(Part of the “Designing Brilliant Careers for a 100-Year Life” series)

In a world where living to 100 is increasingly common, career changes are no longer rare detours—they’re expected milestones. Many people will transition between eight to ten careers over their lifetime, driven by evolving interests, shifting industries, and the pursuit of passion or purpose. The challenge isn’t avoiding career changes; it’s navigating them without losing momentum, confidence, or clarity.

The Age Brilliantly mindset reframes these transitions as opportunities. Every pivot is a chance to realign your work with your values, deepen your skills, and expand your contribution. But doing so requires strategy, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning.

Accept That Change Is the New Normal

Gone are the days when staying in one company for 40 years was the ultimate goal. Today’s dynamic economy and longer life expectancy mean career shifts are not failures—they’re natural progressions. Embracing this reality allows you to see transitions not as disruptions but as building blocks of a fulfilling life portfolio.

Prepare Before You Leap

Momentum in a career change comes from preparation, not speed. Before leaving a role or industry, take time to clarify what’s driving the shift. Are you leaving because of burnout, a desire for growth, or the pursuit of purpose? Understanding your “why” ensures your next move is intentional rather than reactive.

Practical steps include:

• Conducting self-assessments: Use tools like theAge Brilliantly Assessment Center to identify priorities.
• Networking ahead of time: Reconnect with contacts in fields of interest before you need a job.
• Upskilling strategically: Take courses on platforms likeLinkedIn Learning orCoursera to stay competitive.
• Securing financial cushions: Build savings to reduce stress during the transition phase.

Leverage Transferable Skills

Every career you’ve had adds value to the next. Leadership, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability are universal skills. Highlight these when exploring new opportunities—employers increasingly value diverse backgrounds, especially when paired with continuous learning.

Stay Connected to Your Purpose

During career transitions, it’s easy to focus solely on logistics—resumes, interviews, pay. But purpose provides the compass that keeps you grounded. Ask yourself: Does this new opportunity help me nurture one or more of my 8 Life Essentials—health, finances, relationships, passions, purpose, continuous learning, time mastery, or legacy? If it does, you’re likely on the right path.

Manage the Emotional Side of Change

Career shifts can trigger anxiety or imposter syndrome, especially later in life. Combat this by reframing your narrative: you’re not starting over, you’re building on decades of experience. Surround yourself with supportive mentors, peers, and intergenerational networks that validate and encourage your growth.

The Age Brilliantly Perspective

A 100-year life demands flexibility, curiosity, and courage. Each career change is a chance to refine not just what you do, but who you are becoming. By planning transitions thoughtfully, leveraging transferable skills, and staying connected to purpose, you transform uncertainty into momentum.

Where are you on your career journey? Are you navigating a pivot, or considering your next big leap? Join the conversation in the Age Brilliantly Forum and discover how others are embracing career transitions as a path to fulfillment.

If you missed earlier articles in this series, start with How to Fill Your Life With Great Careers and explore the full journey of designing careers for a 100-year life.