Work

Re:Work Live – A Bold Response to the Realities of Midlife Transitions

By Abigail Shervington

October 08, 2025

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We know that change in midlife isn’t just about finding a new job; it’s often about gaining clarity, building confidence, and finding the courage to move forward and embrace the unknown.

At the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement, we’ve spent the past three years listening to people navigating this space. What we’ve heard is clear: many are ready for a change, but don’t always know where to begin.

Our research shows that:

31% of 45–54-year-olds expect to change career before they retire.
48% have taken no action in relation to their careers in the past six months. Since our original research was published, this has risen to 55% of 55-64 year olds who haven’t taken any action.
51% have never heard of any careers information or advice services.
Only 15% of 45-54 year olds have received careers advice in the last three years.

As a think tank, our role is not just to highlight the challenges, but to offer meaningful responses. Re:Work Live is our commitment in action, a space where insight meets experience, and where people can begin shaping their next chapter.

The Power of the Collective

Re:Work Live is presented by our Careers can change campaign and brought to life by a collective of expert partners: Brave Starts, Career Returners, Careershifters, Enterprise Nation, Now Teach, Squiggly Careers, Rachel Schofield, 20-First, Postcards from Midlife, Learning at Work Institute and the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement. Together, we’re placing the power of collaboration at the forefront, with a shared mission to make career transitions easier, by helping people be more informed and more supported.

So, what is Re:Work Live?

It’s not a traditional jobs fair. It’s a first-of-its-kind, curated experience designed for adults at a professional crossroads; whether they’re returning to work, retraining, exploring entrepreneurship, or seeking progression within a current role.

It’s a space to ask big questions:

What does meaningful work look like now?
How do I navigate change when I’m not sure where to begin?
Who can guide me through my next move?

What You’ll Find at Re:Work Live

Keynotes and panels with leading voices in longevity, work, and personal development.
Seminars, masterclasses, and workshops tailored to real-life transitions.
Exhibition zones covering business start-ups, tech & digital, finance, purpose-driven work, and more.
A quiz to help people identify where they are in their career journey and plan a day that meets their unique needs.

Why Now?

Through the right support and guidance meaningful change is possible, at any stage.
As working lives extend, midlife offers a unique opportunity to rethink and reimagine our future selves and secure better financial futures.
Connecting with others on a similar path can make the journey easier, and more empowering.