Summer is a season of sunshine, family barbecues, and - if you’re like many executive women in the sandwich generation – maybe a rare chance to pause and reflect. Between managing high-powered careers, supporting aging parents, and raising children, it’s easy to let your own professional satisfaction take a back seat.
But as you spend time with family this summer and maybe even have some downtime for yourself, you might find yourself thinking about these questions: Am I truly fulfilled in my career? Is it time for a change?
The Power of the Summer Pause
Unlike the relentless pace of year-end or the goal-setting frenzy of January, summer offers a unique window for introspection. The slower rhythm invites us to step back and consider not just where we are, but where we want to go. For executive women juggling multiple responsibilities, this pause can be both a relief and a revelation.
As you reflect, consider these questions:
- Do you feel energized or drained by your work?
- Are you growing, or simply going through the motions?
- Does your career align with your current values and family needs?
- Are you making the impact you want - at work and at home?
If your answers leave you uneasy, you’re not alone. Many women in the sandwich generation reach a crossroads, realizing that what worked in their 30s may not fit their 40s or 50s. In fact, one-third of professionals aged 45-54, with women leading the trend, anticipate making a significant career change before retirement, according to Phoenix Insights research.
But that doesn’t mean you can just make a quick change, like you might have in your 20s and 30s, without truly understanding what’s at stake. Here’s where financial planning becomes your best ally:
- Assess Your Financial Readiness: Review your savings, investments, and cash flow. Could you weather a temporary reduction in income if you made a change?
- Explore Flexible Options: Is there a way to transition gradually - consulting, part-time work, or a sabbatical - while maintaining financial stability?
- Plan for the Unexpected: As a member of the sandwich generation, you’re likely supporting both kids and parents. Look at your emergency fund to make sure it can support the change you want to make.
Crafting a Career That Fits Your Life
A career shift doesn’t always require a dramatic leap; sometimes, it’s about realigning your current role to better suit your life stage. This could mean negotiating for flexibility, such as remote work, flexible hours, or job sharing, all of which can make a significant difference in balancing your professional and personal responsibilities. Investing in upskilling or reskilling can open doors to new roles that genuinely excite you and keep you engaged. It’s also important to seek opportunities that align with your passions and values, whether that means finding greater purpose within your current organization or exploring possibilities somewhere else.
Remember, you’re not just making this decision for yourself; you’re modeling resilience and intentionality for your family. Reach out to mentors, career coaches, and financial advisors who understand the unique challenges of executive women who are balancing supporting kids and aging parents.
Give Yourself Permission
Summer is a perfect time to re-evaluate where you are professionally. Give yourself permission to dream, to plan, and to act. Your career should support the life you want, not the other way around.
Still unsure if it’s time to make a change?
CLICK HERE to access our Career Change Self-Assessment Checklist.
If you’re ready to explore your options, we’re here to help. We’ll take a look at where you are now and take the time to understand where you want to go. Making educated decisions about major life transitions is a lot easier when you have all the information. CLICK HERE to make an appointment.