Career Reinvention After 50: How to Pivot with Confidence – Featuring HR Expert Mindy East

By: The No Expiration Date Podcast

Have you ever looked around and thought, “There’s got to be more than this”? Whether you’ve been in the same job for decades, took time off to raise a family, or are just craving a fresh start, this episode of No Expiration Date is for you. We sat down with HR consultant and career coach Mindy East, founder of LimeRock Career Co., who dropped gem after gem for women ready to rewrite their career story—especially after 50.

Here’s what we learned, and why it’s never too late to shake things up.

💼 Why Mindy Walked Away from Corporate Life

After 25+ years in corporate HR, Mindy was tired of the red tape and ready to make a bigger impact. She launched her own company to do what she loves most: help businesses build better leaders and help people (especially women) rediscover their career confidence. And she gets it—she's also a wife to a retired Marine and mom to two amazing sons with autism. Flexibility matters.

🔁 Feeling Stuck? Start Here

So many midlife women feel stuck, unsure of what they could possibly offer in today’s job market. But Mindy says: you’ve got more than you think.
Start by identifying your transferable skills—the things you’ve learned in any role, whether you were a teacher, volunteer, caregiver, or PTA president.

“Job search skills are life skills,” Mindy reminded us. “They affect mental health, self-worth, and financial stability.”

✨ Confidence Is a Muscle—Flex It

When you haven’t worked in a while, imposter syndrome creeps in. Mindy’s advice? Reflect on your old performance reviews, think about what your coworkers would say about you, and don’t be afraid to give yourself a pep talk.

And if you're still feeling stuck, use AI tools like ChatGPT to help uncover hidden skills. Yup, she said it—ask ChatGPT to interview you about the last 10 years. You might surprise yourself!

💡 Hot Tip: Don’t Overlook Everyday Skills

Taking care of aging parents, managing household finances, running a small side hustle, or leading your neighborhood HOA—these are all relevant experiences. They show leadership, organization, communication, and problem-solving. That stuff matters.

👩‍💻 In-Demand Skills Right Now

Here’s what employers really want:

• Adaptability – Show you can pivot and learn.

• Agile Learning – Keep your skills fresh with platforms like Udemy or even YouTube.

• Communication – Clear, confident communication is a must.

And yes, AI counts as a skill. Add it to your resume if you’re using tools to streamline your job search or daily tasks.

📝 Resumes, Cover Letters, and the Age Gap

Career gaps? Own them.
Mindy recommends adding a simple, honest line to acknowledge your time away—and highlighting what you did during that time.

She also warns against age giveaways:

• Leave graduation years off your resume.

• Don’t list experience from over 20 years ago.

• Keep your resume to two pages max.

“They only look at your resume for five to seven seconds,” Mindy said. “Make it glanceable. Make it count.”

And yes, still include a cover letter. Even if it says optional. Always.

🎯 Interviews Are a Two-Way Street

Whether it’s Zoom or in person, preparation is everything.
Practice tech setups. Research the company. Use AI to generate possible interview questions. And have your stories ready—yes, including ones from life outside the office. You’re building your personal brand, not just listing qualifications.

And please, no “beach background” or barking dogs in your Zoom. Keep it professional!

🧠 Mindset Matters: Know Your Why

Before jumping into a career pivot, ask yourself:

• Why do I want this?

• What will it do for my quality of life?

• What do I want to contribute?

Whether it’s financial independence, adult interaction, or personal fulfillment, your “why” keeps you going when fear shows up.

🛑 Career Myths to Let Go

❌ "My degree doesn’t match anymore."
❌ "I’ve been out of the workforce too long."
❌ "I’m too old to start over."

Truth bomb: You bring decades of experience and perspective that no one else has. Don’t let outdated narratives keep you from the opportunities you deserve.

🔥 Final Advice from Mindy

“The key to getting hired in 2025? Be known. Build your LinkedIn. Make connections. Let people know what you’re looking for.”

It’s not about sending 100 online applications and hoping for the best. It’s about networking, visibility, and confidently telling your story.

👋 Ready to Reinvent?

Mindy left the corporate world at 52 and never looked back. Whether you’re rewriting your resume, dreaming about a pivot, or just wondering if you still have “it”—you do. You absolutely do.

🔗 Connect with Mindy East at limerockcareerco.com
📥 Grab her AI for Job Seekers Guide (we’ll link it in the show notes!)
💬 Follow her on LinkedIn: Mindy East

Remember: There is no expiration date on your dreams, your goals, or your next big move.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here
💌 Subscribe to The No Expiration Date Podcast for more real talk, reinvention tips, and midlife magic.