Starting Over in HR: Balancing Work, Family, and a New HR Career
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be back in school in my 40s—older than my professor, surrounded by classmates half my age—pursuing a new career in Human Resources, all while raising kids and working full-time, I would have thought you were out of your mind. But here I am, doing exactly that.
In 2020, the pandemic put the brakes on the career I had built over 20 years. Spoiler alert, I never went back. While waiting for my next move, I started helping a friend with her start up (a little secret, it’s Lisa Isaac HR). That “temporary” help turned into five years of employment. Now, Lisa and the team are backing me as I head back to school to sharpen my HR skills.
It’s chaotic. It’s exhausting. And it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.
The Decision to Start Over
Going back to school and changing your career path at this stage of life is a different kind of growth. It’s the kind that pushes you well out of your comfort zone. As a father in a co-parenting relationship, my choices affect more than just me. Taking on school while working full-time and raising kids wasn’t a decision I made lightly. But if I wanted work that truly aligned with my values, I had to take the leap—perfect timing or not.
Life on the Tightrope
My days can be stacked and busy from the moment I wake up until I go to bed. Work, drop-offs, pickups, homework help, social and extracurricular activities: the “dad taxi” never stops. My goal as a parent is to make sure my kids feel heard and loved. At night, I become a student, reading, writing, joining online discussions, and occasionally questioning my sanity.
My schedule is colour-coded to track four different calendars (Work, Kids, Personal, School) and often planned down to the hour. What keeps me going is knowing that I am setting an example for my kids. They’re watching me chase something at my age. I want them to know that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
The Oldest in the Room
During my first class back in school, I realized I was literally older than my professor. I was the only one with grey hair, and I was wearing a belt older than all my classmates. I reference movies or music they’ve never heard of. Sometimes I feel out of place, but more often, I find that my experience adds value to conversations. I’ve noticed my classmates want me on their projects; instead of reliving that primary school experience of being picked last in gym, I’m now being picked first! I see things through a different lens, and that’s a good thing.
It’s intimidating, sure. But it’s also exciting. There’s something empowering about showing up, despite the fear, and proving to yourself that you can learn something new, even when the world tells you you're “too old” to start over.
Why Human Resources?
I used to joke that my only knowledge of HR came from being called into the HR office.
After years in broadcasting, corporate marketing, and project management, I figured out that I enjoy helping people by supporting them through change, encouraging their growth, and creating spaces where they can thrive. HR isn’t just about policies and paperwork. It’s about people and potential, and that’s the work I want to do.
What I’ve Learned So Far
You’re never too old to start something new. Growth doesn’t have an expiration date.
Time will never magically appear. You have to make time for what matters.
It’s okay to be overwhelmed. But don’t let that stop you from moving forward.
Your kids are watching. What they see is strength, persistence, and purpose.
Your experience matters. Even if you're older, you bring value to every table you sit at.
The Road Ahead
This journey isn’t easy, and I’m still deep in it. I’m not just doing this for credentials or a new job title. I’m doing it to build a future for myself and my kids, one where they know that anything is possible if you're willing to put in the work.
So, if you’re out there thinking it’s too late, or too hard, or that you’ve missed your chance, take it from someone who’s been there: You haven’t. You’re not behind. You’re just getting started.
I have been a part of developing many of the services that the LIHR team offers and am proud to share that we offer extensive experience and programs like Leadership Fundamentals, health and safety training, and engagement survey and facilitation projects. We also can help review policies to ensure compliance, learning, development, and succession planning, and supporting difficult conversations—the LIHR Team is a partnership worth considering.
From the LIHR team and lead collaborator, Dave Musil. Dave@LisaIsaacHR.com
For professional HR advice that you can trust, contact us today!
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