116. Career Change After 40: How to Start Over and Find Your People with Noelle Kustas

What if the life you’re living right now is already your worst-case scenario — and the best thing you can do is choose yourself anyway?In this episode of Creating Sunshine, Sarah sits down with Noelle Kustas, founder of Rise to Shine Co., to talk about what it really looks like to leave a long, “safe” career, rebuild without a perfect plan, and find the kind of community that changes everything.Noelle shares her story of teaching for 25 years in California, reaching a breaking point during the pandemic, and taking a leap of faith toward a new chapter built on freedom, coaching, and connection. Sarah also opens up about how 2020, burnout, and a cancer diagnosis reshaped what mattered most — and why waiting until retirement to start living isn’t the move.If you’ve been feeling stuck, lonely, or like it’s “too late” to pivot, this conversation will remind you that your skills are transferable, your next chapter is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.What you'll hear in this episode:Why 2020 became a turning point for career change and identity shiftsThe hidden grief of outgrowing a career that once felt like a callingHow to start over when you don’t have a “perfect plan”Core values (especially freedom) and how they guide big decisionsThe mindset reframe: “What if it works out?”Why community is a shortcut to growth — and how to find the right roomThe difference between transactional networking and real supportHow to stop shrinking, show up as yourself, and find your peopleNoelle’s Rise to Shine offerings (in-person + virtual) and what to expectKey Takeaways:Your life can change the moment you stop treating discomfort as normal. If nothing changes, you stay in the same place — but one brave decision can create momentum.You’re not starting from scratch. Teaching, leadership, management, and life experience translate into your next chapter, even if the job title changes.Community changes what feels possible. The right room can fast-forward your confidence, clarity, and healing.Ask better questions. Instead of obsessing over worst-case scenarios, try: “What if it works out?”This episode is for you if you:feel like you’ve outgrown your job or careerare considering a career change later in lifewant deeper female friendships and real supportare craving freedom, purpose, and a fresh startConnect with Noelle (Rise to Shine Co.)Instagram: @joyful_noelleWebsite: https://rise2shine.co/Join Shine House (community): https://www.skool.com/theshinehouseRise to Shine Collective (in-person, Coachella Valley / Palm Springs area): follow on Instagram for events + Shine Social ticketsThank you for listening to Creating Sunshine! Your support means the world to me, and I'm so grateful you're part of this community.If this episode resonated with you, I'd love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform. Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.Don't forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there's so much more sunshine to create together!Let's stay connected:Your Next Chapter (1:1 Mindset Coaching)Follow me on InstagramShop my cups on InstagramJoin my email listMindset Reset ChallengeGet your free Sunshine Moments downloadRemember, even in the darkest moments, there's always a way to create a little sunshine. Until next time, keep shining bright!