Author: Inoka Dias
Midlife, the years between 30 and 70, with 40 to 60 being the core is often associated with plateaus and declines, hence the all too familiar term “midlife crisis”. G. Stanley Hall, in his book, Senescence, The Last Half of Life (1922) when describing the five stages of life says that “middle life or the prime, (is) when we are at the apex of our aggregate of powers, ranging from twenty-five or thirty to forty or forty–five and comprising thus the fifteen or twenty years now commonly called our best”.
It is often felt that navigating a career in midlife can be a daunting endeavour, often accompanied by a blend of accumulated experiences and new uncertainties. As working professionals reach this critical juncture, the need for guidance to navigate through the many phases of life and work becomes more pronounced, making coaching conversations an invaluable resource. The benefits of coaching for midlife career professionals extend beyond simple advice; it encompasses a holistic approach to personal and professional upliftment.
Midlife career professionals are mostly in the ages of 40s or 50s, a stage where they possess significant experience but may face challenges such as burnout, job dissatisfaction, or the desire for a career shift. These challenges may also be accompanied by life challenges such as changes in fitness levels, taking care of ageing parents or losing them, dealing with adult children, break up of a marriage or the loss of a partner, and sometimes, shifts in close friendships.
Coaching can offer structured and supportive environment to address these situations. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, individuals who engaged in coaching reported higher job satisfaction and improved performance compared to those who did not receive coaching (Jones, Woods, & Guillaume, 2016).
One of the primary benefits of coaching is the enhancement of self-awareness. Midlife career professionals often have established patterns of behaviour and thinking that may not align with their current goals or work demands. Coaching helps in identifying these patterns and encourages reflective thinking. This process fosters a deeper understanding of one’s strengths and areas for change, enabling professionals to align their actions with their long-term work and life aspirations. A survey conducted by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) revealed that 80% of individuals who received coaching reported improved self-confidence, and over 70% benefited from improved work performance, relationships, and communication skills (ICF Global Coaching Study, 2016).
One of the other significant advantages of coaching is the objective perspective it offers. Unlike colleagues or friends, a coach provides unbiased feedback and challenges individuals to step out of their comfort zones. This external viewpoint is crucial for midlife professionals who may be entrenched in their ways. Coaches use various tools and techniques to help individuals envision and achieve their desired career outcomes, and move towards a growth mindset.
The psychological benefits of coaching cannot be understated. Midlife can bring about existential questions and doubts regarding one’s career and life. Coaching addresses these concerns by fostering resilience and adaptability. According to research by Grant et al. (2009), coaching has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress levels, thereby improving overall well-being. This mental clarity enables midlife professionals to make informed decisions and embrace change with confidence.
In conclusion, the benefits of coaching for midlife career professionals are multifaceted, encompassing self-awareness, skill development, objective feedback, psychological well-being, and in general, significant life upliftment. As the professional landscape continues to evolve, the role of coaching becomes increasingly vital in ensuring that midlife professionals not only survive but thrive in their careers, and in life. By leveraging the expertise of a coach, individuals can navigate midlife transitions with greater ease and achieve a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment.
