For many Gen Xers, the past few years have opened an opportunity to consider pursuing dreams ― and many have decided to take the leap
As the millennial generation grew up, many were taught to expect a working life that would include multiple, distinct “careers” ― expectations that have more or less been borne out in stats reflecting their job-hopping proclivities.
On the other hand, baby boomers were one of the last generations accustomed to having single careers that spanned their entire working lives. Two different generations, two different philosophies on work and loyalty.
Sandwiched in between the two is Generation X, who straddle these two different worlds. Many began their careers before the career pivot was as common as it is today, but now are in the back nine of their careers and working in an economy that tends to reward career-hopping. And lots of them are now exploring or experiencing career pivots that, because of their relative seniority and shorter remaining time, look a lot different than the conventional career change.
“For many of these more seasoned workers, the past few years have opened an opportunity to consider pursuing dreams. Many have decided to take the leap,” reported the BBC. Those reaching their mid-40s and mid-50s are experiencing professional midlife crises in relatively high numbers. Many are ready ― emotionally and financially ― to pursue passion projects.
“Thirty years [in the workforce] is a long time,” said Eric Vogelsang, director of the Center on Aging at California State University. “And I think part of it might be that they see this as a final chance to do it.” (There’s even some evidence that giving yourself a new set of challenges at this stage in your career has benefits for your brain health.)
It certainly comes with its own challenges, though. There’s not as much time to commit to reskilling, and many members of Gen X have financial commitments that influence their decision. Women in the workforce, especially, have a harder time making drastic changes later in life.
But all of that aside, many are finding real joy in it. “I think pretty much everybody looked at me like I was crazy when I said I was quitting a stable and successful teaching career,” one such career-pivoter told the BBC. “To be 43, and all of a sudden say, ‘Okay, now I’m a podcaster’… it almost sounds like make-believe.”
Content written by Kieran Delamont for Worklife, a partnership between Ahria Consulting and London Inc. To view this content in newsletter form, click here.