July 2010

Midlife Career Transition: Why Now?!
by Anne Civiletto

The increasing number of companies closing their doors for reasons ranging from offshoring to simply trying to weather the economic recession has affected the lives of many employees. Involuntary and unplanned career change can be a traumatic and difficult time of adult life. Employees may find themselves unable to cope with the idea of career transition after years of loyal service. Feelings of betrayal, denial, anxiety, depression and anger are natural reactions to job loss. Career transition is especially common during middle adulthood, and it is important to understand this period of change because it is through change, voluntary or involuntary, that we are able to grow.

In his book, The Season’s of a Man’s Life, psychologist Daniel Levinson describes three main
tasks which must be accomplished during middle adulthood: Reappraising The Past, Modifying
Existing Life- Structures, and Individuation. In Reappraising The Past, an individual reevaluates his understanding of past events and learning experiences. Often times, people learn that much of what they believed was illusion – like job security. Levinson notes that de-illusionment is important, normal, liberating, confusing and upsetting. It is during this time that others might think that a person is going through a “midlife crisis.” But, the realization of false beliefs and
illusions can feel like a crisis!

Another important task is Modifying Existing Life-Structures. This may take the form of changing the life-work balance or spending more time with family and less time at work. This
also takes the form of career transition. Career transition is good for you – even if it is not always a choice!

After the initial shock and anxiety has subsided, many individuals remark that they are grateful for the opportunity to do something different. Sometimes we need a push out the door. Ironically, we resist change, and cling to the familiar, despite the fact that “the familiar” is making us unhappy.

And last but not least, it is vital that we undergo Individuation, or the process of “making changes in relationships between ourselves and the external world.” During this process, it is common to seek out a mentoring relationship with a member of the next generation, a
characteristic that is referred to as “generativity.”

Generativity concerns the importance of preparing to teach, mentor and care for the next generation in some manner. This is a critical step for healthy development because, in
many ways, adults must train their replacements. The applications of this concept can be seen in areas of life ranging from succession planning in business, raising children, employee training, and last but not least, career coaching. An individual who passes on wisdom and knowledge to the next generation will be able to own ones life, accept the mistakes and accomplishments experienced and look back without regret.

Although there are many more developments and learning experiences that Levinson identifies in his book, The Seasons of a Man’s Life, the emphasis is on the idea that as an individual progresses through the stages of his life, he constantly has to re-examine, reconsider, question,
and adjust what he learned in the previous stage. The only thing consistent about life is that it’s continuously changing.

Remember it’s normal to resist change because we fear the unknown. But think about all the things that would have never happened if you weren’t forced to do something different. If you are in the midst of an unplanned career transition, this might be your chance to change and to grow.