Hello, my fabulous friends! Let’s dive into the extraordinary world of career reinvention after 40. Some might say it’s risky, even wild, but to that I say, life after 40 is about embracing the bold, the brave, and the beautifully unexpected. I know many of you have flirted with the idea of switching gears, but self-doubt (and let’s be honest, fear) can creep in. However, the journey of reinvention has its way of unleashing strengths and creativity we didn’t know we had.
In today’s post, I’ll share inspiring stories of women who shook up their careers later in life and actually found even greater success, fulfillment, and joy on the other side. These are stories full of resilience, grit, and a dash of audacity—qualities that I bet every one of us possesses.
First, let’s acknowledge the magic of a midlife career switch. For one, we’re not the same people we were in our twenties. Studies show that most adults experience shifts in their personal and professional values over time. A 2022 survey by LinkedIn found that around 61% of workers aged 40 and older considered career changes to gain a sense of purpose. And honestly, after years of experience, we know a little more about what we do (and don’t) want in our careers. We’ve earned our stripes, and it’s perfectly okay if the next chapter looks a little different.
In the U.S. alone, nearly 1.8 million women aged 45 and older made career changes between 2019 and 2022. While these women cited reasons ranging from burnout to a newfound passion, what’s clear is that change is both possible and increasingly common.
Let’s look at some real-life heroines who inspire us to dream big, no matter our age.
1. Vera Wang: Bridal Gowns After 40
Yes, the Vera Wang—bridal gown queen, fashion icon, and all-around powerhouse. Before becoming synonymous with luxurious, dreamy wedding gowns, Vera was a figure skater and later a fashion editor at Vogue, where she worked for 15 years. In her early 40s, after being passed over for the editor-in-chief position, Vera decided to pursue something she truly loved—bridal fashion.
Can you imagine the courage that took? It’s not as though she was a designer by trade. But with a fire in her belly and a vision in her mind, Vera launched her first bridal collection at age 40. Now, Vera Wang is a name that has become practically interchangeable with high-end bridal couture. Her designs are beloved, and she continues to thrive in her 70s. She’s proof that sometimes, setbacks are just stepping stones to something better.
2. Julia Child: The French Chef at 50
Who here loves a good meal? Julia Child didn’t just change her career—she changed American food culture. But here’s the scoop: Julia didn’t set foot in culinary school until she was 36. Originally working in advertising, Julia found herself in France in her late 30s, where she fell head over heels for French cuisine.
In her 40s, she began studying at Le Cordon Bleu and, after years of experimentation, released her first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, at age 49. When The French Chef aired in 1963, she was already in her 50s! Julia Child reminds us that it’s never too late to fall in love with a new passion and, more importantly, that we’re never “too old” to start from scratch.
3. J.K. Rowling: From Welfare to Worldwide Fame in Her 30s and 40s
Although J.K. Rowling isn’t quite 40 in the classic sense of a “midlife switch,” her story is just too powerful to ignore. After going through a difficult marriage, struggling as a single mother, and facing rejection after rejection from publishers, she finally published Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone at age 32. But here’s where it gets interesting: her fame, financial success, and the full scope of her influence didn’t truly explode until her 40s. Rowling’s persistence in the face of adversity is a strong reminder that our darkest days often lead to our brightest successes.
In 2021, it was estimated that Rowling’s Harry Potter franchise was worth over $25 billion—yes, billion! Her journey reminds us that the “midlife magic” we’re chasing might just be around the next corner.
4. Harland Sanders: Kentucky Fried Success at 62
While Colonel Sanders wasn’t a woman, his story is still relevant for everyone in midlife. Harland Sanders didn’t franchise KFC until he was 62 years old, after years of working as a gas station operator, a steam engine stoker, and even a roadside motel owner. Sanders started from scratch, taking his famous “finger-lickin’ good” recipe door-to-door. By the time he was in his 70s, KFC was a booming franchise.
Colonel Sanders may not be a woman, but his story speaks to all of us who might feel that it’s “too late” to start something big. Sanders took his setbacks and turned them into ingredients for success—literally!
5. Laura Ingalls Wilder: Little House on the Prairie at 65
Laura Ingalls Wilder is known for her beloved Little House on the Prairie series, but here’s a fun fact: she didn’t start writing until her 40s, and her first book wasn’t published until she was 65. Before then, she had lived a life of homesteading, moving from place to place, and enduring a multitude of challenges. It was only in her later years that she began to document her childhood experiences, which have since captured the imaginations of millions worldwide.
Her story is a beautiful reminder that our life experiences, even the difficult ones, can turn into something beautiful and lasting. Our age, like Laura’s, can be the perfect time to share our stories.
As much as I love these individual stories, let’s dive into the data for a moment. Research supports the idea that career changes later in life are not only possible but are becoming more common and, yes, successful.
1.Rising Rates of Midlife Career Changes: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 17% of workers aged 45 to 54 and 9% of those over 55 switched industries between 2021 and 2023.
2.Increased Longevity and Work Satisfaction: A study by Encore.organd the Stanford Center on Longevity found that 80% of people over 50 are interested in encore careers, or roles that combine personal fulfillment, income, and social impact. The data shows that these individuals report higher levels of job satisfaction and even improved health.
3.Women Leading the Way: According to AARP, women are more likely than men to consider career changes in midlife, with 53% of women aged 40 to 65 reporting a strong interest in a career switch, often driven by the desire for meaningful work.
So, if you’re feeling that itch to reinvent yourself, let’s talk about some actionable steps you can take to make the shift.
1. Assess Your Strengths and Passions
Grab a journal (or that notes app on your phone) and make a list of what you genuinely enjoy and excel at. This might feel simple, but self-awareness is the cornerstone of reinvention.
2. Network, Network, Network
They say your network is your net worth, and this couldn’t be more true in midlife. Attend workshops, join LinkedIn groups, and don’t be afraid to reach out to old colleagues. The connections you’ve built over the years can be invaluable in a career pivot.
3. Invest in Learning New Skills
The world is changing fast, and picking up new skills can give you a competitive edge. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable courses on everything from digital marketing to project management.
4. Start Small and Test the Waters
You don’t have to jump in head-first. Consider freelancing, consulting, or taking on part-time work in your field of interest. Starting small allows you to explore without a full commitment.
5. Stay Resilient and Embrace Flexibility
Changing careers takes time and a lot of patience. If the first door doesn’t open, try another. It’s all part of the process. Remember, some of the world’s most successful people faced countless rejections before making it big.
The journey of reinvention isn’t reserved for the fearless or famous. It’s available to all of us. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a non-profit, launching a blog, writing a book, or becoming a life coach, remember that midlife is the perfect time to act on your vision. The experiences, wisdom, and strength we accumulate over the years don’t go to waste—they’re waiting to be poured into a new passion.
Take it from Vera, Julia, J.K., and the countless other brave souls who decided that age is nothing more than a number. They made their mark and proved that life after 40 can be full of fresh starts, meaningful work, and yes, a whole lot of success. So go ahead, my friends—dream big, start small, and know that the best chapters are still unwritten.
Remember: it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Let’s make it one worth
Love, Jax
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