Career Change at 40: Am I Crazy? (Probably)
The Midlife Career Crisis Siren Song
Okay, so here’s the deal. I’m staring down the barrel of 40 (okay, *fine*, I already turned 40. Last month, actually. Ugh), and I’m having…thoughts. Big, scary, “what am I even doing with my life?” type thoughts. You know, the kind that keep you up at 3 a.m. scrolling through LinkedIn, contemplating becoming a goat farmer in Vermont. Or maybe learning how to code. Who even knows what’s next?
For the past, oh, let’s say…decade and a half, I’ve been a cog in the corporate machine. A well-oiled, meticulously spreadsheeted cog, sure, but a cog nonetheless. I was *good* at it. I climbed the ladder. I got the corner office (okay, not really a corner office, but a slightly bigger cubicle. Baby steps!). I made…decent money. But honestly? My soul was slowly withering away, like a forgotten houseplant in a dimly lit room. I’d come home every day feeling drained, empty, and wondering if there wasn’t something *more*. Something…meaningful. Something…me. So here I am, contemplating a career change at 40. Am I crazy? My husband certainly thinks I might be losing it.
What Sparked This Insanity? (Besides Turning 40)
It wasn’t one specific thing, you know? It was more like a slow, creeping realization. A thousand tiny papercuts instead of one big, dramatic wound. But if I had to pinpoint a moment, I think it was last year’s company retreat. We were forced to participate in a team-building exercise that involved building a bridge out of straws and tape. I spent three hours arguing with Brenda from accounting about the structural integrity of our straw-based masterpiece, and I realized…this is it? This is what I’m dedicating my precious time and energy to? Straw bridges? Really?
I started questioning everything. The long hours. The pointless meetings. The constant pressure to perform. I mean, sure, the paycheck was nice. And the benefits were…okay. But was it worth sacrificing my happiness? My sanity? I honestly didn’t think so. Plus, I started seeing so many friends around me doing things they truly loved – opening small businesses, volunteering, even just pursuing hobbies with passion. I felt… envious. It was an ugly feeling, but it was honest. I started thinking “Maybe I can find something I love too.”
The Big Leap (Or, More Accurately, the Tentative Toe Dip)
So, I did what any rational person on the verge of a midlife crisis would do: I started Googling “career change at 40.” And then I fell down a rabbit hole of blog posts, articles, and online courses promising to help me “discover my true passion” and “live my best life.” Honestly, it was overwhelming. Ugh, what a mess! But I kept digging. I took personality quizzes (apparently, I’m an “Adventurer” and a “Helper,” which, you know, could mean anything). I talked to friends and family (mostly, they told me I was crazy, but a few were supportive). And I started exploring different options.
This is where I have to admit, I totally messed up. I signed up for one of those “get rich quick” online marketing courses I saw an add for on Youtube one night after maybe one too many glasses of wine. I thought “This is it! I’ll be my own boss in 3 weeks!” It was terrible. Overpriced and the information was super basic. I felt scammed, honestly. But I guess that’s part of the process of finding what is really for you. Learning what isn’t!
What I’ve Learned (So Far)
Okay, so I’m not a goat farmer. I didn’t quite master the art of online marketing (lesson learned there!), and I haven’t exactly “discovered my true passion” just yet. But I’ve learned a few things along the way. First, it’s okay to not have all the answers. In fact, it’s probably better that way. The uncertainty is scary, sure, but it’s also…exciting. It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, not knowing what’s below, but knowing that you have to jump.
Second, it’s important to be honest with yourself. What do you really want? What are you good at? What are you willing to sacrifice? These are tough questions, but they’re essential. And be prepared to face some uncomfortable truths. I had to admit that I wasn’t going to be a millionaire overnight. And that maybe I actually enjoyed some aspects of my corporate job (like the stability and the health insurance).
Facing My Fears (and the Bank Account)
The biggest hurdle, I think, is fear. Fear of failure. Fear of judgment. Fear of…running out of money. Because let’s be real, a career change at 40 isn’t exactly cheap. There are courses to take, skills to learn, and, you know, bills to pay. My husband has been great, but it’s still a worry. He’s a bit risk-averse and kept asking me how I was going to get health insurance. I told him not to worry! But inside, I was worrying.
I did start freelancing a bit in my previous industry, just to keep some income coming in while I explore other options. I’m also taking some online courses in graphic design – something I’ve always been interested in. It’s slow going, and some days I feel like I’m drowning in tutorials, but I’m learning. And I’m enjoying it. That’s the important part, right?
The Road Ahead: Uncertain, But Hopeful
So, what’s next? Honestly, I have no idea. But I’m okay with that. I’m taking things one step at a time. Exploring different avenues. Networking (ugh, I hate networking, but it’s necessary, I guess). Trying new things. And trying not to beat myself up when I make mistakes (like that whole online marketing fiasco. Let’s not talk about that again).
I’m not sure where this journey will lead me, but I know I’m on the right path. A path that’s more authentic, more meaningful, and more…me. Was I the only one confused by this? It’s a bit like that quote, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Except, in my case, it’s more like a stumble, a trip, a face-plant, and then a slightly more confident step forward.
If you’re as curious as I was, you might want to dig into some online career assessments, or maybe just start by talking to people in fields you find interesting. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to share their experiences!
Am I Crazy? (Revisited)
So, am I crazy for making a career change at 40? Maybe. But you know what? I’d rather be a crazy person chasing a dream than a sane person living a life that’s slowly killing me. And hey, if it all goes belly up, I can always go back to my old job. (They probably wouldn’t hire me back, but that’s a problem for future me). Wish me luck! I’m going to need it.
