117. What Writing My First Book Taught Me About Mid-Career Change

In this episode of Mid-Career Change, I’m sharing what I learned from writing my first book—and how those lessons apply to making a career shift in midlife.

Since publishing Mid Career Change: A Guide for Hope, Clarity, and Action in January, I’ve been thrilled with the response. Sales have been steady, and I’ve had the opportunity to discuss the book as a guest on several other podcasts. But beyond the sales and conversations, the process of writing and publishing the book was a transformational journey in itself—one that mirrors the experience of changing careers in so many ways.

Writing a book, much like a career change, requires:

• Making a clear decision to start, even when self-doubt creeps in.
• Having a plan but staying flexible when things don’t go as expected.
• Overcoming resistance, including moments of lost motivation and imposter syndrome.
• Asking for help—whether from beta readers, mentors, or people who’ve been through it before.
• Putting yourself ‘out there’ in a way that can feel vulnerable but is ultimately rewarding.

I share the highs and lows of the writing process—from feeling inspired while writing in the Spanish sun to battling self-doubt when motivation waned. I also talk about how seeking feedback made the book stronger and why taking small, consistent steps was the key to getting it done—just as it is when making a career transition.

If this episode resonates with you, check out my book Mid Career Change: A Guide for Hope, Clarity, and Action on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com. It’s filled with practical insights, real-life stories, and exercises to help you navigate career change with confidence.

I hope this episode gives you encouragement, whether you’re thinking about a career shift or working on a big goal of your own. Enjoy the episode, and let me know what you think!

Thanks for listening!

 If you need support with your career:
call me on 07833 593875
email mark@bravocoaching.co.uk
visit www.bravocoaching.co.uk