Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Navigating a major life transition? You’re not alone. The Midlife Academy at the University of Minnesota helps adults in midlife and beyond find direction, build community, and move forward with purpose. In this recorded video, you’ll learn how our supportive courses help you rethink career paths, retirement planning, identity, relationships, and personal meaning.
Hear insights from Director of University of Minnesota Lifelong Learning Kate Schaefers and meet course facilitators Megan Voorhees (Cultivating Purpose) and Courtney Burton (Next Chapter Reset: Creating Momentum). You’ll also hear from a participant who shares how the experience helped her reconnect with what matters most and confidently create her next chapter.
Whether you’re exploring career change, redefining contribution after retirement, or ready to break old patterns and design a more fulfilling life, The Midlife Academy is here to guide your transition with reflection, community, and clarity.
Highlights
00:00 — Why the Midlife Academy Exists: Modern Midlife Transitions
01:50 — Finding Support & Community During Life Pivots
Cultivating Purpose (with Megan Voorhees)
04:10 — Facilitator Introduction: Coaching & Purpose Work
05:00 — What You’ll Explore: Meaning, Values & Direction
07:25 — Strengths, Life Themes & Reframing Your Story
09:40 — Building Connection & Learning from Others
12:30 — Student Perspective: A Transformative Experience
Next Chapter Reset: Creating Momentum (with Courtney Burton)
19:45 — Facilitator Introduction: Leadership & Reinvention
21:15 — Understanding Transition Phases & What Comes Next
24:00 — Rethinking Work, Identity & Contribution
26:40 — Creating a 30-60-90 Day Momentum Plan
29:05 — Accountability, Community & Celebration
Q&A + Course Logistics
32:10 — Who These Courses Serve: Early, Mid & Later Midlife
34:40 — Online vs. In-Person: Flexible Ways to Learn
38:10 — Tuition, Discounts & Employer/Wellness Funding
41:50 — Building a Portfolio Life Beyond a Linear Career
46:10 — How to Register & Keep Exploring What’s Next
Courses
Cultivating Purpose gives you tools and community to reconnect with your values, rethink what matters, and build meaningful momentum for your next chapter.
Next Chapter Reset: Creating Momentum helps you chart your path forward and build a plan to get there, whether you’re exploring a career pivot, redefining retirement, or envisioning a whole new chapter.
