Networking is nobody’s favorite thing. But your network is another thing altogether. When it comes to midlife, learning how to tap into your network is critical for making new things happen and keeping life interesting.
I have a client named Rick (not his real name). He’s in his mid-50s, which for many is the scariest time imaginable to be considering a workplace re-entry or career shift.
Eight years ago Rick decided to set aside his career to become a stay-at-home dad for his two young daughters. Now, with nudging from his partner, Rick feels it’s time to go back to work. But he feels rusty, unsure of where he wants to apply his skills and passions, and most of all, worried about giving up the flexibility he’s enjoyed for several years.
Midlife change can be scary, but here’s what I know from coaching many people contemplating changes in their 40s, 50s and 60s: By the time you’re at midlife, you have more knowledge, more resources and – best of all – a more sizable and powerful network than at any other time in your life. This is the abundance that makes midlife changes possible.
In my initial work with Rick, we looked at his skills, interests and values, and explored the role, the environment and the impact that he wanted from his work. This led to clarity on a few directions for a focused search. Now the fun could begin. J
Once Rick got clear on how and where he wanted to focus his career, it became all about tapping into the network he’d built over the years. He entered that amazing (and yes, scary) phase of engaging with his vast network to tell his story and ask powerful questions.
First, he shared his thoughts with the “low-hanging fruit” of his network: close friends and colleagues, people who felt non-threatening and who provided powerful encouragement and feedback. This phase helped build Rick’s confidence about his vision.
Then, the truly important work started. Rick began reaching out to well-placed people in his network who he hadn’t seen in years (all still first-degree connections), reigniting potentially powerful relationships for his search. Rick was constantly surprised by how these old relationships sprung back to life when he put himself out there. Rick also connected to high-influence second-degree connections, which felt like the biggest risk. Some did not respond, but most did. These two groups were the ones that truly cracked open Rick’s network. As he moved into a world of people closer to what he wanted to do – even if farther from him relationally – Rick began discovering real world opportunities that fit his goals perfectly.
I truly believe that your single most important action when making change is to look hard – really hard – at your network of colleagues, friends, acquaintances and even relatives. Your existing network is your best connection to almost any knowledge, interest area, company or organization that you want to explore.
Start exploring your web. It’s stronger than you think!