How to Invest in Yourself as a Woman in Early Midlife

Last Updated on October 28, 2024 by Erin

This post highlights the importance of prioritizing your own financial health and how to invest in yourself as a woman in her early midlife. Set yourself up for success as you embark on your midlife journey.

Now, you might be thinking “Listen, random lady on the Internet, I’ve got bills to pay. I can barely find time to sleep, let alone invest in myself.”

But hear me out: investing in yourself is one of the smartest things you can do, especially in early midlife.

If you’re new here, welcome to Mom Meets Midlife. My name is Erin, and as you can probably guess, I’m a mom entering midlife.

While experiencing an early midlife crisis I made the life-changing decision to change careers. As I prepared for the change, I had to become acutely aware of my skills, interests, and finances. Now I’m sharing the tips and tricks that have helped me navigate this huge transition and continue building wealth.

So why is investing in yourself so dang important? Well, let me tell you!

Go refill your coffee mug and get comfortable. I have lots to say.

**This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.**

What Does It Mean to Invest in Yourself?

Investing in yourself means making intentional choices and taking action to improve your personal and professional well-being.

Just like how you invest time and money in taking care of your physical health, such as going to the gym or eating healthy, investing in yourself means taking proactive steps to improve your mental and financial health.

It could mean pursuing further education, starting a side hustle, or even just taking a little time each day to focus on YOU. It’s all about recognizing that you are worth the investment and taking action to achieve your goals and dreams.

The best returns on investment are the ones that bring you happiness and success in all aspects of life.

Reasons to Invest in Yourself in Midlife

New Career Opportunities

If you pursue further education or learn new skills, you open up a whole new world of possibilities for yourself.

As soon as I realized I needed a career change, I started self-evaluating and determining what direction I wanted to go.

Once I made my career change public and let my friends and family know I was pursuing self-employment, I started getting offers for some amazing opportunities.

Invest in yourself and the world is your oyster, baby!

Increased Earning Potential

If you add to your skill set, you become more valuable to your employer. The more income you’re making, the more wealth you can build at this stage in the game.

You want to earn as much as possible so you can retire when you want and spend your retirement living out your dream.

Find Fulfillment

It feels good to keep learning new skills. We are so full of endless potential and possibilities.

I know I personally feel a much greater sense of purpose and after years of feeling stuck and lost, I’m so happy I took steps to make some much-needed change.

The only way I could make a change was by challenging and educating myself. The future seems bright!

Improved Well-Being

Part of investing in yourself means making your own health and well-being a priority.

Create a self-care routine. Read more books. Learn and grow as a person.

When we hit midlife, we have a higher risk for health conditions. Throw in perimenopause, and you’ve got a wild ride!

Investing in yourself doesn’t mean the risk of these conditions is suddenly eliminated. But you’re going to struggle with these conditions a lot more if you aren’t taking care of your mind, body, and soul.

Increased Happiness

Investing in yourself can lead to a greater sense of self-confidence and self-worth, which can make you happier overall.

We need all the help we can get in midlife. Have you heard of the “happiness curve?” Studies have shown our happiness starts to decrease in early adulthood, hits its lowest point around our 40s, and then starts to gradually increase again.

It’s fabulous that we will naturally start to feel happier on the other side of midlife, but while we’re approaching the thick of it, we must do what we can to improve our mindset.

How to Invest in Yourself as a Woman in Early Midlife

1. Pursue Further Education

Further education is going to make you a more valuable employee. It could open you up to promotions or new and exciting opportunities.

Now, you may be wondering what kind of further education opportunities are available to someone in early midlife. Well, the options are virtually endless! Here are a few examples:

1. Online courses: With the rise of online learning platforms like Skillshare and Udemy, you could take courses on a wide range of topics from the comfort of your own home.
   
2. Continuing education programs: Many colleges and universities offer remote continuing education programs that allow you to take courses and earn certificates in specific areas of interest.
   
3. Graduate programs: If you’re looking to pursue a new career or advance in your current one, a graduate degree may be the way to go. Many programs offer flexible schedules and part-time options to accommodate working professionals.
   
4. Vocational training: If you’re interested in a skilled trade, vocational training programs can provide the hands-on training and certification you need to get started.

Pursuing a degree or certification can be a challenging, but ultimately rewarding, experience that can boost your self-confidence, keep your mind sharp, and land you your dream job!

If you’re considering a career change or further education, you’ll want to check out these posts:

• Midlife Career Change Advice for Success
• Inspirational Quotes for a Midlife Career Change

2. Become Financially Literate

Becoming financially literate in early midlife is crucial if you aren’t already comfortable with your finances.

Financial literacy can help women take control of their financial lives and plan for their long-term goals, such as retirement or starting a business.

You can invest in yourself by gaining the knowledge and skills needed to build wealth and achieve financial independence.

By understanding how to invest wisely, you can create a financial foundation that allows you to pursue your passions, take risks, and explore new opportunities.

I was unable to get a solid idea of my finances and net worth until I connected all my accounts in Empower. It’s a fabulous free resource that is extremely comprehensive. You can see your spending, income, investments, net worth, recommended budgets, and retirement planning all in one place.

Interested in learning more about midlife finances? Make sure to visit these posts:

• How to Build Wealth in Your 40s
• Simple Money-Saving Tips for Midlife Women
  

3. Start a Side Hustle

Let’s start with the obvious – starting a side hustle can bring in extra income, which can help you pay off debt, save for retirement, or simply enjoy life a little more.

Also, relying on a single source of income can be risky, especially in today’s uncertain job market. A side hustle can help diversify your income streams.

In addition to the financial security provided, a side hustle gives you an opportunity to pursue an interest completely outside of your primary career. Who knows, it may even lead to a new career path entirely!

I’ve written multiple posts on ways to make additional income in midlife. Check these out for more side hustle inspiration:

• 8 Realistic Passive Income Ideas for Women
• Ways to Make Money from Home in Midlife
• Reselling Clothes with Kidizen
  

4. Take Care of Yourself

Prioritizing physical and mental health in early midlife is crucial for a happy and healthy life.

This is the time when we are juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, and it’s easy to put our own needs on the back burner.

However, neglecting our physical and mental health can have major consequences down the road.

Let’s start with physical health. Making time for regular exercise and healthy eating habits can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Exercise has also been shown to improve mood and cognitive function, which can help with the mental health aspect as well.

Taking steps to get enough sleep, reduce stress, and avoid harmful habits like smoking can all contribute to a healthier body and mind.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Taking care of your mental health means taking steps to reduce stress, manage anxiety and depression, and seek help when needed. This could mean talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or practicing mindfulness meditation.

When you feel good physically and mentally, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of work and family life.

For more inspiration and advice related to self-care, visit these posts:

• Self-Care for Midlife Women
• Intermittent Fasting for Perimenopause Weight Loss
• Mood Tracker Ideas for Midlife Women
• How to Deal with a Midlife Crisis
  

5. Travel and Explore

Investing in travel and exploration doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank on a luxury vacation.

It could be as simple as exploring a new neighborhood in your city or taking a weekend road trip to a nearby town.

Whatever form it takes, travel and exploration can be valuable investments in oneself that can bring us growth, learning, and joy.

It’s an opportunity to step outside our daily routines and try new things.

It can also be a chance to disconnect from technology and the stresses of daily life and reconnect with ourselves and our passions.

6. Network and Build Relationships

Building a strong professional and social network can be incredibly valuable in early midlife.

Let’s start with the professional network. Networking is about building relationships with others in your industry or field, and it can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends, learn about job openings, and even find mentors or sponsors.

It’s a chance to connect with others who share your interests and goals and to leverage those connections to advance your career.

Now, let’s talk about the social network. Having a strong social network can be just as important as having a strong professional one.

Friends and acquaintances can provide support, advice, and companionship, which can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

A robust social network can also provide opportunities for personal growth and learning, as you meet people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives.

It’s important to note that building a network takes time and effort. It can be really hard to meet new people and develop friendships at this stage of life.

But the investment is worth it. By building a strong professional and social network, you’re investing in your future and creating opportunities for growth and success.

Tips for networking and building relationships in midlife

I know this is tough. My social anxiety and imposter syndrome really get in the way of me putting myself out there and building connections. It’s an absolute must, though! So here are some tips to help you out:

• Be intentional. Set clear goals for your networking efforts, such as finding a mentor or expanding your client base.
• Attend events. Visit conferences and workshops related to your field or industry.
• Use social media. Connect with others on LinkedIn, Twitter, or other social media platforms. Share interesting articles, participate in industry-related conversations, and engage with others in your network.
• Be authentic. People can tell when you’re being insincere or only looking out for your own interests. Be open, friendly, and approachable, and try to build relationships based on mutual respect and shared interests.
• Follow up. After meeting someone new, be sure to follow up and keep in touch. Send a quick email or message to thank them for the conversation and suggest meeting up for coffee or lunch in the future.
• Give back. Networking isn’t just about what you can get out of it. It’s also about what you can give. Offer to help others by making introductions, sharing knowledge and expertise, or volunteering your time.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post helped you identify how to invest in yourself as a woman in early midlife.

The worst thing you can do for yourself in your late 30s and early 40s is to settle in and get too comfortable. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself feeling stuck and burnt out.

You can prevent those feelings by continuing to prioritize your wants and needs.

Whether you pursue education, start a side hustle, or find ways to travel, investing in yourself is all about taking the time and resources to create a life that’s fulfilling and uniquely yours.

And financial literacy is an essential part of that journey. By taking control of your finances, you can build a solid foundation for your future, pursue your passions, and create the life you’ve always wanted.

So go out there, invest in yourself, and remember: the best investment you can make is in yourself!

Resources for Midlife Women

I have created several free workbooks and printable companions to help you in your midlife journey. Be sure to check them out and subscribe if you think they might be helpful to you.

Printable Companion for a Low Buy Year (this tool is perfect for building good financial habits)

Self-Evaluation Workbook for a Midlife Career Change (explore your skills, values, and interests)

Mood Trackers for Midlife Women (4 different formats to help you navigate mood swings and identify triggers)

How are you going to start investing in yourself in early midlife? Let me know in the comments below!

Sincerely,
Erin