“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis

Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or 70s, you might find yourself wondering: Is this really what I want to be doing? Maybe your job pays the bills but doesn’t feed your soul. Or perhaps you’ve accomplished your goals, but feel ready for something new—something that matters more. The good news? It’s never too late to pivot toward purpose.

Many people assume career reinvention is only for the young. But research proves otherwise. According to anEncore.org study, over 25 million Americans aged 50 and up are pursuing encore careers—roles that offer meaning, contribution, and fulfillment. You don’t need to start from scratch to find joy in your work; you just need to align what you do with who you are now.

So how do you find meaning at work—whether you stay where you are or take a leap into something new?

1. Start by Reconnecting With What Lights You Up

Purpose doesn’t always arrive as a lightning bolt. Sometimes it’s quiet—hidden in what brings you joy, ease, or curiosity.

Action Step: Ask yourself, When do I feel most energized at work? What parts of my day feel meaningful, even if they’re small? Tools likeThe Purpose Challenge or journaling prompts fromGreater Good Science Center can help you explore your values and motivations.

2. Redesign Your Role (Yes, Even Without Changing Jobs)

Before switching careers, consider whether you can job craft—a process of shaping your current job to align better with your interests and strengths. Astudy published in Harvard Business Review found that employees who personalize their roles report higher satisfaction and engagement.

Try this: Can you mentor others? Take on a project aligned with a cause you care about? Suggest a way to make a positive impact in your team or community?

3. Consider a Purpose-Driven Pivot

If you’re feeling pulled in a new direction entirely, listen to that instinct. Pivoting doesn’t mean abandoning everything you’ve built—it means applying your experience to something that aligns with your values.

Tool: UsePathwayU orMyNextMove.org to explore careers that match your purpose, personality, and skill set. Many people find fulfillment in sectors like education, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, or entrepreneurship later in life.

4. Learn Something New to Spark New Possibilities

Lifelong learning isn’t just a luxury—it’s a pathway to staying mentally and emotionally alive. Whether it’s a certification, a new skill, or simply exploring a hobby, learning can reignite your sense of momentum.

Resources to explore:

• Coursera – Offers free and low-cost university-level courses
• MasterClass – Learn from industry leaders in creativity, leadership, and more
• Encore.org – Connects older adults with new career and volunteer opportunities in social impact

5. Find a Mentor—or Be One

Mentorship can deepen your sense of meaning at work, whether you’re the mentor or the mentee. Sharing your knowledge helps others grow—and it reminds you of how far you’ve come.

App to try:Ten Thousand Coffees connects people across industries for meaningful mentorship conversations. You can also explore local organizations or alumni networks.

6. Define Success On Your Own Terms

Success in your 20s may have meant status or income. But success at 50, 60, or beyond might look more like balance, creativity, impact, or freedom. Don’t let outdated ideas keep you in a role that doesn’t serve who you are today.

Ask yourself: What does success look like to the future version of me? How do I want to feel when I reflect on my career 10 years from now?

Quote to remember: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” — George Eliot

7. Take Small Steps Toward the Work You Love

You don’t need to quit your job tomorrow to start moving toward more meaningful work. Start a passion project on the side. Volunteer. Take a class. Have one conversation with someone doing what you’d love to try. Meaning doesn’t appear all at once—it unfolds as you follow the clues.

Tools to explore:

• Catchafire – Volunteer your professional skills to nonprofits
• LinkedIn Learning – Quick skill-building courses to support a pivot
• FutureMe – Write a letter to your future self imagining your purpose-driven path

Meaning Isn’t a Destination—It’s a Practice

Finding meaning at work isn’t reserved for a lucky few. It’s a process of tuning in, taking ownership, and stepping into who you’re becoming. Whether you’re ready to pivot or just ready to feel more present and alive at work, the journey starts with one question: What would bring me more purpose right now?

So, if you could design your ideal day at work—no limits—what would it look like? How can you take one step toward that vision today?

Join the conversation and share your insights in theforum.