I've discovered the secret to career reinvention in midlife, a skill that's especially useful in a world dominated by younger generations. It's a funny old tale, but it all started with a plane journey and a chance encounter with a fellow passenger, Ben Miller, and his friend Alexander Armstrong. Armstrong, exasperated, admitted to Miller, "I don’t know. I have literally no idea." This resonated with me, as I found myself in a similar situation at a pivotal moment in my life. Despite being in my fifties, I secured the biggest contract of my career, proving that the International Monetary Fund's statement, "70 is the new 50," holds true. However, the key to success in a young-dominated world isn't just about working longer; it's about embracing a unique approach to career reinvention.
The essence of this approach is to make it up as you go along. I've built a successful company over the past 12 years, defying traditional business advice. When I was made redundant at 43, I had to reinvent myself. My friend and former colleague warned me that I was too old to start from scratch, but I persevered. Today, my corporate training business generates a six-figure income, far surpassing what I could have earned in my previous media job.
I'm not alone in this reinvention journey. Many middle-aged people are doing the same. A significant portion of 45-55-year-olds want to change careers before it's too late. When I speak to these individuals, they often ask, "But how do I do it?" My answer is simple: wing it. Embrace your naivety, foolishness, and adaptability; these traits have been my strengths in my second career.
The qualities that AI will eliminate from the workplace, such as spontaneity and mental agility, are precisely what I bring to the table. I'm being hired to train, coach, and mentor teams in these very skills, or what I call the lost art of making it up as you go along. My background as a journalist and a parent has prepared me well for this MIU (Make-It-Upper) role.
The MIU strategy involves stepping into a job with no prior knowledge and applying the skills that the industry desperately needs. It's about improving and innovating, not just maintaining the status quo. The more mistakes you make, the better, as long as you learn from them. This concept of rapid iteration, where small changes lead to significant improvements, is a powerful tool.
Being an MIU also means getting comfortable with losing control. It takes energy and engagement to wing it, as there's no autopilot. It's exhausting not knowing what you're doing, but that's where growth happens. Prepare, but don't be rigid. Let others influence your responses, and embrace flexibility. This adaptability is a superpower in meetings.
The key to success is recognizing that you are a nobody. Let go of your titles and success trappings; you're free to innovate. Give away your ideas and time generously, as you're a nobody, and that's liberating. Your experience and skills are what matter, not your age.
In the end, focus on two niche areas: one you know you can do and one that might become your next big thing. Embrace the unknown, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Success in midlife career reinvention is about trusting yourself, being honest, and letting go of control. Good luck, and remember, you're making it up as you go along!
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