Hello, my fabulous friends! Let’s dive into the extraordinary world of career reinvention after 40. Some might say it’s risky, even wild, but to that I say, life after 40 is about embracing the bold, the brave, and the beautifully unexpected. I know many of you have flirted with the idea of switching gears, but self-doubt (and let’s be honest, fear) can creep in. However, the journey of reinvention has its way of unleashing strengths and creativity we didn’t know we had.
In today’s post, I’ll share inspiring stories of women who shook up their careers later in life and actually found even greater success, fulfillment, and joy on the other side. These are stories full of resilience, grit, and a dash of audacity—qualities that I bet every one of us possesses.
First, let’s acknowledge the magic of a midlife career switch. For one, we’re not the same people we were in our twenties. Studies show that most adults experience shifts in their personal and professional values over time. A 2022 survey by LinkedIn found that around 61% of workers aged 40 and older considered career changes to gain a sense of purpose. And honestly, after years of experience, we know a little more about what we do (and don’t) want in our careers. We’ve earned our stripes, and it’s perfectly okay if the next chapter looks a little different.
In the U.S. alone, nearly 1.8 million women aged 45 and older made career changes between 2019 and 2022. While these women cited reasons ranging from burnout to a newfound passion, what’s clear is that change is both possible and increasingly common.
Let’s look at some real-life heroines who inspire us to dream big, no matter our age.
1. Vera Wang: Bridal Gowns After 40
Yes, the Vera Wang—bridal gown queen, fashion icon, and all-around powerhouse. Before becoming synonymous with luxurious, dreamy wedding gowns, Vera was a figure skater and later a fashion editor at Vogue, where she worked for 15 years. In her early 40s, after being passed over for the editor-in-chief position, Vera decided to pursue something she truly loved—bridal fashion.
Can you imagine the courage that took? It’s not as though she was a designer by trade. But with a fire in her belly and a vision in her mind, Vera launched her first bridal collection at age 40. Now, Vera Wang is a name that has become practically interchangeable with high-end bridal couture. Her designs are beloved, and she continues to thrive in her 70s. She’s proof that sometimes, setbacks are just stepping stones to something better.
2. Julia Child: The French Chef at 50
Who here loves a good meal? Julia Child didn’t just change her career—she changed American food culture. But here’s the scoop: Julia didn’t set foot in culinary school until she was 36. Originally working in advertising, Julia found herself in France in her late 30s, where she fell head over heels for French cuisine.
In her 40s, she began studying at Le Cordon Bleu and, after years of experimentation, released her first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, at age 49. When The French Chef aired in 1963, she was already in her 50s! Julia Child reminds us that it’s never too late to fall in love with a new passion and, more importantly, that we’re never “too old” to start from scratch.
3. J.K. Rowling: From Welfare to Worldwide Fame in Her 30s and 40s
Although J.K. Rowling isn’t quite 40 in the classic sense of a “midlife switch,” her story is just too powerful to ignore. After going through a difficult marriage, struggling as a single mother, and facing rejection after rejection from publishers, she finally published Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone at age 32. But here’s where it gets interesting: her fame, financial success, and the full scope of her influence didn’t truly explode until her 40s. Rowling’s persistence in the face of adversity is a strong reminder that our darkest days often lead to our brightest successes.
In 2021, it was estimated that Rowling’s Harry Potter franchise was worth over $25 billion—yes, billion! Her journey reminds us that the “midlife magic” we’re chasing might just be around the next corner.
4. Harland Sanders: Kentucky Fried Success at 62
While Colonel Sanders wasn’t a woman, his story is still relevant for everyone in midlife. Harland Sanders didn’t franchise KFC until he was 62 years old, after years of working as a gas station operator, a steam engine stoker, and even a roadside motel owner. Sanders started from scratch, taking his famous “finger-lickin’ good” recipe door-to-door. By the time he was in his 70s, KFC was a booming franchise.
Colonel Sanders may not be a woman, but his story speaks to all of us who might feel that it’s “too late” to start something big. Sanders took his setbacks and turned them into ingredients for success—literally!
5. Laura Ingalls Wilder: Little House on the Prairie at 65
Laura Ingalls Wilder is known for her beloved Little House on the Prairie series, but here’s a fun fact: she didn’t start writing until her 40s, and her first book wasn’t published until she was 65. Before then, she had lived a life of homesteading, moving from place to place, and enduring a multitude of challenges. It was only in her later years that she began to document her childhood experiences, which have since captured the imaginations of millions worldwide.
Her story is a beautiful reminder that our life experiences, even the difficult ones, can turn into something beautiful and lasting. Our age, like Laura’s, can be the perfect time to share our stories.
As much as I love these individual stories, let’s dive into the data for a moment. Research supports the idea that career changes later in life are not only possible but are becoming more common and, yes, successful.
1.Rising Rates of Midlife Career Changes: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 17% of workers aged 45 to 54 and 9% of those over 55 switched industries between 2021 and 2023.
2.Increased Longevity and Work Satisfaction: A study by Encore.organd the Stanford Center on Longevity found that 80% of people over 50 are interested in encore careers, or roles that combine personal fulfillment, income, and social impact. The data shows that these individuals report higher levels of job satisfaction and even improved health.
3.Women Leading the Way: According to AARP, women are more likely than men to consider career changes in midlife, with 53% of women aged 40 to 65 reporting a strong interest in a career switch, often driven by the desire for meaningful work.
So, if you’re feeling that itch to reinvent yourself, let’s talk about some actionable steps you can take to make the shift.
1. Assess Your Strengths and Passions
Grab a journal (or that notes app on your phone) and make a list of what you genuinely enjoy and excel at. This might feel simple, but self-awareness is the cornerstone of reinvention.
2. Network, Network, Network
They say your network is your net worth, and this couldn’t be more true in midlife. Attend workshops, join LinkedIn groups, and don’t be afraid to reach out to old colleagues. The connections you’ve built over the years can be invaluable in a career pivot.
3. Invest in Learning New Skills
The world is changing fast, and picking up new skills can give you a competitive edge. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable courses on everything from digital marketing to project management.
4. Start Small and Test the Waters
You don’t have to jump in head-first. Consider freelancing, consulting, or taking on part-time work in your field of interest. Starting small allows you to explore without a full commitment.
5. Stay Resilient and Embrace Flexibility
Changing careers takes time and a lot of patience. If the first door doesn’t open, try another. It’s all part of the process. Remember, some of the world’s most successful people faced countless rejections before making it big.
The journey of reinvention isn’t reserved for the fearless or famous. It’s available to all of us. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a non-profit, launching a blog, writing a book, or becoming a life coach, remember that midlife is the perfect time to act on your vision. The experiences, wisdom, and strength we accumulate over the years don’t go to waste—they’re waiting to be poured into a new passion.
Take it from Vera, Julia, J.K., and the countless other brave souls who decided that age is nothing more than a number. They made their mark and proved that life after 40 can be full of fresh starts, meaningful work, and yes, a whole lot of success. So go ahead, my friends—dream big, start small, and know that the best chapters are still unwritten.
Remember: it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Let’s make it one worth
Love, Jax
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THINGS I AM LOVING LATELY
I want to share a few things I have been doing in my own life lately that are honestly making me feel so much better. Healthier. Calmer. More organized. More glowy. Just more like me.
Because I really do believe that a glow-up is built through tiny daily habits. Tiny shifts. Tiny rituals that slowly change how you feel.
THING ONE: My 10-Minute Morning Stretch Ritual
Nothing extreme. Nothing complicated. I just spend about ten minutes stretching in the morning before I do anything else.
And it has helped so much with morning stiffness, with my energy, with my posture, and honestly even with my mood. Women over 40 really need mobility work. Our bodies want movement and circulation and care, especially first thing in the morning.
THING TWO: A Capsule Pantry System
Okay this one sounds more boring than it is. But it has honestly changed the way I eat and the way I feel during the week.
Basically I keep a set of healthy staple foods stocked at all times. Brown rice. Quinoa. Whole grain or protein pasta. Beans. Sugar-free marinara sauce. Tuna packets. Canned salmon. Oatmeal. Greek yogurt. Frozen vegetables. Berries. Nuts. Sparkling water.
THING THREE: Organizing My Fridge by Zones
Okay I know this sounds random. But hear me out, because this has helped me so much.
I set up little sections in my fridge. One area for proteins. One for fruits and vegetables. One for grab-and-go snacks. One for drinks. One for meal prep containers.
Now I actually see the healthy food I bought instead of forgetting about it in the back until it expires. Cooking during the week feels calmer. Meal prep is easier.
THING FOUR: A Cuticle Oil Habit
Okay last one, and it is the smallest one. But I love it so much.
I keep cuticle oil and hand lotion sitting right on my desk at work. And during the day, during a little break, I apply both. That is it. That is the whole habit.
But it makes me feel polished and cared for throughout the day. It is a tiny little signal I send to myself that says — you matter. You deserve to feel nice today.
Set a Big Goal — Then Break It All the Way Down
I have a big goal. I know exactly where I am going. And I have written it down.
Make it a great day, friends!
Love, Jax
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These actions contributed most to my mindset shift and overall midlife glow up.
Make it a great day, friends!
Love, Jax
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How to change your beliefs in life to live more consciously with your chosen purpose and goals with a growth, mindset and a sense happiness.
1. Develop keen and accurate self-awareness.
2. Develop an accurate self-concept.
3. Be truthful to yourself and tell others the truth.
4. Make the connection between current choices and future results.
5. Behave in ways that are for your best interest.
6. Become self protective and self-determined.
Remember any new habit is difficult until we practice it which then it becomes easy. When you shift your mindset and belief system, you will end up creating new habits. You may experience a decrease in comfort level and a sense of security. There may be an experience in increased in anxiety. You will make mistakes and other people may react negatively to your shift in beliefs.
Once you change your beliefs and develop a growth mindset, you will be more self-responsible, more honest with more integrity, more self caring with more set boundaries. You will be able to identify your core values and personal desires. You will make more conscious choices. You will reprogram your subconscious mind. And then you will live a life of joy and happiness and self fulfillment.
I have applied this to my own life and I`ve learned this through getting a life, coaching certification and reading numerous books and assisting women over 40 who are looking to upgrade glow up and improve their lives by becoming one percent better every day.
Make it a great day, friends!
Love, Jax
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Skipping snacks sounded impossible until I learned what “hunger” actually is. Real hunger vs desire vs craving changes everything. Want the exact chart and habits I use for midlife weight loss? Listen now and tell me which one you’ll try?
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✨🌞 Early AM stretching before kettle ball, dumbbells, vibration plate and walking.
♥️ Schedule it. Protect it. Show up for it every week.
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Get an Accountability Partner — and Actually Time-Block Your Check-Ins if you are on a weight loss journey.
I have an accountability partner, actually two accountability partners. And we do not just casually text here and there and hope for the best. We actually time-block our check-ins. We schedule them. We put them in our calendars like real appointments. We connect at least once a week — sometimes in person, sometimes a phone call, sometimes a message — but it is consistent and it is planned.
Your accountability partner should be someone who is genuinely supportive but also honest with you. Someone who celebrates your wins AND holds space when things are hard without just telling you what you want to hear.
Schedule it. Protect it. Show up for it every week.
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🌸 Know your reasons why you want to loose weight. Write them down and read them throughout the day.
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🌸 My 4 Habits, Non-negotiables I`m applying to my life and dream life upgrade.
10 Min. Morning Stretching Everyday
My Capsule Pantry System
My Fridge By Zones
Cuticle Oil Everyday
Simple but not stupid.
I`m building a new dream life and these daily glow ups habits and rituals are helping me get there.
Everyday I try new things to grow and improve and upgrade my midlife lifestyle.
I am on a mission to recreate my dream life over 40.
It is never too late. You can create anything you want with focus, energy and a growth mindset with a positive attitude.
Love,
Jax
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✨ Read the book You are a Badass, By Jen Sincero.
Published in 2013
Great read for women over 40…
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10 pounds down in 3 weeks at 48 with PCOS and perimenopause, no meds. Total of 191 lbs in 4 years. The twist: the biggest change happened before food and workouts. Want the 14 mindset practices that made it stick? What would you try first?
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Reinvention isn’t luck. It’s a choice made in a quiet moment of honesty.
Save this Glow Drop for the days you forget your power.
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Love,
Jax
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Published in 2013
Great read for women over 40…
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New Podcast Episode!!!
"Why your 40s is the best age to finally put your health first!"
Your 40s aren’t a deadline. They’re a turning point. We talk heart health, bone density, muscle, brain fog, and simple shifts that actually work in midlife. Hit play and tell me: what’s one habit you’re starting this week?
Plus...
Seven May glow-ups that don’t require a new life: park walks, budget check-in, seasonal meals, hair refresh, nails, and more. Plus a free skincare ritual from my guide. Press play. Which glow-up sounds most like you?
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Love, Jax
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I love a packed morning routine before work. Really sets up my day.
Wake
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I fast till 12 so no breakfast. Just water & espresso.
Comment and let me know your favorite morning routine practice!
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Love,
Jax
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