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Today, I am talking with Kate Schaefersi. She is the founder of The Midlife Academy and a nationally-recognized voice on purpose, learning and reinvention after people turn 50.
Kate works with people who reach midlife and realize the old models of career, retirement and success no longer fit.
Through The Midlife Academy, she helps people slow down, reflect and reconnect with what matters most, then design the next chapter of their lives so it aligns with how they want to live.
In our conversation, Kate shares some insights about why so many people feel restless after turning 50 and why that feeling is not a crisis, but an invitation. Here are a few things you will hear in this episode:
- First, why the traditional three boxes of life – the learning years, earning years and retirement years – no longer work for most people, and how longer lives are reshaping what comes next.
- Second, how purpose in midlife does not have to be one big overwhelming mission and why small, everyday purpose can be just as meaningful as big life goals.
- Third, why curiosity, community and trying small experiments are often the best ways to move forward when you feel stuck or uncertain.
- Finally, how learning communities and intergenerational connections can help people rediscover energy,
What really stands out to me about Kate’s story is how deeply she believes midlife is not about winding down, but more about waking up.
After turning 50, Kate found meaning and purpose in helping others to navigate what she calls the messy middle of life. That’s the space between who we were and who we are becoming.
She sees this stage as a gift of time, wisdom and possibility, not something to fear or rush through.
Through The Midlife Academy, Kate creates spaces where people can reflect, connect and explore what matters most to them now. She reminds us that purpose evolves, identity can be reshaped, and it is never too late to learn, to try something new or to build community around shared values.
If you would like to learn more about Kate’s work, her courses or The Midlife Academy podcast, visit www.midlife.umn.edu. You can also connect with Kate on LinkedIn.
That’s all for this week’s show. If you’d like to start living a more meaningful life, I encourage you to download our free guide to finding purpose, which is available at www.forwardfrom50.com.
I’ll have another inspirational interview on the next episode of the Forward From 50 podcast. Thanks for listening. If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with someone who may be wondering what comes next after 50.
