For decades, women have been told how to navigate their careers; climb the ladder, balance it all, be grateful for the opportunities. But for many women in midlife, the rules start to feel different. The ambition that once propelled us forward now collides with expectations about aging, caregiving, and the unspoken assumption that leadership is a young woman’s game.
Men in midlife are often seen as entering their prime. Seasoned, experienced, ready for the next level of leadership. For women, the messaging is different. Midlife is painted as a time of retreat, of stepping back for family, or of making way for younger talent. But why should our ambition have an expiration date?
The Midlife Shift: Your path doesn’t have to be linear
Sheryl Sandberg reminded us that careers aren’t ladders, they’re jungle gyms. And nowhere is that more true than in midlife. Many women at this stage are navigating more than just their careers. They’re raising teenagers while caring for aging parents. They’re reassessing their goals, pivoting industries, or wondering why, despite decades of experience, they’re still not getting the promotions or board seats their male peers receive.
Unlike men, who are often encouraged to double down on leadership in their 40s and 50s, women in midlife are subtly (or not so subtly) encouraged to step aside. They’re told that their priorities should shift. That their confidence should soften. That they should mentor the next generation rather than still striving for more themselves. But why can’t we do both?
Leaning into Your Second Act
Midlife isn’t the end of ambition.
It’s the evolution of it. It’s the moment to ask: What do I want next? Maybe it’s finally stepping into that leadership role. Maybe it’s starting a business. Maybe it’s redefining what success looks like on your terms.
Yet too many women hesitate because they assume the window has closed. They wonder if they’re too old to switch careers, too late to start something new, too settled to negotiate for more. But men don’t ask themselves these questions. They assume their experience makes them more valuable, not less. Women need to embrace that same mindset.
Changing the Narrative on Women in Midlife and Age
The reality is, midlife is when women often hit their stride. We have the skills, the resilience, and the confidence to lead with purpose. What we need is a culture that recognizes that.
Companies must stop seeing midlife women as a retention challenge and start seeing them as the powerhouses they are. That means rethinking hiring biases, valuing experience over youth-driven energy, and ensuring leadership paths don’t narrow with age.
And society must stop seeing age as a detriment for women, in all aspects of life.
And for those of us at this stage? It means rejecting the idea that ambition has a shelf life. It means taking risks, asking for what we deserve, and leading with the knowledge that we bring something to the table that no one else can – decades of experience, perspective, and grit.
So I’ll ask you: What would you do if you thought about Midlife differently?
And more importantly, why not now?
My support groups for virtual women are the perfect setting to discuss these challenges in a safe space, supported by professional help. If you are interested to join these groups, click here to fill out a short form and I will be in touch with more details.