A gentle, practical plan to find clarity, rebuild confidence, and take your next step.

There’s a particular kind of tired that shows up in midlife.

Not “I need a nap” tired.
More like… “I can’t keep pretending this is fine” tired.

You might still be showing up, doing the job, meeting the expectations — but inside you’re asking questions you didn’t have the courage (or space) to ask in your thirties:

• Is this still right for me?

• Why do I feel so flat?

• Am I meant to stay… or am I allowed to change?

If faith is part of your world, you might call this discernment. If faith isn’t part of your world, you may simply call it waking up.

Either way, it matters.

Let’s clear something up: calling isn’t a cage

Some women have been taught that calling means:

• one job forever

• endless sacrifice

• “put up and shut up”

• guilt any time you want something different

No, love. That’s not calling. That’s burnout with a halo taped to it.

Calling can be a direction. A season. A way you serve. A way you live your values. And sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is admit: this role no longer fits who I’m becoming.

Signs you might be outgrowing your role (without being ungrateful)

You might be outgrowing it if:

• you feel dread on Sunday afternoons (more often than not)

• your body is waving red flags (sleep, anxiety, tension, fatigue)

• you’re constantly “recovering” from work instead of living your life

• you’re bored, but also exhausted (a brutal combo)

• your values and the workplace culture are clashing

• you keep thinking, “There has to be more than this.”

Outgrowing doesn’t mean you failed. It means you evolved.

The Midlife Faith-at-Work Reset: a gentle 4-step process

Step 1: Listen (without judging yourself)

Before you make big decisions, make space.

Try this for one week:

• 10 minutes of quiet each day

• a notebook

• one question: What am I really feeling about work?

Write without editing. You’re not trying to be “nice”. You’re trying to be honest.

If you pray, you might ask:

• “Show me what I’m missing.”

• “Give me wisdom for my next step.”

If you don’t, simply:

• breathe

• write

• tell the truth on paper

Step 2: Sort (what’s the real problem?)

Sometimes we think the problem is the job… but it’s actually:

• lack of boundaries

• unrealistic workload

• toxic leadership

• unresolved conflict

• menopause symptoms colliding with high stress

• grief, life changes, or caregiving pressure

• “I’m carrying too much at home and at work”

Ask:

• What part is fixable here?

• What part is simply not aligned anymore?

This step alone can bring relief because it stops the spiral.

Step 3: Test (small experiments before big leaps)

Midlife is not the time to blow up your life out of pure panic. (Ask me how I know… kidding. Sort of.)

Instead, test.

Here are “small experiments”:

• request one boundary change (hours, workload, meeting load)

• take a skills course (one you enjoy, not one you should enjoy)

• have one coffee chat with someone in a different role

• update your CV and LinkedIn quietly (no drama)

• volunteer for a project that feels meaningful

• explore part-time, consulting, or a phased change if possible

You’re gathering data, not making a dramatic announcement.

Step 4: Move (a 90-day plan that doesn’t wreck your nervous system)

Here’s a gentle, practical 90-day reset.

Days 1–30: Stabilise

• fix sleep where you can

• book the check-ups you’ve been avoiding

• reduce “after hours” work (even by 10%)

• start a simple morning anchor (2 minutes)

• talk to a trusted friend/mentor/coach

Goal: get your brain out of survival mode.

Days 31–60: Clarify

• list your top 5 values (no, not 25 — five)

• write what you want more of: meaning, flexibility, creativity, stability, people, solitude

• identify your strengths (the ones you actually use, not the ones on paper)

• note what drains you vs energises you

Goal: get clear about your “non-negotiables” for the next season.

Days 61–90: Act

Choose one path:

• Renegotiate where you are (new boundaries, different scope, role tweak)

• Shift within your field (same skills, better environment)

• Pivot (new direction, phased and practical)

Then take 3 concrete actions:

1. one conversation

2. one application / enquiry

3. one skill-building step

Goal: momentum without meltdown.

What if I’m scared to change?

Oh sweetheart, of course you are.

Midlife change carries real considerations:

• finances

• family responsibilities

• confidence

• ageism (yep, it exists)

• “Will I be good at something new?”

Courage isn’t the absence of fear. Courage is choosing a next step while fear sits in the passenger seat complaining.

If faith is part of your world, you may find comfort in praying for:

• wisdom

• peace

• open doors

• the ability to release what isn’t yours anymore

And if faith isn’t your thing, you can still practise:

• honest reflection

• supportive community

• wise planning

• self-trust

A midlife truth that will set you free

You don’t need permission to want a different life.

You don’t need to stay stuck to prove you’re loyal.

You don’t need to sacrifice your health to prove you’re strong.

You are allowed to choose work that supports your life — not work that consumes it.

Your next step can be gentle… and still be brave

If you’re asking, “Is this still my calling?” you’re not behind. You’re becoming.

Start with one small experiment this week.

And if you’d like more steady midlife support (faith-friendly, practical, and warm), come read another WYRLORA post, join the WYRLORA Circle, or subscribe to the WL Message.

Until we chat again,

Blessing & hugs to you my dear friend,

Dianne xx