Career Change at 40 – Is It Too Late? (Spoiler: No, It’s Your Time!)

🎙️ Beyond the Norm Podcast: Career Change at 40 – Is It Too Late? (Spoiler: No, It’s Your Time!)Episode Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Norm, I dive deep into the realities of career change in midlife and beyond.. in fact no matter what age you.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or questioning whether there’s more out there for you—this one’s for you.

I share my own story of leaving corporate life, the doubts and fears I faced, and why freedom has been my number one value ever since.

We’ll explore:
✔️ The common reasons people seek a career change at 40 (burnout, lack of meaning, life changes).
✔️ The biggest barriers—including fear and other people’s expectations.
✔️ Seven essential steps to navigating a successful transition without waiting for permission.

If you’re sitting on the edge of change, unsure if it’s too late, know this: You are not starting from scratch. You are bringing everything you’ve already built into this next chapter.

🔹 Are you ready to take imperfect action? Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

✨ It’s never too late to step into more meaningful work.
✨ Freedom is a core value that often drives career change.
✨ You don’t need fixing—you’re already whole.
✨ Life’s fragility can be a catalyst for change.
✨ Recognition in the workplace is crucial for fulfilment.
✨ Many people seek change in their 40s because they crave purpose.
✨ Financial considerations can be a valid reason to pivot.
✨ Self-employment can break familial expectations.
✨ Fear feels real, but it’s often unfounded.
✨ Rest is a strategy, not a luxury.
✨ Imperfect action is always better than inaction.
✨ Careers aren’t linear anymore—embrace the squiggly path.

⏳ 00:00 – Welcome Back and New Beginnings
🎭 02:46 – The Journey of Career Change
🔥 11:24 – Catalysts for Change in Midlife
💡 29:46 – Common Reasons for Seeking Change
🚧 37:57 – Barriers to Career Change
🛠️ 40:50 – Overcoming Career Change Barriers
📍 50:29 – Seven Steps to Navigating Career Change at 40
📖 01:02:10 – The Squiggly Careers Approach to Career Growth
🌱 01:08:25 – Embracing Imperfect Action and Community Support
🚀 01:19:00 – The Catalyst for Change and Future Opportunities

🔹 “Freedom is my number one value.”
🔹 “Life can end just tomorrow morning.”
🔹 “Peace is the new luxury.”
🔹 “You want more than just survival mode.”
🔹 “You can create your own peace.”
🔹 “What does society think you should do?”
🔹 “Breaking rules of belonging in my family.”
🔹 “Fear—false evidence appearing as real.”
🔹 “You can start as you are.”
🔹 “Nothing is forever. It's an experiment.”
🔹 “Expect to be taken seriously.”
🔹 “You are not starting from scratch.”
🔹 “Listen to your own voice. You got this.”
🔹 “Rest is a strategy.”
🔹 “Take imperfect action. Just start now.”
🔹 “You are on the edge of something.”
🔹 “Careers aren’t straight lines anymore—they’re squiggly, and that’s okay.”

READ MY BLOG on this same topic; https://www.normaokelly.com/blogbeyondthenorm/careerchangeat-40-your-7-step-roadmap-to-a-job-you-love

💬 DM me on Instagram (@normaokellysystemiccoach) and tell me: What’s your biggest fear about career change at 40?
💡 Need clarity? Book a 90-Min Clarity & Confidence Session—I’ll help you get unstuck and map your next steps. https://beyondthenorm.thrivecart.com/90-min-withnorma/

📢 Join my Telegram group for conscious career conversations and support from like-minded people navigating change. https://t.me/+fKwiSZni3fMwNzk0

📖 Check out Squiggly Careers by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis—it’s a brilliant reframe on how career paths work today.

✨ Share this episode with a friend who’s also thinking about a career shift—support is everything!

🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review! Your feedback helps get this podcast to those who need it most.

Go gently, and remember: You are not too late. You are right on time. 🌿

PS have you read my blog yet? https://www.normaokelly.com/blogbeyondthenorm/careerchangeat-40-your-7-step-roadmap-to-a-job-you-love