Reinventing yourself at 50

Mélissa Proulx is a journalist, columnist and editor. She has devoted herself with passion and creativity to the development of rich and varied journalistic content since 2002.

With a Bachelor of French Literature from the University of Ottawa and a degree in journalism, Mélissa Proulx was 21 when she was entrusted with the reins of the cultural weekly Voir Gatineau-Ottawa, a regional edition that she directed for eight years. Her path then brought her back to her region where she was head of the Art de vivre section of Voir Montréal and then as assistant editor-in-chief of Enfants Québec magazine.

MELISSA PROULX

ABOUT

Article

MORNING ACTIVATION RITUAL

The race against time. From morning to night. Little or no time for yourself. And if, like Andreea,..

READ

SOCIETY & CULTURE

Videos

ANDREEA, FOCUSED ON WELL-BEING

A large glass of lemon water, a hundred sun salutations, meditation,

READ

SOCIETY & CULTURE

(

)

Is it advisable to change careers after 50?

Claire Savoie: It is quite possible as long as it is what the person wants. Nowadays, we work much longer than before and I observe a clear trend among my clients and those around me to stay active as long as possible. However, you have to be very motivated to change careers after 50, because any transition is accompanied by emotions and doubts. That is why you have to prepare yourself adequately.

What are the most common triggers?

It could be job loss, burnout, or “acute disgust” with the environment or work.

When there are 10, 15 or 20 years left to work, it can be very interesting to go and acquire new knowledge. People want to end their working life with a smile on their face, not just "do their time" like a prisoner!

How to prepare for this transition?

You need to identify what kind of work you want to do, choose the context and environment. Should I go back to school? Should I start my own business? In partnership? With a new employer? When all this becomes clear, it's time to check with people who have been doing this job for a long time to make sure it matches your expectations. This way, you can avoid making mistakes that can be demotivating.

"When clients tell me: when I retire, I will do this or that, I encourage them to start now, to nurture these projects. To start volunteering, for example."

For Sylvie Perencin , losing her job was the trigger to change her life completely: her job, her lifestyle...

These events often have repercussions in other areas of life, because they allow us to slow down, to reflect, to see what we are missing and what we want to accomplish. People lose sight of themselves. So yes, this transition often allows them to get back in shape, to pay attention to their diet. It is beneficial for self-esteem and it prevents us from losing sight of ourselves again.

"Losing your job can be difficult, but it often hides an opportunity, a gift that you unwrap later. You have to give yourself time to realize that this loss also brings gains."

Starting a business seems to be an avenue that appeals to many...

I see a trend towards creating one's own job by becoming self-employed or "solopreneurs". Many people will seek out a coaching or consulting certification when they retire to remain active, but in a different way.

Would you say that professionally, 50 is the new 30?

I wouldn't go that far, because I believe that people know themselves better at 50 than at 30, they have learned from their experiences and that this has a positive impact on the choices they make professionally.

Haven't seen Sylvie's capsule yet? It's here !

Participate in our MORNING ROUTINE COMPETITION !

A reading… What color is your parachute?, a practical guide for job seekers and people in career transition by Richard Bolles, Éditions Reynald Goulet, 2014.