Starting Over From Experience: Transitioning Careers in My 50s and Finding My Next Calling

After 29 years in the classroom, I made the hardest decision of my life: to walk away from teaching—with no pension, no benefits, and no clear plan forward. In this deeply honest episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan, I’m sharing what it really looks like to start over in your 50s. From the fear of leaving job security and identity behind to navigating the unknown of midlife career reinvention, I walk you through the emotional, mental, and practical shifts that helped me leave “Rachel the Teacher” behind and begin the journey toward something new. We’ll talk about: How to face a career change after 50 Why your skills are more transferable than you think The role of grief, intuition, and courage in career pivots How I’m redefining success and finding purpose in midlife My new role, the unconventional approach I took to get it and what my days will look like in my new position This episode is for anyone wondering: “Am I too old to start over?” Spoiler alert—you're not. 💡 Download my free Identity Journal to help you reflect on your next chapter: https://www.lifesnextlessonplan.com/freebies