What if I Told You One Simple Decision Could Cost You Thousands?

The Hidden Financial Impact of Menopause

As a woman approaching or experiencing the menopause transition, you might be focused on managing your physical symptoms. But have you considered how this transition could affect your finances?

Now, I don’t focus directly on menopause symptoms, but rather how those symptoms impact you financially and mentally. It’s all connected! If you’ve ever felt that the hormonal rollercoaster has caused you to step back from your career, you’re not alone, and that decision can have lasting financial consequences.

The Financial Impact of Menopause

We know 51% of the population will go through menopause at some point. Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause when hormonal fluctuations begin. This "hormonal shit show," as I like to call it, can wreak havoc on your body and mind, making work particularly challenging for many women.

• Perimenopause: Is the time when your hormones go haywire, and this is when many women start facing difficulties at work. Nearly 40% of women will either change or quit their careers during perimenopause due to how they feel physically and emotionally. This is where that big financial mistake begins.

Leaving or reducing work hours due to menopause can affect your financial security in more ways than one. Missed income, fewer retirement contributions, and lost career opportunities add up.

The Ripple Effect on Your Career

The symptoms of perimenopause—brain fog, fatigue, mood swings—can affect your job performance and confidence. You might find yourself:

1. Struggling to concentrate during important meetings

2. Feeling overwhelmed by tasks you once handled with ease

3. Battling fatigue that impacts your productivity

These challenges can lead to difficult decisions about your career path.

Once you hit midlife, there’s often a shift in your responsibilities too. You might find yourself juggling more—whether it’s grandchildren needing care or ageing relatives needing support. Combine that with the hormonal “shit show,” and it's easy to see why so many women feel burnt out and unable to continue in their demanding careers.

The Cost of Living Crisis: Adding Fuel to the Fire

We're living in challenging economic times. The cost of living crisis affects us all, but it can be particularly daunting for women navigating menopause and possible career changes. Rising costs for essentials like food and energy make financial decisions even more critical.

The Fast-Paced Economy

Our modern, instant-gratification economy doesn't help matters. The pressure to keep up can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with menopause symptoms that might slow you down.

Navigating Your Options: It's Not Too Late

Is It Time to Reassess Your Career?

Despite these challenges, it's crucial to remember that you have options. Here are some strategies to consider:

Open a Dialogue with Your Employer
Don't suffer in silence. Talk to your employer about:

- Potential accommodations for your symptoms

- Flexible working arrangements

- Career development opportunities

Remember, your experience and skills are valuable. Don't let anyone—including yourself—tell you otherwise.

Reassess Your Career Path

Now might be the perfect time to reassess your career goals. Ask yourself:

- Are you still passionate about your current role?

- Is there a different position that might better suit your changing needs?

- Could this be an opportunity to pursue a long-held dream?

Explore Alternative Work Arrangements

If traditional 9-to-5 work is becoming too challenging, consider:

- Part-time positions

- Freelance or consulting work

- Remote work opportunities

Invest in Yourself

Learning new skills or updating existing ones can open up new opportunities. Consider:

- Online courses

- Professional development workshops

- Certifications in your field

The Evolution of Career Paths

Gone are the days when you were expected to stay in the same career your entire life. Back in school, some of us were taught that you pick a job, stick with it, and retire. Luckily for me this was not instilled, I was told that so long as you have the grounding you can go anywhere.

The menopause transition can be a time to explore new options. Whether it’s pivoting to a new industry, starting a side hustle, or finding a role that better suits your current abilities, there are opportunities. You don’t have to stay stuck in a position that no longer serves you.

Embracing Change: You're Never Too Old

It's a myth that you're never too old to make a change or learn something new. Your years of experience are an asset, not a liability. Embrace the opportunity to reinvent yourself and your career.

The Power of Personal Choices

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned, and that I want to share with you, is that life is full of choices. If you feel that you can’t physically or mentally keep up with your current work, you have options.

• Remote work: There are many opportunities to work from home now, whether full-time or part-time.

• Online businesses: If you’re considering a career shift, there are plenty of ways to earn money online, some easier for you than others, but the key is to find what works for you.

• Up-skilling: Don’t let anyone tell you you’re too old to learn something new! Whether it’s digital marketing, coaching, or another field that interests you, there are endless resources to help you upskill and stay relevant.

The bottom line is that doing the same thing and expecting a different result tomorrow isn’t going to work. If life isn’t giving you what you want, it’s time to make a change.

Looking to the Future: Post-Menopause and Beyond

While we often focus on the challenges of perimenopause, it's important to remember that there's life after menopause. Post-menopause brings its own set of considerations, but many women find it to be a time of renewed energy and focus.

Don’t Let Menopause Define Your Future

Menopause is a hormonal “shit show,” as I like to call it, but it doesn’t define your life or your future. Even in post-menopause, you may still experience some symptoms, but it’s about learning to live with those changes and making choices that align with your well-being—both mentally and financially.

If you’ve been struggling with whether to stay in your job or pivot to something new, reach out. Drop a message, and let’s talk about how we can get you into a better place financially and emotionally for your future.

Key Takeaways

To wrap things up, here are a few key takeaways to help you avoid the $100K mistake:

1. Assess your current career situation: Before making any drastic decisions, talk to your employer about flexible options that could help you balance work and menopause.

2. Don’t let menopause stop your growth: Your skills, experience, and knowledge are still valuable. Find ways to leverage them, whether through mentorship, a new role, or even an online business.

3. Plan for your financial future: Quitting the workforce may seem like a short-term solution, but it could have long-term impacts on your financial health. Make sure you’ve got a plan in place for retirement and healthcare.

Remember, menopause might feel like the end of your energy and drive, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your financial independence or career. You have choices—let’s make sure they work for you.

Continuation of Your Menopause Success Journey:

So there you have it—hot flashes, cold cash, and everything in between. If you want to dive deeper into these topics, join me in my Facebook group Menopause Midlife and all the ****. We’re a supportive community of women going through the same thing, and we’re here to help each other through it.The menopause journey is a continuum. From perimenopause and on through into postmenopause, having people who understand and support you is essential. It's not the end of your life's journey; it's a phase, and having the right community can make all the difference.

I make it my mission to support women with their transition along the menopause journey and to signpost to the best financial opportunities for their circumstances. To talk further please use this link to book a call and discuss further support.

If you would like to join a supportive community, please drop me a line here. I love hearing from midlife women going through the menopausal transition.

Pssst, you can also check out my Menopause Midlife and all the ****. It includes monthly strategies and a community of women at the same life stage as you.

Click here to get your Life Reimagined to make every day just that little bit easier.