Promoting Better Career Choices for Longer Working Lives.

You’re in midlife. You've experienced a few hot flushes, maybe a foggy board meeting, and you're thinking: “Could a career change help me thrive, not just survive?” If yes, this one's for you. Let’s explore practical, empowering steps to guide you into a career that suits not just your ambitions, but your lifestyle.

1. Acknowledge the scene you’re in 🎭

Menopause isn’t just warm moments—it can bring brain fog, low motivation, disrupted sleep, and stress. In the UK, 67% of women aged 40–60 say these symptoms negatively affect work, with nearly half feeling less patient or physically able to work effectively gov. One in ten actually quit their job because of these challenges.

The good news? You’re not alone—and with the right career move, you can align your profession with your changing priorities.

2. Define your “lifestyle-friendly” career

What would your ideal day look like? Think:

• Better control of your schedule: start and stop times that sync with your energy—and your thermostat preferences.

• A supportive culture: workplaces where midlife transitions are respected, not whispered about.

• Work that fits your rhythms: careers where peak performance doesn’t require burning out midday.

No need to reinvent the wheel—your next career could be your current job, but evolved (e.g., remote-friendly); or something new but aligned with your strengths.

3. Choose sectors and roles that support flexibility

UK employers are increasingly recognising the value of menopausal women—and adjusting accordingly. The Government’s 2022 “Menopause and the Workplace” response highlights the importance of flexible and inclusive work design.

Organisations like the Equality and Human Rights Commission and ACAS now publish clear legal and practical guidance for workplace adjustments—think temperature control, flexible hours, and mental health support.

Examples of scalable, lifestyle-friendly careers:

• Consulting or freelance work: Set your own priorities, take on-the-day breaks when symptoms strike, and flex around commitments.

• Education and training: Roles in adult education or training sectors often offer flexible timetables and community‑centred work.

• Health & well-being coaching: Help others while crafting a role that supports your well-being, too.

4. Tweak your workspace for long-term gains

Irrespective of job type, setting yourself up for success means making your environment work with your body:

• Temperature control: A personal fan, desk pad or dress code flexibility can make a world of difference. Quiet zones and micro‑breaks: Designate quiet time in your schedule (fewer meetings = fewer stressers; more self-regulation).

• Hybrid working: Mix home and office time—UK data shows women feel significantly more supported when remote/hybrid work is available.

These tweaks don’t demand massive budgets—just a willingness to advocate—and you can also use them to make informed choices when searching for a future employer.

5. Tap into midlife coaching—reinvent with intention

A pivotal career move is easier with support. Career coaches who understand midlife and menopause transitions can help you:

• Reassess strengths and priorities.

• Create a roadmap towards a lifestyle-aligned role.

• Challenge your negative self beliefs

• Make effective applications or pitches to employers.

Coaches like Pause and Empower (set up by myself for this exact reason 2 years ago) or specialists featured in the Fawcett Society’s “Menopause and the Workplace” report can help you translate life experience into career value.

6. Leverage legal and employer support

The Equality Act 2010 protects menopausal women on grounds of age, sex, and—if symptoms are severe—possible disability. Companies now face rising legal and reputational risks for failing to adjust appropriately .

This means:

• You can ask for reasonable adjustments without fear—if they’re needed.

• You can check employer credentials: many have menopause policies or have signed pledges (like the Wellbeing of Women’s or the “Menopause Workplace Pledge”).

• You can highlight your needs during interviews, as a sign of your professionalism and self-awareness.

7. Build your new career toolkit

Practical actions build confidence:

• Update your CV and LinkedIn with discreet, positive language (“managed health transitions”, “prioritised work-life alignment”).

• Draft a meeting‑starter email template: “Hi, I’m adjusting to perimenopause symptoms; on days I need a break, I’ll check in and adjust availability.”

• Learn how to negotiate flexibility: ask for temperature-controlled space, hybrid working, or compressed hours from the outset.

8. Create your community—not competition

You’re not on a solo journey:

• Join Menopause Cafés, a global movement started in Scotland in 2017 that offers supportive peer forums.

• Use professional networks (e.g., Women in Midlife networks, industry-specific mentors, LinkedIn groups).

• Build micro-rituals—like weekly walks, yoga or group coffee chats—to support mental clarity during transitions.

9. Think long term (way beyond menopause)

Midlife could be the career chapter where you thrive—not just endure:

• By staying and progressing, you contribute to closing gender gaps, increasing representation and living richer professional lives.

• Many organisations now value your experience, resilience and adaptability—especially when you bring clarity about your priorities.

• Your career won’t just last: it can expand in new, meaningful ways (consultancy, trusteeships, entrepreneurship).

To recap: your midlife career pivot checklist

Step	Action
1	Reflect on your ideal work-life rhythm—honestly.
2	Research sectors and roles offering flexibility & respect for health.
3	Prepare workspace-friendly adjustments (temperature, breaks).
4	Engage a coach or champion to map your transition.
5	Use legal rights and employer credentials to support change.
6	Update CV, practices and negotiation skills.
7	Build peer support—Menopause Cafés, professional networks.
8	See this as a long-term, liberating reset—not a crisis exit.

Still wondering where to start?

• Gov.uk & DWP “Menopause and the Workplace” (2022): A practical response to the independent inquiry, spotlighting flexibility, policy and accountability. FT: Can I be fired for menopausal symptoms?.

• EHRC “Guidance for Employers” (2024–2025): Summarises legal obligations and practical tools to support women experiencing menopause. EHR: Guidance for Employers.

• CIPD Report (Oct 2023): Reveals how simple workplace changes—flexible hours, temperature control—can reduce adverse impact from 84% to 71%. CIPD: Menopause in the workplace.

• Fawcett Society & Wellbeing of Women: National voice advocating for menopause action plans, GP training, and making HRT affordable and accessible. Fawcett: Menopause and the workplace.

Parting thoughts

Midlife isn’t a career obstacle—it’s a launchpad for the next phase of personal and professional flourishing. With choice, strategy, and a clear eye on lifestyle, you can build a career that not only honours your experience—but elevates it.

Send me a message to arrange a free, initial consultation.

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