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What if you feel a strong urge to change course in midlife Join me, Matt Brooks, as I sit down with Sarah Hackenberg, who shares her extraordinary journey from a music major to a 20-year veteran in library science, and now a thriving entrepreneur. Sarah's story is one of adaptability and resilience, showcasing how skills honed as a school librarian can seamlessly transition into the world of entrepreneurship with her business, Grace in Cycles LLC.

Sarah's tale of transformation is a testament to the power of embracing change and the wisdom garnered from two decades in a challenging career. We explore how her ability to adapt to fluctuating school environments has equipped her with the confidence needed to tackle the entrepreneurial world. Moreover, we delve into the topic of ageism, discussing the vital role of experience and wisdom in society and how we can shift cultural perspectives to value these assets. Sarah's reflections offer an inspiring look at how our priorities and expertise evolve with age, encouraging listeners to pursue new endeavors with conviction.

As we wrap up our conversation, Sarah opens up about the emotional challenges of stepping into unfamiliar territories, particularly in midlife, and the strategies she uses to maintain focus and optimism. From navigating social media marketing to leveraging motivational resources, Sarah's story is filled with powerful strategies for overcoming doubt and embracing new paths. With compelling statistics on midlife entrepreneurship, we conclude with a celebration of the potential for success at any age, urging listeners to follow their passions beyond conventional career boundaries.

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Facing the grim prospect of being laid off after 50 can feel like a career death sentence. But it doesn't have to be that way? Join me, Matt Brooks, for this eye-opening episode of the Barrier Busting Podcast as we peel back the layers of ageism in the workplace. From my personal journey through the emotional and psychological impacts of job loss to hard-hitting statistics that reveal the widespread nature of age discrimination, this episode is a call to act against ageist stereotypes. Despite the Age Discrimination and Employment Act of 1967, ageism remains an insidious problem that's often hidden in plain sight. We'll expose how it shows up in jokes, microaggressions, and biased hiring and promotion practices, while also celebrating the invaluable contributions of older workers to entrepreneurship and innovation.

But the story doesn’t end there. We'll also navigate the rocky terrain of career pivots post-ageism, shedding light on the societal costs of sidelining experienced older adults. Discover how I found clarity by identifying what I no longer wanted in a career and re-imagining my ideal workday, and how I ultimately found a great pivot.

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Can you imagine reinventing your career and life successfully amidst ever-shifting job landscapes? Join me, Matt Brooks, on the Barrier Busting Podcast as we embark on a transformative journey dedicated to mastering the art of career and life pivoting. This episode sets the foundation for our new series, where we tackle the trials and triumphs of making significant life changes, whether driven by aspiration, necessity, or unforeseen circumstances. We break down the transition from the once stable career paths to the current dynamic gig economy, emphasizing the critical need to hone pivoting skills in today's market. You'll uncover the three primary motivations for pivoting and the essential role that clear purpose and unwavering commitment play in making a successful change.

Next, we dive into actionable strategies for navigating career transitions. Learn how to take inventory of your skills, strengths, and interests, and define your dream daily routine along with non-negotiables. We stress the importance of rigorous research, understanding the job market, and upskilling. Networking takes center stage as we discuss the importance of building new connections and leveraging various resources such as workshops and online content.