By Natalie Abou-Alwan, author of How to Navigate Your Career Like a Legend (Brown Dog Books, 2025)

There’s a moment in many people’s working lives — often somewhere after 50 — when we pause and think: Am I still enjoying this?For some, the answer is a firm yes. For others, the spark has dimmed, or circumstances have forced a rethink. Redundancy, burnout, or changing priorities can all make us question what’s next.

After 25 years working in law, leadership and mentoring, I’ve seen just how common these crossroads are. The good news? They’re also where reinvention begins.

Rethinking Setbacks

If you’ve faced redundancy, burnout or simply feeling stuck, the key is mindset. It’s natural (and healthy) to feel angry, frustrated or shocked when plans change. The mistake is bottling it up.
Give those emotions space, but don’t let them take root. When the dust settles, ask yourself: What is this trying to tell me? Often, it means you’ve learned all you can at your current level and you’re ready for a new challenge.

Use your network to explore what others are doing, what interests you, and where you might add value. That curiosity, that growth mindset, helps you take back control and move forward with energy and intention.

Learning from Difference

As an Anglo-Arab woman who has lived and worked between cultures, I’ve learned the importance of empathy and perspective. Emotional intelligence — understanding what motivates others — is a powerful career tool at any age.

We’re often told not to take things personally, but that’s easier said than done. If you ever feel overlooked or dismissed, remember that office “games” are rarely about you. The trick is to focus on what you can control: your reactions, your professionalism and your boundaries. When you master that, you regain your power.

Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing

Midlife can bring competing demands: work, family, health, caring responsibilities. The secret to avoiding burnout is knowing what your priorities are right now.

Ask yourself: what truly matters over the next year?

What will I look back on and be proud of: being endlessly available, or being present where it counted most?It’s okay for those priorities to shift. You can’t do everything all the time, but you can do the things that truly align with your values.

The Power of Mentorship

In every strong career, there’s a network of people quietly helping behind the scenes. Mentors, sponsors, peers: they each play a part in your professional journey.

I think of mentors as my personal boardroom. Each brings different experience and insight. And just as valuable is reverse mentoring; when senior professionals listen to those starting out, gaining fresh perspective on how workplaces really feel to the next generation.

Mentoring isn’t about showing someone how great you are! It’s about helping them realise how great they can be. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of any career.

Building Networks That Last

It’s never too late (or too early) to build meaningful professional relationships. Many of today’s executives still rely on connections they made decades ago. Those bonds are built on mutual respect and trust, not job titles.

Reach out, reconnect, offer help.

Join industry groups, volunteer your expertise, or simply have coffee with an old colleague. You’ll be surprised how often those small gestures lead to big opportunities.

The Legendary Takeaway

A “legendary career” isn’t about status or title. It’s about resilience, kindness and authenticity: showing up as yourself, even when the world around you changes.

Whether you’re mentoring others, reinventing yourself, or simply redefining success, please remember: you’re still the author of your story. And there’s always another chapter waiting to be written.

About the Author
Natalie Abou-Alwan is a lawyer, mentor and leadership specialist. Her debut book, How to Navigate Your Career Like a Legend, offers practical insights and inspiration for professionals at every stage. Follow her on Instagram @natalieaboualwanauthor.