During an interview with a state coroner, the presenter sparked an idea that resonated deeply with me. It seemed like a fascinating career, so I immediately researched online and found a remote bachelor’s law program. Without hesitation, I applied and was thrilled to be accepted.

For those who have risen to expert status in their careers, starting anew can feel daunting and uncomfortable. The shift from familiarity to the unknown is never easy, as one woman shared.

Rachael Paxton reflects on the hurdles and rewards of changing careers at the midpoint of life. She acknowledges both the difficulties and the unique potential that come with such a transition. Source: Supplied / Caroline Riches

Rachael is optimistic, viewing midlife career retraining not just as a challenge but also as an opportunity for growth and reinvention.

But Rachael believes retraining into something new in midlife can also be advantageous.

“I’ll never work another day as a physio again. I’ve invested in a different future and I don’t want to go back; I’m really happy having made this change.”

The power of reinvention

“As I get older, I want to learn about the human body and give back a bit. I’ve only done my first year in nursing, so I’m still a long way from making a difference, but I love helping people,” she said.

Now in her 50s, Julie (not pictured) is studying nursing “to learn about the human body and give back a bit”. Source: Getty / SolStock

Julie is lucky that her years in banking have given her the financial freedom to explore different career paths. She admits her moves have been scary at times but she’s also learned that learning new things makes her feel alive.

“I believe you have to take chances in life. What’s the worst that can happen? You have to go back to what you can already do.”

Building a portfolio career

“I don’t blame the job, I blame myself for not really understanding what I wanted out of life.”

“When I was younger, I only had one model in my mind, which was to get a corporate job and you do that job until you drop at your desk. Being made to stop working full-time has allowed me to explore other interests and talents. It’s allowed me to blossom,” she said.

Sarah Vizer says creating a portfolio career of different things she loves “has allowed her to blossom”. Source: Supplied

Sarah believes what works for us in our 20s and 30s often doesn’t in our 40s — and she’s adjusted her lifestyle expectations to accommodate these changes.

“Now I get so much enjoyment from walking my dogs. I’ve become a lot more mindful of the small, meaningful things that don’t necessarily cost a lot.”

Getting clear on values and priorities

“Many people in their late 30s and early 40s are reassessing their career direction earlier than previous generations — often triggered by becoming new parents, wanting more flexibility, or rethinking what work should look like alongside family life,” she said.

Source: SBS

With many courses now offered part-time and remotely for those who work full-time, making a pivot is easier than ever. But for those considering a leap, she suggests starting with reflection before rushing into action.

“Once people see it as a structured and supported process, the fear tends to soften.”

“People in midlife tend to have greater clarity about what matters to them — whether that’s flexibility, meaning, creativity or stability. A career change can open up new networks, different ways of contributing, and often a healthier work–life balance.”

When it doesn’t work out

Erin had graduated with an arts/law degree in her 20s and needed to complete her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice to be admitted. So she set about completing the 12-month course and began work as paralegal and later a junior lawyer.

Erin O’Dwyer left her career in journalism before returning to it years later. Source: Supplied

At first she loved the human stories involved in her work as an immigration lawyer. But when she moved into a policy role, she found it tedious. Plus, she didn’t feel like she was playing to her strengths, and going back to a junior level and salary was hard.

“Being an expert in my field gave me back that seniority and sense of satisfaction that I was drawing on my experience.”

No experience wasted