Re-imagining Career Journeys

An ever-shifting landscape — and increases in longevity — can inspire us to become nimble navigators on the path to a happier, more fulfilling work life.

No matter your age or career stage, chances are your experiences with work are very different from what your parents had. A roughly 40-year career climbing the ladder in one department at a single company and retiring at age 65 is a rarity now in this country and around the world. Most careers do not look like that anymore, anywhere. Most of us need to think a bit more creatively about which ladders to climb, where those ladders are and what kinds of skills we need to move forward (and even figure out which way is up!)

Navigating a new working world
This is a new landscape where we’re all invited to embrace change — and work longevity — with a sense of adventure, creativity and optimism. Whatever work we do, we now need to re-imagine what our careers might look like, what work means to us and how we want to navigate the change.

For most of us, work is not taking us exactly where we planned to be according to a rigid set of expectations. Now may be a good time to consider the wisdom of the nimble, open-minded and skillful traveler who enjoys the journey on a long and winding road. This is the kind of mindset that sets us up for discovering new horizons and possibilities.

Longer, healthier lives mean extended career timelines
On average, we’re living longer, healthier lives than previous generations — by far. Along with extended lifespans and health spans, we can look forward to longer work spans. The Stanford Center on Longevity’s New Map of Life¹ predicts that most of today’s 50-year-olds can expect to live into their early 80s (and as many as half of today’s 5-year-olds can expect to live to 100.) But, in 1935, when Social Security was created, the average lifespan for men was 60 and 64 for women. With 20 years added to our life expectancy this last century and another 20 years expected to be added this century, the 40- to 45-year career and 65-year-old retirement age is outdated.

One of the most important side benefits to our increased longevity is a longer health span in our 50s, 60s and 70s. Our ability and desire to participate in meaningful pursuits during these years is also on the rise. For many reasons — financial, social, emotional and mental — many people find work meaningful and essential and want to work longer. In fact, it seems that a longer and possibly more flexible work life may actually contribute to longevity and longer health spans. Work keeps us socially, mentally and emotionally engaged, and many studies show this type of connection leads to happier, healthier and longer lives. Right now, highly productive baby boomers are changing the way older workers are perceived and valued. Employees in their 60s and 70s (and even 80s), who may have previously been considered too old to contribute 20 years ago, are now vital contributors who add strength and wisdom to their companies and communities.

Questions to ask now — wherever you are on your journey
Those of us who are lucky enough to remain healthy well into midlife can ask ourselves: Do I continue working past 65? Or continue working with modifications? Should I start a new career?
Or become an entrepreneur?

At any age and career stage, it pays to continually ask:

• Do I have a clear view of my financial health and potential?
• Do I love my job and want to continue in it, or is it time for a change?
• Am I harboring an unfulfilled professional dream?
• Do I have skills that can transition me to a second, third or even fourth act? If not, how can I develop them?
   

Flexibility and lifelong learning are essential
As many leaders in every field understand, a beginner’s mindset can be very powerful. This is particularly true when navigating changes in our work lives — whether we are faced with new challenges and opportunities within our present position or a new one. The key may be to transform challenges into opportunities by embracing every chance to stretch, learn and grow.

In a time of constant change in the workplace, becoming a lifelong learner can be key to career success. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you are decades into your work life and considering a new chapter, be on the lookout for the learning opportunities both inside and outside of your current job description. Continually reskilling and upskilling will serve you well, especially as new technologies like AI are redefining the work landscape. Our work lives are now not only longer than they used to be, but they’re more complex, often requiring us to pivot, adapt and grow.

The new portfolio career
Today, more professionals are stepping away from traditional 9-a.m.-to-5-p.m. roles and embracing what are known as portfolio careers. This path involves juggling multiple part-time jobs, consulting roles or freelance projects. At midlife in particular, portfolio careers offer an opportunity to leverage experience, enjoy greater flexibility and redefine success.

The rise of portfolio careers reflects broader shifts in the job market. “This is the way work is moving,” said Ellen Donnelly, founder of The Ask. She sees a growing number of employers embracing part-time portfolio workers at every level. For many people, portfolio careers represent an opportunity to take back control, build a legacy and create a professional life on their own terms.

Wherever your career takes you, remember that this is a journey that only you can define, direct and navigate. And whatever you do, be sure you’re enjoying the ride.

This article was written by Katy Brennan in partnership with ROAR Forward. ROAR Forward is a Hearst Ventures partnership and is not affiliated with Voya Financial.