Starting Over at 50+: How I Stopped Chasing Status and Found My True Career Path
I never thought I’d be starting over at 50+ But life has a way of humbling you, stripping away the titles, the plans, and the illusion of control—until all that’s left is the question: What do you truly want?
For me, that moment came after a layoff. Not just any layoff, but one that hit while I was in the thick of caring for my mom during her battle with cancer. I didn’t have time to process the loss of my job because I was too busy making sure she got to appointments, tracking medications, and praying for a miracle. In many ways, my identity wasn’t just wrapped up in my career—it was tied to being her caregiver, her support system.
But then, she was gone. And my job was gone. And I was left staring at a blank page, wondering, Who am I now?
Chasing Status Instead of Fulfillment
For years, I had been climbing. Moving from one role to the next, collecting titles like shiny trophies. Sr. Administrative Assistant (And ensure Senior was recognized!) Talent Acquisition. HR Optimization. Process Improvement. It looked impressive on paper. But if I was honest with myself, I wasn’t fulfilled. I had been chasing status—chasing the idea that success meant being in certain rooms, holding certain titles, and getting validation from others.
The layoff forced me to sit still. And in that stillness, I had to admit something that, at first, made me cringe: the role I had always thrived in—the one that brought me the most joy—wasn’t the status-heavy roles I had pursued. It was the one I had tried to move beyond.
Executive Administrative Support.
Reframing What It Means to Be a ‘Support Person’
I used to see being an executive assistant as less than. I thought of it as a stepping stone to bigger things. But with time (and maturity), I started to see the truth: being in a support role isn’t about being beneath anyone—it’s about being the glue that holds everything together.
The real power isn’t always in the spotlight. It’s in knowing how to navigate stakeholders, how to anticipate needs before they arise, how to optimize workflows so that executives can focus on the bigger picture. It’s in knowing that my expertise isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
So, here I am. Back in the role I once thought I had to “move beyond.” And this time? I see it differently. I own it differently. I walk into this job with confidence, knowing I’m not just an assistant—I’m a strategic partner.
The Growth That Came From Starting Over
This journey has matured me in ways I never expected.
I no longer attach my worth to a title. Instead, I focus on the impact I make.
I’ve learned to navigate complex stakeholder relationships with ease, knowing that influence isn’t about position—it’s about presence.
I make decisions with confidence, trusting my instincts instead of second-guessing myself.
And most importantly? I’m finally in a role that feels right. Not because of what it looks like to others, but because of what it means to me.
Your Turn: Have You Ever Had to Start Over?
If you’ve ever had to pivot in your career—whether by choice or by circumstance—I see you. It’s scary. It’s humbling. But it can also be the greatest opportunity to realign with who you truly are.
I’d love to hear your story. Have you ever had to start over? What did you learn about yourself? Drop a comment below—I can’t wait to read your journey.
And if you’re in the middle of a transition right now, let me remind you: you are not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. And that makes all the difference.
I’m going to share my journey here so if you’re interested in how I navigate this new chapter, subscribe for updates! And no worries, the home content and mindset content will continue, too!
Love,
Kristi
