Hello

In my years of clinical practice, I worked with many patients on life transitions. Making a significant career change can feel like both riding a thrilling rollercoaster and standing at the edge of a daunting cliff. This is especially true during midlife, a time when many people, like I did, define their identity and sometimes their purpose in their work title.

 

I LOVED being "Dr. Stevens," but the tasks, strains, and responsibilities of the title were heavy and not adaptive to the ever-growing and changing needs of my family.

 

But, who am I if not "Dr. Stevens?" In this blog post, I will candidly share my personal experience with this Midlife Shift, noting that it's still ongoing, lol!

 

Midlife Shift: Change Can Bring Opportunity.

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The Journey Begins

 

Ten years of formal, educational training. Thirteen years in practice, seeing thousands of patients. I considered myself to be "a builder of pathways," breaking down barriers to mental health treatment through program development by creating new service lines in primary care and medical specialty clinics, and by removing the dreaded "most have a referral process." I served in leadership roles throughout our community, was often in the paper or on news specials, and hosted a "Facebook Live" program. I was also an adjunct faculty member at Marshall University and supervised numerous students and early-career psychologists. However, as fulfilling as this career was, I found myself at a crossroads.

 

My husband's company had grown exponentially in a short amount of time, decreasing the flexibility his career once offered. Our children (yes, we are a blended family, but we considered them "our" kids), were also changing. Our son was preparing to go to college, and our daughter was entering 3rd grade. I thought that by going part-time, I could do both. And I did, for about two years. But that fix was only temporary. Turns out, emergencies don't happen just on my part-time schedule...

 

I realized that a change was needed—not just in her career but in her whole life.

 

The Decision to Pivot

 

Leaving her career was not a quick decision, after all, so much of my identity was wrapped in the title. I found myself asking, "If I am not Dr. Stevens, who am I?" What do I do now? Through reflection, I was able to shift my thinking. My degree and license, which I still maintain, are not gone, nor is my title; I just get more time to be Sarah. And she gets to have more time to be "a builder" for her own life now. Thankfully, thoughtful conversations with my husband, Jeff, considered both the practical implications and the emotional impact. We agreed, a pivot was needed to support our lives and to redefine mine.

 

Midlife Shift: I work at home full-time now. I am now able to provide for my family in a more hands-on way. I can still use my skillset and be an engaged member of my community. I can be more than my professional title.

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From Dr. Stevens to Sarah

 

Embracing New Routines

 

Transitioning from a structured work environment to the flexible yet unpredictable world of parenting brought significant changes to my daily routine. The days of seeing patients and scheduled meetings were replaced by managing school responsibilities, the challenges of owning a home (something always needs fixed!), being a more engaged, supportive partner to my husband, finding my own routine, and ways of community engagement.

 

For me, having routines and schedules is paramount. It helps stabilize my medical condition (Type 1 Diabetes) and provides grounding that assists in task completion. I started there. Forming new routines: focusing on my health and wellness (re-joining a yoga community, running again, cooking healthy, homemade meals for my family); ways I could be more hands-on with my family's activities/needs (going to school functions during the day, doing college visits), while still staying connected with my serve to a community through pageantry in my pursuit to be Mrs. West Virginia America and my podcast, "The LYLAS Podcast." https://lylaspodcast.com/ 

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Reconnecting with Passions

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As time has flowed on, I have begun exploring ways to reconnect with my passions and find new ones! I am seeking more of a rhythm to life, instead of getting stuck in the "balance burnout."

 

I am listening more and leaning into how I can continue to use my skillset to connect and help others. This is now my platform, Midlife Shifts. Helping other women through:

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1. Identity: Rediscovering who you are, not just your title or roles you play.

2. Growth: Working to find purpose in transition and set new goals for tomorrow.

3. Community: Connecting with women who are similar passengers on this journey.

4. Resilience: Helping see our experiences as strengths, not setbacks.

 

Midlife Shift: Midlife is not a crisis; it is a catalyst for change.