While many people transition through menopause without any problems, a significant number may struggle, impacting workforce participation and retention. Here Thea O’Connor, Founder and Director of Menopause at Work, talks about navigating your career through menopause.
When I turned 50, I held a party of sorts that I called a ‘launch’, of me, into my ‘power decade’. The breadth and depth of all my past experience had me feeling more capable and confident than ever before, and the decade ahead was the time to bring it all home.
Yet, by 53, I faced unexpected challenges – brain fog, thinning hair and waning motivation.
As a conference presenter, losing my words and losing hair was unnerving to say the least. Unaware these were symptoms of perimenopause, I nearly scaled back my career aspirations.
Thankfully, I persevered, and at 58, I’m experiencing the best years of my working life yet. I now want to see more women supported through menopause so they too can take their careers to the next level.
Here are my top tips for navigating your career through menopause:
Be prepared, not scared
Educate yourself on potential symptoms to avoid being caught off guard.
Find a knowledgeable doctor
Seek out a women’s health specialist familiar with the latest research and practice on menopause management.
Listen to your body
Notice and address symptoms early. I have seen too many high-flying professionals try to override their symptoms only to then have a menopause meltdown which cost them their career.
Prioritise health and wellbeing
Make self-care a non-negotiable. Come menopause, your body won’t tolerate being neglected anymore!
Know your worth
Remember your strengths and contributions – they don’t disappear because of menopause.
Acknowledge symptoms but don’t identify with them
With brain fog, for example, you can say “my brain is adapting”, instead of “I’m dumb”. Or with mood swings, “my tolerance is very low” versus “I’m going crazy”.
Seek out a post-menopausal mentor
Someone who’s ‘been there’, has your back and can help you plan for a great third act.
Avoid rash decisions
Delay major career or relationship changes until symptoms stabilise.
Speak up for support
Advocate for your needs – be it workplace adjustments or help at home. Otherwise you’ll become resentful. Over time, resentment turns into bitterness.
Cultivate a supportive menopause mindset
You’ll need this to inoculate yourself against negative stereotypes about midlife women. I hold the image of the Orca whales, where post-menopausal females become the leaders of their pods, as described in my TEDx talk.
Like some support navigating menopause? Thea’s flagship program, The Orca Effect®, helps women through the transition so they can step into their true authority. A public version at discounted rates is available once a year, commencing 25 February 2025.