<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2611020/fan_mail/new">Message the Show</a>In this episode, Brent and Rob dig into a question many people face in midlife: how to keep earning money while redesigning work to better fit who you are now. They explore the difference between productive stress and anxiety-driven stress, why so many of us get stuck in all-or-nothing thinking about careers, and what it really means to create a Second Act Paycheck that aligns with your life today. Along the way, they discuss flexible income paths—including consulting, freelancing, coaching, nonprofit work, and board member roles—and the identity shifts that often come with stepping away from traditional titles and routines. More than a list of options, this episode is about permission: to rethink work, question old assumptions, and take practical steps toward a next chapter that feels meaningful, sustainable, and true to you. Links, resources, books mentioned:<ul><li><a href='https://midlifecircus.fm/episodes/episode-19-work-that-fits-your-life-now-5-flexible-ways-to-earn-in-your-next-chapter'>Visit Episode Website</a></li><li><a href='https://community.midlifecircus.fm/'>Join the Midlife Circus Community on Substack</a></li><li>Follow us: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/midlifecircus.fm/'>Instagram</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/midlifecircus'>LinkedIn</a>, <a href='https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577574790420'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@MidlifeCircus'>YouTube</a></li></ul>Topics we are covering in this episode:<ul><li>Why fulfillment, purpose, and income don’t have to come from full-time work</li><li>How all-or-nothing thinking around your next great act limits career options</li><li>Consulting as a common and flexible transition in midlife</li><li>Skill-based freelancing and gig work as a way to explore interests</li><li>The difference between consulting and coaching—and the mindset each requires</li><li>Why nonprofit and mission-driven work can offer meaningful rewards</li><li>The identity shift that comes with stepping away from traditional titles</li><li>Practical ways to explore your next chapter, including learning from people already doing the work</li></ul>

Message the Show In this episode, Brent and Rob dig into a question many people face in midlife: how to keep earning money while redesigning work to better fit who you are now. They explore the difference between productive stress and anxiety-driven stress, why so many of us get stuck in all-or-nothing thinking about careers, and what it really means to create a Second Act Paycheck that aligns with your life today. Along the way, they discuss flexible income paths—including consulting, freelancing, coaching, nonprofit work, and board member roles—and the identity shifts that often come with stepping away from traditional titles and routines. More than a list of options, this episode is about permission: to rethink work, question old assumptions, and take practical steps toward a next chapter that feels meaningful, sustainable, and true to you. Links, resources, books mentioned:Visit Episode WebsiteJoin the Midlife Circus Community on SubstackFollow us: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTubeTopics we are covering in this episode:Why fulfillment, purpose, and income don’t have to come from full-time workHow all-or-nothing thinking around your next great act limits career optionsConsulting as a common and flexible transition in midlifeSkill-based freelancing and gig work as a way to explore interestsThe difference between consulting and coaching—and the mindset each requiresWhy nonprofit and mission-driven work can offer meaningful rewardsThe identity shift that comes with stepping away from traditional titlesPractical ways to explore your next chapter, including learning from people already doing the work

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2611020/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Message the Show</a>In this episode, Brent and Rob dig into a question many people face in midlife: how to keep earning money while redesigning work to better fit who you are now. They explore the difference between productive stress and anxiety-driven stress, why so many of us get stuck in all-or-nothing thinking about careers, and what it really means to create a Second Act Paycheck that aligns with your life today. Along the way, they discuss flexible income paths—including consulting, freelancing, coaching, nonprofit work, and board member roles—and the identity shifts that often come with stepping away from traditional titles and routines. More than a list of options, this episode is about permission: to rethink work, question old assumptions, and take practical steps toward a next chapter that feels meaningful, sustainable, and true to you.&nbsp;Links, resources, books mentioned:<ul><li><a href="https://midlifecircus.fm/episodes/episode-19-work-that-fits-your-life-now-5-flexible-ways-to-earn-in-your-next-chapter" rel="noopener noreferrer">Visit Episode Website</a></li><li><a href="https://community.midlifecircus.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join the Midlife Circus Community on Substack</a></li><li>Follow us: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/midlifecircus.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/midlifecircus" rel="noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577574790420" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MidlifeCircus" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a></li></ul>Topics we are covering in this episode:<ul><li>Why fulfillment, purpose, and income don’t have to come from full-time work</li><li>How all-or-nothing thinking around your next great act limits career options</li><li>Consulting as a common and flexible transition in midlife</li><li>Skill-based freelancing and gig work as a way to explore interests</li><li>The difference between consulting and coaching—and the mindset each requires</li><li>Why nonprofit and mission-driven work can offer meaningful rewards</li><li>The identity shift that comes with stepping away from traditional titles</li><li>Practical ways to explore your next chapter, including learning from people already doing the work</li></ul>

Work That Fits Your Life Now: 5 Flexible Ways to Earn in Your Next Chapter

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2611020/fan_mail/new">Message the Show</a>In this short trailer, Rob and Brent introduce Midlife Circus—a podcast for anyone navigating the glorious chaos of midlife.Somewhere along the way, they realized they were officially in it: backs that ache for no reason, playlists stuck in the ‘90s, and kids wearing T-shirts from their favorite bands. But instead of calling it a crisis, they’re calling it what it really is—a circus.Each week, they’ll dive into the unpredictable world of midlife—talking about reinvention, curiosity, purpose, health, finance, and relationships—with honesty, humor, and the occasional wipeout.Midlife Circus isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about dropping the script, laughing at the chaos, and realizing this might just be your next great act.Links and Resources:<ul><li><a href='https://midlifecircus.fm/episodes/episode-0-welcome-to-the-midlife-circus-trailer'>Visit Episode Website</a></li><li><a href='https://midlifecircus.fm/newsletter'>Newsletter Sign Up</a></li><li>Follow us: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/midlifecircus.fm/'>Instagram</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/midlifecircus'>LinkedIn</a>, <a href='https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577574790420'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@MidlifeCircus'>YouTube</a></li></ul>

Message the Show In this short trailer, Rob and Brent introduce Midlife Circus—a podcast for anyone navigating the glorious chaos of midlife. Somewhere along the way, they realized they were officially in it: backs that ache for no reason, playlists stuck in the ‘90s, and kids wearing T-shirts from their favorite bands. But instead of calling it a crisis, they’re calling it what it really is—a circus. Each week, they’ll dive into the unpredictable world of midlife—talking about reinvention, curiosity, purpose, health, finance, and relationships—with honesty, humor, and the occasional wipeout. Midlife Circus isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about dropping the script, laughing at the chaos, and realizing this might just be your next great act. Links and Resources:Visit Episode WebsiteNewsletter Sign UpFollow us: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2611020/fan_mail/new" rel="noopener noreferrer">Message the Show</a>In this short trailer, Rob and Brent introduce Midlife Circus—a podcast for anyone navigating the glorious chaos of midlife.Somewhere along the way, they realized they were officially in it: backs that ache for no reason, playlists stuck in the ‘90s, and kids wearing T-shirts from their favorite bands. But instead of calling it a crisis, they’re calling it what it really is—a circus.Each week, they’ll dive into the unpredictable world of midlife—talking about reinvention, curiosity, purpose, health, finance, and relationships—with honesty, humor, and the occasional wipeout.Midlife Circus isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about dropping the script, laughing at the chaos, and realizing this might just be your next great act.Links and Resources:<ul><li><a href="https://midlifecircus.fm/episodes/episode-0-welcome-to-the-midlife-circus-trailer" rel="noopener noreferrer">Visit Episode Website</a></li><li><a href="https://midlifecircus.fm/newsletter" rel="noopener noreferrer">Newsletter Sign Up</a></li><li>Follow us: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/midlifecircus.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/midlifecircus" rel="noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577574790420" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MidlifeCircus" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a></li></ul>

Welcome to the Midlife Circus (Trailer)

Midlife isn't the end — it's the evolution. Hosted by Brent Drever and Rob Espenel, Midlife Circus is where real conversations meet reinvention. Like any good circus, midlife is part chaos, part wonder — a stage for learning new acts. From career changes and empty nests to money, relationships, health, and second-act adventures, Rob and Brent explore the unpredictable, messy, and meaningful middle of life with humor, honesty, and a touch of rebellion. It's a show for Gen X and anyone reinventing what comes next. Pull up a seat under the tent — and get ready to laugh, reflect, and rediscover what's possible in Your Next Great Act.

Society & Culture

Education

Self-Improvement

Midlife isn't the end — it's the evolution. Hosted by Brent Drever and Rob Espenel, Midlife Circus is where real conversations meet reinvention. Like any good circus, midlife is part chaos, part wonder — a stage for learning new acts. From career changes and empty nests to money, relationships, health, and second-act adventures, Rob and Brent explore the unpredictable, messy, and meaningful middle of life with humor, honesty, and a touch of rebellion. It's a show for Gen X and anyone reinventing what comes next. Pull up a seat under the tent — and get ready to laugh, reflect, and rediscover what's possible in Your Next Great Act.

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