Three anecdotes of midlife and mid-career reflection.
It's not uncommon to witness mid-career professionals (often deeply entrenched in their fields) pivot to entirely different paths within a few months. We sometimes applaud their emotional decision-making or admire their courage to reinvent themselves, but more often, we privately question their choices, dismissing them as merely a passing phase.
This skepticism is particularly prevalent in fields like science, physics, classical music, chess, and language acquisition. We might think, "If it was 10, 20, or even a few years back, I could have explored that topic or pursued that career." But now, with family, a demanding job, and a social life, I can't imagine committing to something as intensely as I could have in my youth." This mindset reflects the underlying belief that certain fields offer limited opportunities for advancement if we haven't acquired all the necessary skills early in life. Whether valid or not, this belief may have deterred some individuals from pursuing their dreams or exploring their passions later in life.
Three Narratives, One Theme
Three stories have inspired this piece. The first is from the film "Queen to Play," where the protagonist Hélène, a housekeeper and devoted wife and mother, finds herself lacking passion in her life. Upon witnessing a couple playing chess, she becomes captivated by the game and resolves to master it herself. With the guidance of one of her clients, she eventually becomes proficient in chess and wins local competitions against younger, highly skilled players with a track record of success.
The second story is about a middle-aged community college graduate who, in his own unassuming way, held various odd jobs for years. Starting as a backyard stargazer with only a telescope and an associate degree, his passion for astronomy led him to become a lifelong learner in the field. He supplemented his limited formal education with evening courses in calculus, algebra, and theoretical physics while juggling multiple jobs. Additionally, he initiated several self-directed projects and engaged with observatories, planetariums, and university laboratories to share his observations, calculations, and analyses. Eventually, he caught the attention of the astronomy department at a university where he was offered a position. The rest, as they say, is history. He has since been invited to speak at planetarium events to inspire aspiring astrophysicists from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams despite practical challenges and missed opportunities.
Personal Journey
The third story comes from my interview with Tamar Sagiv, a professional cellist trained at prestigious music institutions in the U.S. and Israel. Sagiv mentions, "I began playing the cello when I was 8, in a musical household with a professional musician mom, but it wasn't until my teenage years that I truly fell in love with the instrument." While some may consider this young, in classical music, embarking on a serious pursuit is often seen as relatively late. However, I believe that dedication and passion outweigh age in the creative realm." Sagiv began composing during the early stages of the pandemic, initially using it as a personal outlet for her frustrations, sadness, and existential anxieties in an extreme situation. Today, she is compiling a collection of music centered around themes of sorrow and loss, set to be released soon. "The act of creating saved me. I felt like I rediscovered myself," Sagiv shares. "I composed all the music on this album during a period of grieving, and creating this music was my most authentic form of expression."
Conclusion
The three stories shared here converge on a common theme: Artists, scientists, and everyday individuals may feel a magnetic pull towards a pursuit later in life. When they heed the call of their hearts, the noise from societal expectations or cultural norms fades into the background. Eventually, the world begins to appreciate their unique visions. Will you embrace your dream wholeheartedly, even when the odds of success may seem slim?