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At Brave Starts, we love celebrating the journeys of our members who have made bold, thoughtful changes in midlife. Rob’s story is one that captures the essence of what we’re all about — rethinking what’s possible after a long and successful career, and finding renewed purpose through change.
🎥 Watch Rob’s story on YouTube: From Financial Services to Psychotherapy | Brave Starts Member Story
A Successful Career — and a Turning Point
After nearly 40 years in technology and financial services — including senior roles at Standard & Poor’s, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, and the London Stock Exchange — Rob had built a stable, successful career.
But approaching 60, he began to question what he wanted next. “Things were going well,” he recalls. “I had flexible working options and support from my boss. But I started to wonder — did I really have the energy or desire to keep reinvesting in new technologies and corporate systems? I realised I’d had enough. I wanted something different in my life.”
With careful financial planning and support from an advisor, Rob decided it was time to step away and open a new chapter.
Facing the ‘Now What?’ Moment
Leaving a long-standing career often comes with a sense of loss — of identity, routine, and purpose. Rob describes this as “a period of soul-searching. Who am I now? What drives me? How do I introduce myself when I no longer have a job title?”
For nearly a year, he navigated that uncertainty, supported by personal therapy and self-reflection. It was during this time that the idea of becoming a psychotherapist started to take shape. “I’d always found therapy useful for myself,” he says. “It just made sense to explore it as a new direction.”
Going Back to Study in His Late 50s
Rob discovered that qualifying as a psychotherapist would take up to five years of training — and it wasn’t a decision to take lightly. “I had to ask myself: can I really go back to school at nearly 60? And can I afford it?”
Ultimately, he decided it was worth it. “It hasn’t been easy, but it feels right. I’ve had to budget carefully and make changes — fewer holidays, less spending — but the sense of purpose I’ve gained makes it worthwhile.”
Now two years into his studies, Rob feels energised and aligned with his new path. “This is where I need to be,” he says.
Learning to Redefine Success
One of Rob’s biggest insights has been the difference between external success and internal fulfilment. “For years, we chase the job title, the salary, the corporate ladder — because that’s what’s expected of us. But at some point, you start to ask: does this really feed me emotionally or psychologically?”
Through his journey, Rob realised that age brings valuable perspective. “I may be the oldest in the classroom — one person even jokingly called me ‘grandpa’ — but with age comes experience, empathy, and insight. That has real value.”
Why Midlife Transitions Matter
Rob believes strongly that more should be done to support people through major career transitions in midlife. “We all face moments of doubt, loss of confidence, or uncertainty,” he says. “But when you start to reconnect with what energises you — through therapy, coaching, or programmes like Brave Starts — you unlock something powerful.”
He also points out that, in a world increasingly shaped by AI, human connection will always matter. “I wanted to move into a field where human empathy and understanding can’t be replaced by machines. There will always be a need for face-to-face, real human support.”
Looking Ahead
Now approaching 60, Rob is two years into his five-year psychotherapy training and feels a renewed sense of purpose. “I’ve probably got at least another 10 or 15 years of working life ahead of me — maybe more,” he says with a smile. “And this next chapter feels more meaningful than ever.”
About Brave Starts
At Brave Starts, we’re a non-profit membership organisation helping midlife professionals make successful career changes. Through structured coaching workshops, masterclasses, and a mix of online and face-to-face events, we help you gain clarity, take control, and build an inspiring network for your next chapter.
If you’re considering a career change after 50, or wondering what comes next, find out more at www.bravestarts.com.
