Jan ‘23 I applied for a job in my local pub. I’d made the bold and very difficult choice to leave a great job at MyTutor and…fell into a trough of despair. I was never going to get another job. A wise man at that time told me “the universe will provide” and I remember rolling my eyes and thinking - as if. And yet it did. My new work life is an ongoing surprise and delight. I'm working with people I didn't even know 2 years ago, running multiple experiments as I determine what really sits right with me and letting things go when they don't. I'm embracing a whole range of different opportunities, some of which terrify me, and it's far from perfect - but I can't help but smile every time I talk about it. I love what I do, the people I work with and the wonderful variety. Back in Jan last year I would take 10 minutes to explain why I didn't have a FT job (goodness that must have been boring to listen to). I very nearly fell back into the first FT role that came up, even though the pay was less than I was on 10 years ago. All I could think about was external opinion (everyone thinking I was a failure) and the fear that I was already out of date, the best of life was over and I was now on the scrap heap. Two people kept me on the straight and narrow. Dan Kieran and Ben J Munday were there to support my many mini meltdowns and really empathised and resonated with all my worries and concerns as they'd been there and made it out the other side. So…I want to share their wise insights and stories with anyone else at that pivotal point of “what do I do next”. Join our webinar on the 16th July to discuss “The Second Journey - changing career in midlife”. The terrifying move from what you thought you wanted, to the life you want to live now. We’ll be sharing our stories, the ups and downs and mistakes we made… and also have plenty of time for discussion and Q&A. In the words of the guru Dolly Parton "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." Hope to see some of you there - link to join in the comments.
Ooh, this one resonates deeply Nicola - for me and of course many clients asking those big, important and tough questions. Don't see link in comments: could you share please?
Thanks for sharing. There are so many people transitioning in midlife. I coach a lot of men that just get to midlife thinking 'what's next' or 'why am I doing that'. We should catch up sometime!
Nicola, your story truly resonates with me! Making the leap into my fractional marketing role has been terrifying yet exciting. Working with different businesses at various stages, each with unique needs, keeps me on my toes, and it's the uncertainty that allows me to stay sharp. But, most importantly, my career pivot has afforded me the opportunity to work with brands, businesses and people I can truly make meaningful connections with and deliver great work for. Your journey is inspiring – cheers to paving our own paths! 💫
Can't wait!!
Nicola Anderson your journey is truly inspiring! Embracing uncertainty and finding joy in new opportunities shows immense resilience. It’s a great reminder that even when things seem bleak, there are always paths forward. Your story encourages others to take bold steps and trust the process. Looking forward to the webinar and hearing more about your experiences and insights. Please send me the link 🔗 to webinar TY Tanya
Lovely piece. One’s self-worth is not dependent on one’s job. Keep growing 🌹
Sounds like a great webinar! Really helpful to every else facing the same tough choices of what to do next.
Inspiring as always. I’d love to tell Jan 23 you about the July 24 you that I know 🫶
Nicola Anderson you’re an inspiration as the leap into something else (& better) is a brave one. You have the honesty and determination in spades to create your own path, one that’s just right for you :)
CEO and Entrepreneur I Ex-SVP Walmart, Equinox, Ocado, Tesco
6dThank you for sharing and for sparking the conversation Nicola. So important and in a fast changing, volatile world it’s going to happen to more and more people. My wife and I moved home from the US at the end of last year with our kids and as I’ve been looking for “what’s next” in my career, I can identify with so much of what you describe. It’s scary honestly. But reframing and finding the perspective for the richness in skllls and life experience we can bring really helps. Love the fact you are building a community around this, thank you.