The Gen X Reset: Why We’re Ditching the 9-to-5 for Passion and Purpose

Studio Print Shop. Gen X in action. This is what reinvention looks like.

Intro: A Shift I Can't Ignore

Lately, I’ve found myself in conversations with peers that feel... different. Women and men in their late 40s and 50s, many of whom have spent decades climbing the corporate ladder, are saying the same thing: "I’m tired. And I think I’m done." Not because they failed—most are successful by any financial or social metric. But they’re realizing that chasing dollars isn’t enough anymore. Kids are grown or close to it, mortgages are smaller, and the 8-to-5 grind has lost its luster. There’s a movement building among Gen X, and it’s time we talk about it.

And it’s not just anecdotal. According to a 2025 Forbes article, Generation X is "redefining retirement and midlife success," with many embracing what the writer calls “encore careers” – work rooted in passion, legacy, and personal fulfillment. The article notes a sharp rise in small business creation and consulting roles led by Gen Xers, especially women.

The Awakening

We were the last generation to grow up without cell phones, to ride bikes until the streetlights came on, to memorize phone numbers and actually get lost. Our childhood was analog, and it gave us a sense of self-reliance and creativity that doesn’t always translate into today’s corporate culture. Now, as we hit our late 40s and 50s, many of us are experiencing an awakening. We’re asking deeper questions: What am I here for? What story am I writing with my life? As I often say, "There are no coincidences." The people we meet, the restlessness we feel—they’re all part of a bigger design.

Freedom Over Fortune

The pursuit of purpose is overtaking the pursuit of paychecks. For many of us in Gen X, financial security isn't the goal anymore—it's the launching pad. With mortgages nearing payoff and kids finding independence, the question becomes: how do we want to spend the time we’ve earned? From launching a coffee shop to mentoring through coaching, we're crafting lives that align with our values. It's less about making more and more about meaning. And as I’ve learned, you have to go slow to go fast—taking the time to realign ensures we’re building the right thing, not just the next thing.

The Female Force

What stands out to me most is how many Gen X women are leading this charge. After decades of juggling careers, motherhood, and expectations, they’re saying, "It’s my turn now." They’re launching businesses, writing books, stepping into coaching roles, and tapping into long-held dreams that were once shelved. According to Forbes and other recent trend pieces, women in their 40s and 50s are now the fastest-growing segment of new entrepreneurs in the U.S. This isn’t just a career shift; it’s a personal reclamation. And it’s something I’m hearing more and more as I talk with women who are ready for their chapter.

Analog Souls in a Digital World

We straddle two worlds. We remember mixtapes, handwritten notes, and the freedom of being unreachable. But we’ve also ridden every wave of tech—from dial-up to AI. That bridge between eras isn't just nostalgic—it’s practical. It’s what makes us uniquely positioned to build businesses with empathy and scalability. We can blend old-school relational thinking with modern tools to create experiences that resonate across generations.

What We’re Building

Gen X isn’t retiring; we’re realigning. Whether it’s through launching purpose-driven businesses or finding part-time roles with heart, we’re choosing how and where we contribute. It's less about climbing and more about connecting—sharing our wisdom, mentoring others, and building work lives that reflect who we are now.

“Don’t die wondering.”

It’s not about being reckless. It’s about being real. Try the thing. Launch the project. Make the move. Better to have tried and learned than lived in regret.

A Word of Caution

There is risk. If a recession hits, our generation stands to lose the most. Many are still carrying financial commitments—mortgages, education expenses, or business-related investments made during our pivot planning. For some, this reset may come too late to fully recover from financial hits.

And not everyone is ready to make the leap today. But if that’s you—what’s your plan? What are you building behind the scenes so that you can leap one day?

Someone told me years ago: “Don’t just retire from something—retire to something.” Whether it’s six months or six years away, the best chapters aren’t accidental. They’re written on purpose.

For those who are prepared—emotionally, mentally, and financially—this could be the best chapter yet.

Conclusion: An Invitation

To my fellow Gen Xers: What are you waiting for? If you're feeling the itch to do something new, something bold, something that feels like you—lean in. This isn't a midlife crisis. It's a midlife calling.

Let’s go write the next chapter—on purpose, with purpose.

No coincidences. Go slow to go fast. And whatever you do: Don’t die wondering.

At Lamroc & Associates, we believe people matter most. Whether you're navigating a career pivot, starting something new, or seeking clarity in the "what's next," we're here to walk with you.

By Curtis McClamrock | Lamroc & Associates