I’ve always been the main breadwinner in our family – my husband’s salary is half of mine – and now, in my early 50s, I’d love to retrain and change career. My current job is in fundraising for a large charity and I spend most of my day on Zoom calls. As the years have gone by, my role has become much more stressful and management-focused, which has taken me away from the aspects of charity work I always valued, plus my colleagues are much younger than me and so much more dialled in. I’m sad to say I’ve lost the passion I once had for the role. I’m clear that I want a change, but I don’t know what I’d like to do or how to make it happen, as we can’t afford a large drop in income. Do I just have to suck it up for now? Kerry, 54

Dear Kerry,

First of all, respect! You’ve been the backbone of your family’s finances, you’ve built a career with purpose and you’ve risen into leadership. That takes grit, heart and serious skill. But here’s the thing: sometimes the path we’ve built takes us further from what we loved about the journey in the first place.

'It doesn’t mean change is off the table'

You signed up to be around inspirational people and to do work that felt good — not manage spreadsheets and Zoom fatigue all day. As your role has evolved, it’s no wonder it no longer feeds you and the magic has gone. Add to that the pressure of being the main earner and the only fiftysomething in a room full of twentysomethings and I completely understand why you feel disconnected. You’ve drifted away from the parts of the work that gave you meaning. But while being the main earner can make change feel risky, it doesn’t mean change is off the table.

What to read next

You’ve outgrown the role, not the impact you want to make and you’re ready for your next chapter. This isn’t about walking away from your responsibilities – it’s about redesigning a career that works for who you are now.

Often, it’s not necessary to retrain from scratch – you can explore options that bring you closer to the work you love, in a format that fits who you are now. Your experience, wisdom and leadership skills count – and they can shape a new direction. See our toolkit, below, for strategies and ideas. Your passion has just been buried under responsibility.

Tips for a later-life career change

  • Get clear on your energisers - What tasks still give you joy? Where do your passions lie?
  • Explore mission-led alternatives - Could you shift into a smaller organisation where you’re closer to the cause?
  • Test ideas quietly - Read about midlife pivots and follow others who’ve done it.
  • Look at learning - A short course may give you confidence and fresh direction.
  • Set your finances - How much money would you need to make a shift safely?
  • Find your people - A like-minded network can help. Try Facebook groups and forums.

Considering a life pivot but unsure where to begin? Email Erica at worthsharing@goodhousekeeping. Find Erica on Instagram and YouTube @thecareerequation