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In a recent episode of “Turning Fifty,” a presenter engaged in an insightful conversation with a state coroner. This interaction piqued the interest of a viewer, who was so inspired by the career path that she decided to pursue a similar journey. Upon returning home, she promptly discovered an online bachelor’s law course available remotely and applied. To her delight, she was accepted into the program, setting her on a new career trajectory.
Rachael Paxton, who is navigating a career change in her midlife, shares her experiences, highlighting both the hurdles and the rewards of such a transition. She notes that for individuals who have already cemented their expertise in a particular field, starting anew can be quite daunting. “It’s a very uncomfortable place to be,” she admits, acknowledging the challenges of beginning again from the ground up.
The process of switching careers later in life is indeed a significant step, fraught with uncertainties yet brimming with potential. Paxton’s story serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to embark on such a journey. Her experience underscores the notion that despite the discomfort of starting over, the pursuit of a new passion can be immensely fulfilling.
And for those who have become experts in their field, starting again from the bottom “is a very uncomfortable place to be”, she said.
Rachael Paxton says switching careers in midlife brings both its challenges and advantages. Source: Supplied / Caroline Riches
But Rachael believes retraining into something new in midlife can also be advantageous.
“I’ll never work another day as a physio again. I’ve invested in a different future and I don’t want to go back; I’m really happy having made this change.”
The power of reinvention
“As I get older, I want to learn about the human body and give back a bit. I’ve only done my first year in nursing, so I’m still a long way from making a difference, but I love helping people,” she said.
Now in her 50s, Julie (not pictured) is studying nursing “to learn about the human body and give back a bit”. Source: Getty / SolStock
Julie is lucky that her years in banking have given her the financial freedom to explore different career paths. She admits her moves have been scary at times but she’s also learned that learning new things makes her feel alive.
“I believe you have to take chances in life. What’s the worst that can happen? You have to go back to what you can already do.”
Building a portfolio career
“I don’t blame the job, I blame myself for not really understanding what I wanted out of life.”
“When I was younger, I only had one model in my mind, which was to get a corporate job and you do that job until you drop at your desk. Being made to stop working full-time has allowed me to explore other interests and talents. It’s allowed me to blossom,” she said.
Sarah Vizer says creating a portfolio career of different things she loves “has allowed her to blossom”. Source: Supplied
Sarah believes what works for us in our 20s and 30s often doesn’t in our 40s — and she’s adjusted her lifestyle expectations to accommodate these changes.
“Now I get so much enjoyment from walking my dogs. I’ve become a lot more mindful of the small, meaningful things that don’t necessarily cost a lot.”
Getting clear on values and priorities
“Many people in their late 30s and early 40s are reassessing their career direction earlier than previous generations — often triggered by becoming new parents, wanting more flexibility, or rethinking what work should look like alongside family life,” she said.
Source: SBS
With many courses now offered part-time and remotely for those who work full-time, making a pivot is easier than ever. But for those considering a leap, she suggests starting with reflection before rushing into action.
“Once people see it as a structured and supported process, the fear tends to soften.”
“People in midlife tend to have greater clarity about what matters to them — whether that’s flexibility, meaning, creativity or stability. A career change can open up new networks, different ways of contributing, and often a healthier work–life balance.”
When it doesn’t work out
Erin had graduated with an arts/law degree in her 20s and needed to complete her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice to be admitted. So she set about completing the 12-month course and began work as paralegal and later a junior lawyer.
Erin O’Dwyer left her career in journalism before returning to it years later. Source: Supplied
At first she loved the human stories involved in her work as an immigration lawyer. But when she moved into a policy role, she found it tedious. Plus, she didn’t feel like she was playing to her strengths, and going back to a junior level and salary was hard.
“Being an expert in my field gave me back that seniority and sense of satisfaction that I was drawing on my experience.”
