Many Americans approaching midlife are going back to school as layoffs, stagnant pay, and the AI boom affect their careers. But the pivot isn't easy, as many must juggle the pressures of academics along with responsibilities tied to family and work. Plus, a return to campus often means assuming more debt during prime earning years. On average, in-state public college costs about $30,000 annually. For private nonprofit schools, it's typically much more than that.
The worst career advice I ever heard: "You're too old to start over."
Let's normalize people making big career changes at any age.
The most heartbreaking conversations I have are with people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who tell me:
"I wish I'd done this 10 years ago."
They stayed in careers they hated because they thought they were too old to pivot.
Too established to start over. Too far down one path to choose another.
So they played it safe. Collected the paycheck. Convinced themselves it was "too late."
Then one day, they wake up and realize they spent decades building a life that doesn't fit them anymore.
Here's what nobody tells you about making a big career change later in life:
You're not starting from zero. You're starting from experience.
The courage it takes to change direction at 45, 55, or 65? That's something most people will never have.
I've worked with clients who completely changed industries in their 50s.
Left corporate jobs to start businesses. Went back to school. Pursued passions they'd buried for 20 years.
Every single one said the same thing: "I should have done this sooner."
Age doesn't disqualify you from wanting something different. It qualifies you to finally go after what you actually want.
Stop waiting for permission. Stop waiting for the "right time."
There's no expiration date on ambition.
Start now, or spend the next 10 years wishing you had.
Ageism is real. With 42 years of experience in management, you would think I would have no problem landing an exceptional position. I’ve applied to 400 jobs in the last year. I’ve aced 6 interviews with different companies, with the last second round interview being 35 miles away. I called today to follow up and was told that they went with another candidate. After so many rejections, I’m starting to hear “we went with a younger candidate. I’m 57 years old and nowhere near retiring, but I might as well be 157 years old. I will be working hard until the day they put me in the ground, and that drive is something I’m proud of.