S6, Ep. 04 Seasons of Formation: Midlife Calling and Career Transitions, with Jim Carroll

What does it look like to make a big transition in mid-life, and how does this impact life with God? In this episode, we continue our series on seasons of spiritual formation across decades by welcoming Jim Carroll, who transitioned from nearly 30 years in physical therapy to serving as a campus pastor. Jim shares how midlife questions like “Is this all there is?” led to a process of discernment and a career change. He describes the excitement and challenges of the shift, especially time boundaries, while noting strong continuity in people-focused care. Jim reflects on God’s long-term preparation through loss, faith development, mentors, and community. Listen in!CLICK HERE for your free resource on life stage questions.00:00 Welcome and Series Setup00:56 Meet Jim Carroll02:36 Midlife Questions and Career Restlessness05:42 The Unexpected Pastoral Call06:24 Discerning the Decision10:03 First Months as Campus Pastor15:47 How God Prepared Him19:56 New Rhythms and Spiritual Practices26:04 Mentors Community and Generational Perspective29:53 Wrap Up Resources and Next EpisodeLIFE MAPPING TOOLSGain clarity at life’s transitions and know yourself and God better through our visual life maps. CLICK HERE to learn more about oneLife Maps. Now available digitally!JOIN REALIFE CONVERSATIONS!REALIFE Conversations is our monthly 90-minute live call where you’ll engage in deep discussions facilitated by Sibyl Towner and Lindsay Sterchi. CLICK HERE to learn more and to sign up.JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITYCLICK HERE to become part of the FREE REALIFE Process® Community! Connect with Teresa & Lindsay and other podcast listeners, plus find additional content to help you discover your best REALIFE.READ TERESA’S BOOKBanish busyness and discover a new way of being productive around what truly matters. Learn more at DoWhatMattersBook.com.About Teresa McCloy:Teresa McCloy is the founder and creator of the REALIFE Process®, a framework designed to empower individuals and groups with the tools, training, and community needed for personal and professional growth. Through the REALIFE Process®, Teresa is on a mission to help others grow in self-awareness, establish sustainable rhythms, and enhance their influence and impact by integrating faith and work into their everyday lives.She lives with her husband of over four decades on their 5th generation family farm in central Illinois and enjoys great coffee, growing beautiful flower gardens, and traveling as much as possible. Connect with Teresa on Facebook or Instagram.About Lindsay Sterchi:Lindsay Sterchi is the Spiritual Formation Director at the REALIFE Process®. She also writes about habits and rhythms for the Mind, Body, and Soul for a holistic approach to spiritual growth and formation at lindsaysterchi.substack.com.She lives with her husband Tyler and elementary-aged twin daughters. She has an M.A. in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary, and her background is in church ministry.When she’s not working or spending time with her family, you’re most likely to find her reading a good book. Connect with Lindsay on Facebook or Instagram.