I Started Over At 47 & It Changed Everything – Here’s How You Can Do The Same

Ever felt like life is moving but you’re not? 

At 47, I walked away from my career as a doctor. The title, the stability, the life I’d spent decades building all suddenly gone.

Most people thought I’d lost it. Some days, I did, too.

But now, looking back, I realize what I’ve gained from taking that scary leap: Freedom, fulfillment, and a life that finally feels like mine.

I now work from home, earn more than I did in medicine, and get to show up for the moments that matter most.

I’m not telling you this to brag but to help you realize that you, too, can start over, no matter your age.

In this article, I’m sharing the simple 3-step process I followed to start over, as well as three surprising things I learned throughout the process.

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The Truth About Starting Over

According to the psychological concept of ‘The U-curve of happiness, ‘ life satisfaction dips in your 40s and early 50s before rising again.

During this dip, you might notice:

• A restlessness you can’t explain
• Daydreams of a different life
• A quiet voice asking, “Is this really it?”

For me, it started as a discomfort I couldn’t ignore. The more I pushed it down, the more misaligned I felt.

But acting on this discomfort and deciding to start over in midlife isn’t reckless; it’s brave and inspiring.

Pivoting your career later in life shows you’re finally listening to that truth you’ve been ignoring for years.

What Holds Most People Back

Sadly, many people silence their inner truth with disempowering stories like:

“I’m too old to start over.”

or

“I’ve invested too much time in my current career to throw it away now.”

But the evidence tells a different story.

A survey by the American Institute for Economic Research found that 82% of people who changed careers after 45 not only made a successful transition—but many even reached new personal and financial goals.

So no, it’s not too late. And you’re not wasting anything by choosing to follow your heart.

How To Actually Start Over

Starting over doesn’t involve waking up one morning with the sudden realization that you have to make a change and then dramatically handing your resignation in at work that same day. 

Instead, reinvention is a series of small steps. 

You don’t have to quit your job until you have something concrete and sustainable to fall back on. To get to that point, you first need to move through the following phases:

Phase 1: Pause & Listen

Before anything can change on the outside, you have to reconnect with your inner voice.

That starts by creating space. Every day, find some stillness by journaling, walking in nature, or simply sitting without your phone – whatever works for you.

Then, use this stillness to explore the big questions, like:

• What do I want more of?
• What have I outgrown?
• What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?

Don’t worry about trying to come up with a game plan yet. This phase isn’t about taking action but tuning out the noise so you can finally hear yourself again.

Phase 2: Experiment & Explore

Once you can hear your soul speaking to you and have an idea of what a life reinvented could look like for you, it’s time to explore those ideas.

This doesn’t have to be any big risk or official decision. It can be something experimental yet safe, like: 

• Signing up for a course that excites you
• Starting a side project, even if no one sees it
• Volunteering for something that feels aligned
• Learning more about the career path you secretly dream about

This phase is key because the more you explore, the more clarity you will gain and the more direction you will find. And eventually, you’ll be ready for the next phase…

Phase 3: Commit & Reshape

This is where things get real. You’re not just exploring anymore—you’re building something new.

That means:

• Shifting your schedule to make space
• Saying no to what no longer fits
• Creating routines and boundaries that support your future—not your past

In this stage, you begin to own that new identity you’ve been gradually building.

However, you don’t just adopt that identity in private, as you did in phase two. No, in phase 3, you own the new version of you publicly and confidently.

You don’t need to wait for the ‘perfect’ moment. Nor do you have to ask for permission. Instead, give yourself authority.

It’s not an easy shift to make, I know. That’s why I’m not going to leave you there. Instead, I’m sharing three truths that will help you stop stalling and start evolving!

Truth 1: You’re Not Starting Over from Scratch, You’re Starting from Experience

Pivoting midlife can feel like you’re back at zero, but I promise you, you’re not.

You’re not starting from scratch again. You’re bringing EVERY skill, lesson, and insight with you.

When I left medicine, I didn’t throw away 20 years of experience. I brought it with me, and that experience helped me coach, teach, create, and lead in a new way.

So remember, your past wasn’t a detour; it was training.

Truth 2: Freedom Looks Different Than You Think

When I pivoted from an MD to a wellness coach, I thought I was just changing careers. But I ended up redesigning my entire life.

I now work from home, walk my kids to school, eat lunch in my kitchen, and spend part of the year in Europe—things I was never able to do as a medical doctor.

Changing my career gave me so much more than job satisfaction. It freed up my time while increasing my income.

None of this was on the original plan. But it all became possible when I stopped forcing what wasn’t working and followed what felt true.

Truth 3: Identity Is Flexible, And That’s a Gift

The biggest shift, though, wasn’t external; it was internal.

Pivoting careers forced me to let go of who I thought I had to be and give myself permission to become someone new.

Your old career will always be an essential part of your past, but it doesn’t have to remain part of your identity. 

You’re allowed to outgrow your old story, and you’re allowed to evolve.

Final Thoughts

If this resonated with you, I dive even deeper into these ideas in the latest YouTube episode.

I discuss the genuine fears that accompany mid-career reinvention, how to navigate them, and practical steps to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Watch the full video here:

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And if you’ve been feeling stuck, restless, or like you’re meant for something more, I invite you to join my free 5-day challenge. 

During ‘The Reset Challenge,’ you’ll receive a daily email from me with a single prompt or shift designed to help you reset your energy, focus, and direction. Plus, I’ll share a printable tracker and a few bonus tools that I usually reserve for paid students.

Here’s where you can join me for The Reset.

More Resources:

• My Free Self-Care Checklist: Transform Your Daily Routine With Simple Self-Care Habits
• My Free Class for Health Coaches: How To Build A 6-Figure Health Coaching Business Using One Signature Program
• Dr. Kim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkimfoster/
• My Goal-Setting Planner – The WellPlanned Method™

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