come.
Welcome to the Mid Career Makeover Show.
I'm your host, Lavon James, andtoday we're diving deep into
something that's been on so manyof your minds lately.
I've been getting emails, DMs,and messages from listeners who
are all asking variations of thesame question.
I'm approaching 40, I feel stuckin my career, and I know I need
a change, but where do I evenstart?
(00:21):
You know what?
If that's you right now, you arein exactly the right place at
exactly the right time.
Because today we're talkingabout the great 40-year career
makeover, and I'm gonna give youthe ultimate guide to creating a
fulfilling next chapter in yourprofessional life.
Now here's what I love aboutthis conversation.
When you're in your 20s, careerchange feels scary because you
(00:45):
don't have enough experience.
When you're in your 60s, it canfeel too late.
But when you're approaching 40,you're in the sweet spot.
You have enough experience toknow what you don't want, enough
wisdom to make smart decisions,and enough time ahead of you to
build something trulymeaningful.
So let's talk about why 40 isactually the perfect time for a
career change, and moreimportantly, how to make it
(01:07):
happen in a way that sets you upfor the most fulfilling decade
of your professional life.
unknown (01:13):
This is your way through.
SPEAKER_02 (01:27):
First, let's address the elephant in the room.
If you're listening to this andthinking, but I'm 35 or I'm 45
or I'm 52, this episode isabsolutely for you too.
The principles we're discussingtoday apply, whether you're
experiencing a career change at30, career change at 35, career
change at 45, career change at50, or even a career change at
(01:50):
55.
The beauty is that thesestrategies work at any stage of
your mid-career journey.
But there's somethingparticularly powerful about that
40-year mark.
It's when many of us start tofeel what I call the
professional awakening.
You've been in the workforce for15 to 20 years, you've climbed
some ladders, you've learnedsome hard lessons, and you've
(02:10):
probably realized that thecareer path you thought you
wanted in your 20s might not bethe one that's going to fulfill
you for the next 25 years.
And you know what?
That's not a crisis.
That's growth, that's evolution,that's your inner wisdom saying,
hey, we've learned some things,and now we're ready to apply
that knowledge in a way thattruly serves who we're becoming.
I want to share a story withyou.
(02:31):
Last month I was working with aclient, let's call her Beth.
Beth is 41, she's been teachinghigh school English for 18
years, and she came to mebecause she was experiencing
what so many of you are feeling.
She loved working with youngpeople, she was passionate about
education, but she felt like thetraditional classroom wasn't
where she could make her biggestimpact anymore.
Beth's story is so common, andit represents one of the biggest
(02:54):
trends I'm seeing in careerchange for teachers.
The education system has changeddramatically, and many
incredible educators are lookingfor ways to use their skills in
new environments.
Beth didn't want to abandoneducation entirely.
She wanted to evolve within it.
Here's what we discoveredtogether.
Beth's real passion wasn't justteaching English, it was helping
(03:16):
people communicate moreeffectively.
Her years in the classroom hadgiven her incredible skills in
curriculum development, publicspeaking, and understanding how
people learn.
We worked together to transitionher into corporate training and
development, where she nowdesigns communication programs
for Fortune 500 companies.
The transformation wasremarkable.
Beth went from feeling trappedand undervalued to feeling
(03:38):
energized and financiallyrewarded for the exact same core
skills she'd been using allalong.
That's the power of a strategiccareer change from teaching.
It's not about abandoning yourgifts, it's about finding new
ways to use them.
Now Beth's story illustratessomething crucial about
successful career change at 40.
It's rarely about startingcompletely over.
(03:59):
It's about taking your existingexpertise and applying it in a
new context.
You're not a beginner anymore.
You're a professional withnearly two decades of
experience, and that experienceis your superpower, not your
limitation.
SPEAKER_01 (04:12):
Are you ready to break through the noise and
build a career that trulyreflects your potential?
In Think Like a Leader to Builda Career brand that accelerates
your success, Lavon McIver Jamesshares the proven strategies
behind her brand breakthroughsystem.
Learn how to think like aleader, craft your unique value
proposition, and tell a storythat commands attention.
(04:35):
Whether you're looking to standout in your current role or land
your next big opportunity, thisbook is your guide to taking
control of your career and yourfuture.
Don't wait for success to findyou.
Create it.
Get your copy of Think Like aLeader to build a career brand
that accelerates your successtoday and start building the
(04:55):
brand and life you deserve.
Available on Amazon.
SPEAKER_02 (05:00):
Welcome back to the Mid-Career Makeover Show where
we're discussing career changeat 40.
Let me give you another example.
I recently worked with Marcus, a39-year-old nurse who was
experiencing career change fromnursing burnout.
Marcus had spent 15 years inhospital settings, and while he
loved helping people, thephysical and emotional demands
of bedside nursing were takingtheir toll.
(05:21):
But Marcus didn't want to leavehealthcare entirely.
We explored how his clinicalexpertise, his understanding of
patient care, and his knowledgeof healthcare systems could
translate into other roles.
Marcus is now working as aclinical consultant for a health
technology company, helping themdesign better patient management
software.
He's still in healthcare, he'sstill helping patients, but he's
(05:43):
doing it in a way that energizesrather than depletes him.
This is what I mean when I talkabout strategic career change
from nursing or any otherprofession.
You're not throwing away yourexperience, you're leveraging it
in a new way.
(06:11):
Now, let's get practical.
This is the exact process I usewith my clients, and it's the
roadmap that will take you fromfeeling stuck to feeling excited
(06:32):
about your professional future.
Step one is what I call thehonest inventory.
You need to get crystal clear onthree things.
What you love about your currentwork, what you absolutely cannot
stand anymore, and what skillsyou've developed that you're
most proud of.
This isn't about being negativeabout your current situation.
(06:52):
It's about being honest aboutwhat's working and what isn't.
I want you to literally writethis down.
Take out a piece of paper oropen a document on your
computer.
Draw three columns.
In the first column, write whatI love.
In the second, write what drainsme.
(07:12):
In the third, write skills I'mproud of.
Be specific.
Don't just write I hate my job.
Write things like, I lovementoring junior team members,
but I hate the endlessadministrative tasks that keep
me from doing meaningful work.
Or I'm proud of my ability tomanage complex projects under
tight deadlines, but I'm drainedby the lack of creative problem
(07:33):
solving in my current role.
This exercise is crucial becauseit helps you understand that
you're not looking to escapeeverything about your current
situation.
You're looking to amplify whatworks and eliminate what
doesn't.
Step two is what I call futurevisioning.
This is where you get to dream alittle bit.
I want you to imagine it's threeyears from now and you're
(07:54):
absolutely loving your work.
What does a typical day looklike?
What kind of problems are yousolving?
What kind of people are youworking with?
What kind of impact are youmaking?
Don't worry about beingrealistic at this stage.
Don't worry about whether youhave the right qualifications or
whether such a job even exists.
Just focus on painting a pictureof what fulfillment looks like
(08:15):
for you professionally.
Step three is bridge building.
This is where we get strategic.
Look at your skills I'm proud oflist and your future vision.
What's the bridge between whereyou are and where you want to
be?
What additional skills might youneed?
What experiences wouldstrengthen your transition?
This is often where people getoverwhelmed, but here's the
thing (08:35):
you don't need to build the entire bridge before you
take the first step.
You just need to identify thenext logical move.
For Beth, the teacher Imentioned earlier, the bridge
was getting certified incorporate training
methodologies.
For Marcus, the nurse, it waslearning about healthcare
technology and getting familiarwith software development
processes.
Neither of them needed to goback to school for four years.
(08:58):
They needed targeted strategicskill development.
Step four is what I call networkactivation.
(09:19):
And before you roll your eyesand think, I hate networking,
hear me out.
I'm not talking about awkwardcocktail parties and elevator
pitches.
I'm talking about having genuineconversations with people who
are doing work that interestsyou.
LinkedIn is your best friendhere.
Find people who have madesimilar transitions.
Find people who are working incompanies or roles that align
(09:41):
with your future vision.
Send them thoughtful messages.
Ask for 15-minute informationalinterviews.
Most people are incrediblygenerous with their time when
you approach them with genuinecuriosity and respect.
Here's a script that works.
Hi, John.
I came across your profile andwas really impressed by your
transition from his previousfield to his current role.
(10:04):
I'm currently exploring asimilar path and would love to
learn from your experience.
Would you be open to a brief15-minute call to share any
insights about your journey?
I'd be happy to work around yourschedule.
You'll be amazed at how manypeople say yes, and these
conversations will give youinsider knowledge about what
these transitions really looklike, what skills are most
(10:26):
valuable, and what opportunitiesmight be available.
You know, speaking of beingstrategic about your career
change, I have to tell you aboutsomething that's been absolutely
transforming how my clientsapproach their job searches.
It's AI, artificialintelligence.
I recently launched AI forcareer success because I kept
seeing my clients struggle withthings like researching
companies optimizing theirresumes for different roles and
(10:49):
preparing for interviews in newindustries.
Then I realized AI can do all ofthis and do it incredibly well.
The platform teaches you exactlyhow to use AI tools to
accelerate every part of yourcareer transition.
From identifying the perfectcompanies to target, to crafting
personalized cover letters, topracticing interview responses,
(11:10):
it's like having a researchassistant, career coach, and
interview prep specialist all inone.
Check it out at AI4CareerSuccess.com.
It's been a game changer for somany of my clients who are
making those big career moveswe've been talking about.
That's AI, the number fourcareer success.com.
Back to the Career Changechecklist.
We're at step five is strategicpositioning.
(11:33):
This is where we talk about yourcareer change cover letter, your
resume, and how you presentyourself as a candidate.
The biggest mistake people makewhen changing careers is
focusing on what they lackinstead of what they bring.
Your career change cover lettershould not apologize for your
background.
It should celebrate it.
It should tell the story of howyour unique combination of
(11:54):
experiences makes you theperfect person for this new
direction.
Remember, you're not a careerchanger.
You're a professional who'sready to apply your expertise in
a new context.
Let me give you an example.
If you're a teacher looking tomove into corporate training,
your cover letter shouldn't say,although I don't have corporate
(12:14):
experience.
It should say, my 15 years ofdesigning, engaging curricula,
and managing diverse learningstyles has prepared me to create
impactful training programs thatdrive real behavior change in
corporate environments.
See the difference?
Same background, completelydifferent positioning.
(12:50):
Should I work with a careercoach?
And obviously, as someone whodoes this work, I have some
thoughts on this.
Here's the truth (12:56):
you absolutely can navigate a career change on
your own.
People do it all the time, butworking with the best career
coach for your situation canaccelerate the process
dramatically and help you avoidsome common pitfalls.
A good career change coachbrings three things to the
table.
First, they bring objectivity.
(13:18):
When you're in the middle ofyour own career story, it's hard
to see the forest for the trees.
A coach can help you identifypatterns and possibilities that
you might miss.
Second, they bring expertise.
A career coach who specializesin mid-career transitions has
seen hundreds of these journeys.
They know what works, whatdoesn't, and how to navigate the
(13:39):
emotional ups and downs of theprocess.
Third, they bringaccountability.
Career change is not a linearprocess.
There will be days when you feelexcited and motivated, and there
will be days when you want togive up and stay where you are.
A coach helps you stay committedto your vision even when the
path gets challenging.
If you're considering workingwith a career coach, here's what
(14:01):
to look for.
You want someone who specializesin your type of transition.
If you're looking at a careerchange from accounting, find
someone who understands thefinancial services industry.
If you're exploring a careerchange from social work, find
someone who gets the nonprofitand social services landscape.
You also want someone whofocuses on strategy, not just
emotional support.
(14:22):
While it's important to havesomeone who understands the
emotional aspects of careerchange, you need someone who can
help you create a concrete planand take actionable steps.
And finally, you want someonewhose approach resonates with
you.
Some coaches are very directiveand will tell you exactly what
to do.
Others are more collaborativeand will help you discover your
(14:43):
own answers.
Neither approach is right orwrong, but one will probably
feel more comfortable for you.
SPEAKER_01 (14:49):
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your success, Lavon McKiverJames shares the proven
strategies behind her brandbreakthrough system.
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proposition, and tell a storythat commands attention.
(15:13):
Whether you're looking to standout in your current role or land
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(15:33):
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SPEAKER_02 (15:38):
Now let's talk about something that doesn't get
discussed enough.
The emotional side of careerchange at 40.
This isn't just a professionaldecision, it's a deeply personal
one.
You're not just changing whatyou do for work, you're changing
how you see yourself and howothers see you.
It's completely normal to feelscared.
It's normal to worry aboutmoney, about starting over,
(15:59):
about what people will think.
It's normal to have days whenyou think maybe I should just
stay where I am.
At least it's stable.
But here's what I want you toremember: the biggest risk isn't
changing careers.
The biggest risk is staying in asituation that's slowly draining
your energy and enthusiasm forthe next 25 years of your
(16:20):
working life.
You have so much time ahead ofyou.
If you make a change now, youcould have an entirely new
career that spans two and a halfdecades.
That's longer than most people'sentire first careers.
You're not starting over, you'restarting the next chapter, and
it has the potential to be thebest chapter yet.
I also want to address thefinancial concerns because I
(16:42):
know they're real.
Career change doesn't have tomean taking a massive pay cut,
but it might mean someshort-term financial
adjustments.
The key is to be strategic aboutthis.
Start building your transitionfund now.
Even if you're just settingaside$100 a month, that money
will give you options and peaceof mind.
Consider whether there are waysto test your new direction
(17:03):
through freelance work or sideprojects before making a full
transition.
Look into whether your currentemployer might support your
transition through internalmoves or professional
development opportunities.
And remember, the cost ofstaying in an unfulfilling
career isn't just emotional,it's financial too.
When you're energized andengaged by your work, you
(17:25):
perform better, you get promotedfaster, and you earn more over
time.
An investment in your careersatisfaction is an investment in
your long-term earningpotential.
(17:50):
As we start to wrap up today'sepisode, I want to leave you
with some specific action stepsyou can take this week to start
your own great career makeover.
First, complete that honestinventory exercise I mentioned
earlier.
Set aside an hour this weekendand really think through what
you love, what drains you, andwhat skills you're proud of.
This foundation will guideeverything else you do.
(18:12):
Second, identify three peoplewhose career paths interest you
and reach out for informationalinterviews.
Use that script I gave youearlier and don't be discouraged
if some people don't respond.
The ones who do will more thanmake up for it.
Third, start following companiesand thought leaders in
industries that interest you onLinkedIn.
You don't have to engage rightaway.
(18:33):
Just start absorbing informationabout what's happening in these
fields.
Fourth, begin documenting youraccomplishments and the impact
you've made in your currentrole.
You'll need this information foryour career change cover letter
and interviews, and it's mucheasier to capture while it's
fresh in your mind.
And fifth, start that transitionfund.
Even if it's just$50 this month,you're taking concrete action
(18:56):
toward your future, and thatpsychological shift is
incredibly powerful.
Remember, career change at 40isn't about desperation.
It's about optimization.
You're not running away fromsomething, you're running
towards something better.
You have experience, wisdom, andclarity that you didn't have in
your 20s.
You have energy and time thatyou'll be grateful you used
(19:16):
wisely when you're in your 60s.
The great 40-year careermakeover isn't just possible.
It's probable if you approach itstrategically and stay committed
to your vision.
You have everything you need tocreate a fulfilling next
chapter.
The question isn't whether youcan do it.
The question is what are youwaiting for?
Your future self is counting onthe decisions you make today.
(19:37):
Make them count.
Thank you for joining me todayon the Mid Career Makeover Show.
If this episode resonated withyou, share it with someone who
needs to hear it.
And don't forget to subscribe,leave a review.
Until next time, dream big, takebold action, and own your
success, because the best is yetto come.
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