Encore career: Women changing jobs mid-stream

Starting over can be daunting at the best of times, but it’s something an increasing number of women are doing in their 30s, 40s, or beyond, as the idea of an ‘encore career’ takes hold.

Lisa Grainger and Susan Jane Corbett.

General dissatisfaction, changing priorities, bolt of inspiration — there are myriad reasons women can decide to change course mid-stream, as I did three years ago, when I took time out from the fashion business I’d run for the previous 11 years.

Growing a small fashion label from a market stall to a Topshop concession brand had taken dedication, relentless 70-hour working weeks and most of my 30s.