HEY there, bold and beautiful souls! Let’s talk about the big 4-0. It’s a milestone that can feel like a double-edged sword: a celebration of life’s journey so far, tinged with a healthy dose of introspection. And for many of us, and I am including myself, that introspection leads to a question that can be both terrifying and thrilling: “Is this all there is?” particularly when it comes to our careers. Like is this really it!

Maybe you, like me, spent your childhood years and 20s diligently following the prescribed path. You know, primary or prep school, then high school and then university where you got that beautiful degree that your parents brag about. You toiled away, earned that coveted degree, and landed a “respectable” job. But now, a decade or two in, a nagging feeling persists: this just isn’t it. The spark has dimmed, the passion has waned, and you’re left wondering, “Is this truly my purpose?” I grappled with this for the last few months.

The good news, my friends, is a resounding YES. Here’s the truth bomb we all need to hear: your first degree, that stepping stone from your youth, doesn’t define your destiny. It’s simply one chapter in the rich journey of your life. At 40, you’re brimming with experience, honed skills, and a wisdom that comes only with time. A journey that no one can take away that experience from you. You’re perfectly positioned to rewrite the script on your career.

As I processed, I decided to make a move. I went and pursued a new degree and got my master’s in a completely different career from what I started out on my journey into adulthood. Making this transition was not easy but I knew that I needed to make that move in order for me to feel as if there is more for me to give.

Here’s how to embrace this exciting new chapter (now this is my knowledge based on what I have done).

Five steps to rewriting the script

•Unearth your passion. What sets your soul on fire? What activities leave you energised and fulfilled? Take time for introspection. This is a very critical step. Dust off those old hobbies, explore new interests, and reconnect with what truly excites you. During this process I found myself again.

•Leverage your transferable skills. Don’t underestimate the power of your existing skill set! Communication, problem-solving, and time management are valuable assets across every industry. Identify the skills you’ve honed in your current career and see how they can translate to a new path. Your experience is not a buck up! So own it.

•Embrace the power of learning. The beauty of our modern world is the abundance of learning opportunities. Online courses, workshops, and even small groups and boot camps can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to transition into a new field. Explore as many as you can!

•Network like a pro. Reconnect with old classmates, tap into online communities, corporate link-ups, and don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals in your desired field. For me, this was not easy but I made that bold move. Informational interviews are a fantastic way to learn more about a career path and build valuable connections.

•Start small, dream big. Don’t feel pressured to overhaul your life overnight. It is not a race. Perhaps you can take on a freelance project related to your new passion, or volunteer your skills to a relevant organisation. These baby steps will build confidence and pave the way for a smoother transition. In this process, ensure that you eliminate all the naysayers and surround yourself with a tribe that will support and push you towards your dream. My parents, daughter and close friends are my tribe. Love them.

Let’s ditch the societal pressures and rewrite the narrative. Turning 40 is a chance to tap into your accumulated wisdom, reignite your passions, and pursue a career path that truly ignites your soul and re-energises your passion. Remember, it’s never too late to trade “should” for “could” and rewrite the story of your success.

This is your time to shine, so go out there and be the phenomenal force you were always meant to be! Don’t forget to ensure that you pray as you make this journey because all things are possible with God.

Go now and rewrite the script on your career at mid-life.

Khalice Bradshaw-Davis is an industrial and organisational psychologist (MSc, BSc, diploma); career coach and counsellor. E-mail her at organisationalpsychologist@gmail.com.