The Second Half of Your Life

How much thought do you put into the second half of your life?   

Maybe because my wife is approaching 50, I soon will be approaching 50 (sometimes it’s hard to say that out loud 😊), or I work with so many families who are in their 40s, I think about the second half of life all the time.   

The second half of life isn’t what it used to be. With people living much longer than previous generations, retirement can extend into a multi-decade experience. So what will you do?   

You need to start thinking about it before you get there.   

Finding a calling for the second half of your life, or even now if you may be in your 30s, takes thoughtfulness and time. A long working life can create opportunities for yourself, your family, and society.    

Three Ways to Develop a Second Career:   

1. Starting a Second Career 

• Self-Assessment and Research: Understand your interests, skills, and passions, and then explore potential careers that align with these. 

• Education and Skills Building: Depending on your new career path, you may need to upskill or reskill through additional education, certifications, or training. 

• Networking: Start building relationships in your intended field. This can involve attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and reaching out to people already in your target role for advice or informational interviews.  

2. Developing a Parallel Career 

• Time Management: Evaluate and organize your schedule to make sure you can devote enough time to both careers without compromising your work-life balance. 

• Upskill and Continuous Learning: Use online courses, webinars, or part-time studies to learn necessary skills for your second career. Keep learning and growing in your new field, often outside of typical working hours. 

• Start Small and Scale Up: Begin your second career as a side job or hobby. As you become more comfortable and proficient, gradually increase your commitment. This could eventually lead to freelance work, a part-time job, or even your own business.  

3. Becoming a Social Entrepreneur  

People who manage the second half of their lives are likely in the minority. However, creating a plan for what you want to retire to vs. retire from can have lasting emotional and physical benefits. Managing oneself demands that you think and behave like a CEO.  

Exploring Key Aspects:  

Discovering Your Strengths: Understanding your strengths is crucial when considering a second career or transitioning into the latter half of your professional life. Reflect on past achievements, feedback from colleagues or mentors, and personal assessments like StrengthsFinder or the VIA Character Strengths Survey.  

Embracing Continuous Learning: In the second half of life, learning doesn't stop—it evolves. Assess your preferred learning style—whether it's through reading, hands-on experience, or collaboration—and leverage resources accordingly.  

Defining Your Values: Your values serve as a compass, guiding your decisions and actions in both personal and professional realms. Take time to introspect and identify the principles that matter most to you.   

Seeking Belonging and Community: Finding where you belong is essential for a fulfilling second act. Explore communities, both online and offline, that resonate with your interests, aspirations, and values.  

By incorporating these elements into your career planning for the second half of life, you can navigate transitions with confidence and purpose. Remember, it's never too late to pursue your passions, embrace new challenges, and create a fulfilling and rewarding future.