How to Leverage Decades of Skills in a New Career or Business
Reaching midlife brings an incredible gift: decades of skills, knowledge, and experience. And if you’re considering a new chapter in freelancing, entrepreneurship, or any career pivot, those years of experience are your greatest asset.
While it’s easy to feel that starting fresh might mean going back to square one, the truth is that midlife professionals have an edge—an edge that younger generations often lack. Today, we’ll explore how to turn your life and work experience into powerful tools for building a new career or business. If you’re new to freelancing, this approach will help you get started with confidence, even if you have little experience in your chosen field.
Step 1: Identify Your Core Skills and Strengths
If you’ve been working for 10, 20, or even 30 years, you’ve accumulated a unique set of skills and insights that are highly valuable. Take some time to reflect on the skills you’ve developed. Think broadly and creatively about what you’ve done over the years, and consider not only the technical skills but also the soft skills you’ve picked up along the way.
For example:
Project Management: If you’ve led teams, managed timelines, or coordinated projects, you’ve mastered project management.
Communication: Years of experience handling clients, leading meetings, or negotiating have likely made you a strong communicator.
Problem-Solving: Real-world challenges have built your ability to handle obstacles and find solutions under pressure.
Tip: Write down your core skills, both hard and soft. This exercise not only helps identify your strengths but also gives you a foundation to shape your new freelance or business path with clarity.
Step 2: Translate Your Skills into a New Service
Once you’ve identified your skills, the next step is to translate them into a service that’s valuable to potential clients or customers. Midlife professionals often underestimate how relevant their existing skills are in a freelance or entrepreneurial setting. Remember, businesses are constantly seeking experience and reliability—qualities that years in the workforce bring.
Here’s how to start:
Match Skills to Freelance Roles: For example, if you’ve spent years organizing and coordinating teams, virtual assistance or project management freelancing might be a natural fit. If you’ve developed an eye for design or a knack for writing, graphic design or content writing could be ideal.
Draw Parallels Between Past Roles and New Services: Even if you’re moving into a slightly different field, many skills transfer easily. An accountant could move into bookkeeping or financial consulting, while a marketer could offer social media management or brand strategy.
Leverage Industry Insights: Your familiarity with specific industries—such as finance, healthcare, or retail—can set you apart from newer freelancers. Clients often appreciate freelancers who know the “language” of their industry.
Tip: Keep your service offerings simple to start. Focus on what you know well, and gradually expand as you gain confidence and experience.
Step 3: Use Your Network to Build Credibility
One of the greatest advantages midlife professionals have is a well-established network. Over the years, you’ve likely built connections with colleagues, clients, friends, and mentors. Now is the time to leverage that network to help you gain your first freelance clients or start a new business.
Here’s how to make the most of your network:
Reconnect and Share Your New Path: Reach out to former colleagues or clients to let them know you’ve launched a freelance business or new venture. Share what services you offer and ask if they know of any opportunities or potential clients.
Ask for Recommendations: If you have a strong reputation in your field, don’t hesitate to ask people in your network to refer you or recommend you. Many midlife freelancers find their first clients through word of mouth, making the transition smoother.
Join Professional Groups: Consider joining groups or associations where you can network with other professionals. LinkedIn groups, industry forums, and local business associations can be great sources of support, advice, and potential clients.
Tip: Building credibility doesn’t mean you need hundreds of clients. One or two solid references from people in your network can open doors and establish trust with new clients.
Step 4: Build a Portfolio that Highlights Your Experience
A portfolio isn’t just for showcasing past work; it’s a way to show potential clients what you’re capable of, even if you’re just starting out. As a midlife professional, you have years of accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and expertise. You can turn these achievements into a compelling portfolio that reflects your value.
Here’s how to build a portfolio from scratch:
Create Case Studies Based on Past Roles: If you haven’t worked with freelance clients yet, create case studies from your previous jobs. Highlight specific challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results you achieved. This can show potential clients how your experience will benefit them.
Include Client Testimonials or References: If possible, reach out to former clients or employers and ask if they’d be willing to provide a brief testimonial about your work. A strong reference can help you stand out, especially if you’re new to freelancing.
Use a Professional Portfolio Site: Websites like LinkedIn, Behance (for creatives), and Medium (for writers) allow you to build a professional-looking portfolio online. Even if your examples are hypothetical, presenting them in a polished format demonstrates professionalism and credibility.
Tip: Focus on quality over quantity. A few well-crafted case studies or sample projects will give clients a sense of your skills without overwhelming them with too much information.
Step 5: Build Confidence with Small Projects
Starting a new career or business often brings up feelings of self-doubt, especially when you’re just beginning. But remember, each project you complete builds your confidence and helps you refine your skills. Start with small, manageable projects that let you gain experience, get feedback, and build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
Take on Pro Bono Work: Doing a few projects for free or at a reduced rate can help you gain real-world experience and build your portfolio. Just be selective and choose projects that align with your goals.
Start on Freelance Platforms: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit allow you to pick up short-term gigs that suit your skills. Even a few small projects can help you gain confidence and build a reputation.
Set Clear Goals: Track your progress and set small, achievable goals, like landing two clients per month or completing five projects. This can keep you motivated and focused on steady growth.
Tip: Confidence grows through action. Each completed project, each satisfied client, and each new skill mastered will build your confidence as you establish yourself in your new path.
Ready to Start Your Midlife Pivot?
Making a midlife career change or starting a new business is a bold move, and leveraging your experience can make that transition easier and more rewarding. The skills you’ve built, the insights you’ve gained, and the network you’ve developed are all invaluable assets. By focusing on these strengths, you can start your freelance journey with confidence and clarity.
Let’s make your experience work for you and turn this next chapter into your best one yet.
