Calling a career audible: redefining work after 50

Annie Dillard once wrote, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” For many of us—especially those in the second half of life—a significant portion of those days has been devoted to work. Whether it was the daily commute, countless meetings, or the ever-growing to-do list, work has been a defining part of our identities.

For me, this rings true. As a former corporate communications executive and now the founder of RestlessUrban, I’ve accumulated my fair share of 9-to-5 (and beyond). However, as I moved past my 50s and into a post-COVID world, something shifted. Like millions of others, I took stock. I reassessed. I called an audible.

If you’re a football fan, you know what that means: it’s when the quarterback changes the play at the line of scrimmage. That’s precisely what I did with my career—and perhaps it’s something you’ve contemplated as well.

The numbers behind the shift

Let’s start with the math: It’s estimated that the average person spends 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime.  That’s over 10 years dedicated to our professions—more time than many of us spend with our families, traveling, or engaging in hobbies we love.

Given this substantial investment of time, it’s no surprise that more individuals over 50 are rethinking how they want to spend these hours. A recent AARP survey revealed that 24% of workers aged 50 and older plan to make a job change in 2025, up from 14% in 2024.  The pandemic has accelerated this trend, opening doors to remote work, entrepreneurship, and more flexible lifestyles. Suddenly, work isn’t just about a paycheck—it can be a platform for purpose.

Hitting pause to move forward

I’ll be the first to admit: I was always chasing the next promotion, the next milestone. But eventually, I had to ask myself—Is this still what I want? That question set me on a journey of self-discovery and led to founding RestlessUrban, a community built for curious professionals redefining what midlife and beyond looks like.

Along the way, I leaned on advice from leadership expert Scott Deming, who suggests three key steps for anyone considering a professional pivot:

• Know your strengths: Are you the go-to problem solver? The creative strategist? The calm leader in a crisis? Understanding your unique skill set is essential to figuring out where you’ll thrive next.
• Recognize your motivators: What gets you out of bed in the morning? Some of us love collaboration and team wins. Others want the independence of building something solo. Knowing what energizes you—and what drains you—can help you avoid burnout.
• Reassess your skills: Ask yourself what talents are still marketable—and what new skills might be worth investing in. The good news? Lifelong learning is thriving. From free online courses to certification bootcamps, it’s never been easier to refresh your toolkit.

Finding your “why”

Simon Sinek, author of Start With Why, emphasizes the importance of understanding what drives you—not just what you do, but why you do it.

For me, that “why” came down to helping others find meaning in their own work journeys. At RestlessUrban, we focus on that intersection between purpose and profession, assisting individuals in uncovering what ignites their passion and how to align that with their time.

Whether it’s launching a side hustle, becoming a mentor, or diving into a new industry, the possibilities are broader than ever. According to the Kauffman Foundation, people over 50 are twice as likely to start a successful business than those under 30. So, if you’ve ever thought it’s too late to try something new—think again.

Build your dream team

Even the most self-aware among us need outside input. That’s where a personal “career advisory board” comes in—a group of people you trust to offer guidance, challenge your thinking, and keep you accountable.

At RestlessUrban, my own board includes mentors, friends, and colleagues who balance my strengths and fill in the gaps. They’re honest, insightful, and remind me of my value even when I lose sight of it.

If you’re building your own, consider including:

• A former boss or mentor
• A colleague with complementary skills
• A friend who knows the real you
• A younger professional who brings a fresh perspective

The diversity of thought will help you make smarter, more confident choices as you navigate your next chapter.

The audible is yours to call

More than ever, we’re rewriting what “career” means after 50. It’s no longer about retirement countdowns or riding out the clock. It’s about reinvention, alignment, and perhaps—a little rebellion against expectations.

If you’ve ever thought about calling a career audible—or already have—I’d love to hear your story. Because how we spend our days can change. And when it does, so does our life.

Let’s make it count.