Last week, while walking on the beach, I met a woman who, like me, was up early to catch a stunning sunrise. As we chatted, her tiny Chihuahua, Lilibel, reminded me of my own Sadie, who used to join me on those same shores many years before.
After some quality dog talk, she asked what I did for a living. When I told her I help both college students and professionals in their prime land their dream jobs, she was intrigued. “Oh wow! I get the college student thing, but how in the world do you help people in their 50s? Hasn’t their ship pretty much sailed by then?”
As a proud Gen Xer, I assured her that it hasn’t! The job market might not be on fire at the moment, but even so, it's completely possible to find work you love — at any age. The barriers usually center around three things: mindset, not know how to make a change and not knowing exactly what you want. With the right support and guidance — and diligence and effort — these obstacles can be overcome. The rewards of pursuing your dream job far outweigh the fears or uncertainties that might hold you back.
While it’s obvious why new grads should aim high — they’re equipped with fresh knowledge and skills — it’s equally important for those in their 50s to strive for fulfillment in their careers. Whether you're starting out or seeking new challenges, landing your dream job is a game-changer.
For those in their 50s, the stakes are high:
Fulfillment and Happiness: At this stage, aligning your work with your passions can reignite your sense of purpose, making every day more meaningful.
Financial Security: With retirement on the horizon, securing a well-paying, fulfilling job is key to a stable future.
Experience and Expertise: Your accumulated knowledge is invaluable — landing your dream job lets you leverage these strengths for maximum impact.
Work-Life Balance: Dream jobs often offer the flexibility needed to maintain a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Professional Growth: Continual learning and growth aren’t just for the young — staying engaged and motivated keeps you at the top of your game.
Inspiration for Others: Achieving your dream job later in life can inspire others to pursue their own aspirations, proving that age is just a number.
So how do you land your dream job at any age? The answer is strategic, mindful action.
After a varied career in corporate, nonprofit and small business sectors — with many of those years as a CIO and COO — I saw too many people simply going through the motions at work. That’s why I created the Love Monday Method, a 7-step process grounded in mindfulness, designed to help you land and thrive in work you love, no matter your age.
Here’s a quick look at the steps:
Prepare: Get organized and establish a mindful mindset.
Discover: Gain clarity on who you are and what you want.
Explore: Connect your skills and passions with opportunities, and create a plan.
Position: Hone and communicate your personal brand.
Activate: Put your plan into action.
Land: Evaluate offers and negotiate the best terms.
Thrive: Succeed and grow in your new role.
Remember, securing your dream job — whether you’re in your 20s, 50s, or anywhere in between — can significantly enhance your life, both professionally and personally. When you’re thriving, so are those around you. And that’s how we make the world a better place — one dream job at a time.
P.S. If your dream job is eluding you, DOWNLOAD the free Job Search Success Audit now so you can see where you're stuck and fix it.
Maria Katrien Angeleva, MA, MA Certified Coach, Author & Trainer
Dubbed “Professor Dream Job,” by her students, Trie is a former COO and founder of Reimagine Monday. She specializes in helping individuals transform their careers and lives through mindful, strategic approaches. Trie developed and taught career success courses at Indiana University, building on her proven methodology, The Love Monday Method. Her latest release, "Launch," designed to help new college grads get unstuck in their search and empower their new career, is now available for pre-order.
With two Master's degrees, a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University, six coaching certifications and a deep passion for guiding new graduates and professionals in their prime, Trie supports individuals in navigating their career paths with clarity and confidence, and is dedicated to helping YOU turn your dream job into a reality.
Connect with Trie at trie@reimaginemonday.com.
