Stop Calling It a Crisis: The Radical Power of Your Midlife Chrysalis
People think a caterpillar curls up in a cozy sleeping bag, naps it out, and then wriggles free as a butterfly when the cocoon feels too tight. In reality, inside the chrysalis, much of the caterpillar dissolves into a nutrient-rich “soup,” while tiny clusters of cells quietly build an entirely new creature from that messy in‑between state. Some structures stay, many are broken down and rebuilt, and what emerges is not a better caterpillar- it is something fundamentally, beautifully different.
That is what my mid‑40s felt like. Not a midlife crisis. My midlife chrysalis.
What Really Happens in the Chrysalis
When a caterpillar hangs up its old life and forms a chrysalis, a biological signal triggers many of its old cells to break down, turning much of its body into what scientists literally compare to a kind of goo. Scattered throughout that goo are “imaginal” cells- tiny pockets that carry the blueprint of the butterfly; they rapidly multiply and reorganize the remains into wings, a new nervous system, and an entirely new body. The butterfly carries traces of its past life, but it does not “upgrade” its old form; it becomes a different expression of itself.
Transformation is not a comfortable costume change; it's disorienting, isolating, and often invisible to others. It is in this space where a radical reorganization paves the way to turn a crawling life into a flying one.
My Midlife Chrysalis, Not a Midlife Crisis
From the outside, my story could have easily been filed under “midlife crisis”: a woman in her 40s reevaluating everything- finances, faith, relationships, career trajectory. Popular culture loves that narrative- impulsive choices, 'emotional' exits, chaos for chaos’s sake. But research on midlife shows something different: for many people, this stage is less about collapse and more about a deep psychological transition- an intentional “reboot” where goals shift from achievement to meaning. Losing my father unexpectedly amidst this 'chrysalis' compelled me to reflect upon if the life I've built truly reflects my values and purpose.
Two forces drove my midlife chrysalis:
A clear realization that time is the only truly non‑renewable resource; money, roles, even status can be rebuilt, but once an hour passes, it is gone forever.
The hard, humbling gift of failure and disappointment, which research shows can be powerful fuel for learning, creativity, and long‑term development when we choose to learn from it rather than hide it.
This was both sobering and liberating. If time is finite, then spending it inside a life that no longer fits is the real crisis.
Large pieces of my life I had once wrapped my identity around dissolved at once. It was frightening to realize how much I needed to rebuild. But instead of clinging to the old form, I stepped into the chrysalis, trusting that something wiser and braver would emerge.
From public servant to entrepreneur: The Scary, Sacred Leap
I was always the educator and NYC DOE building administrator who showed up early, stayed late, and poured discretional effort into supporting others. I ran 5 miles before work every day with my '5 at 5' crew. I remained incredibly professional, focused, and driven, even while my personal life was in upheaval. My colleagues saw my diligence and follow-through... They did not see the goo.
What kept me grounded was service. Helping others reach their goals gave me a stronger sense of purpose and a quiet, stubborn conviction that I would get through my own storm too. At work, I was the solid anchor. After hours, I was the caterpillar dissolving.
In the middle of that vulnerability, a wild, audacious idea began to take shape...
Despite having limited technical skills- no formal training in code, algorithms, or computer science- I decided I was going to submit an ed‑tech patent to support equitable student learning opportunities. The idea was simple and radical at the same time: design a pattern, a system, that could structure educational data and access in a way that gave every student a fairer shot at success, not just the ones already wired into advantage.
This decision was frightening and felt daunting. Doubts tapped me on the shoulder: What technical skills do you actually have? You're too old to start over? Why would you waste your time? What if you're an epic failure? The caterpillar in me felt unqualified, but my midlife chrysalis had already taught me that fear is not a stop sign; sometimes it’s proof that you’re touching the edge of your next evolution.
So I moved forward in faith. Just as I moved forward to pursue another masters degree, run another marathon, and embrace the opportunity to join CityGov.
CityGov: Where Wings Meet Purpose
At CityGov, I bring my education and public service experience into a civic‑tech space focused on making public systems more transparent, equitable, and human‑centered. Sam Alamarie's vision is simple: empower people and improve communities. We're building infrastructure and tools that help students, families, educators, and communities see and navigate opportunities that used to be hidden in bureaucracy or scattered information.
For me, CityGov is where my wings finally emerged.
The educator in me understands the real‑world stakes of inequity and the daily grind of teachers and administrators trying to do more with less.
The entrepreneur in me is willing to question outdated structures, propose new patterns (like my tax and ed‑tech frameworks), and design tools that match the future our students deserve, not just the past we inherited.
Just as the butterfly carries memories of the leaves it once crawled across, I didn’t abandon my past- I turned it into lift.
The Power of a Supportive Tribe
Even in a chrysalis, transformation is not a solo act. Having the right people alongside me made all the difference.
Here’s what helped- and what I recommend if you are in your own midlife chrysalis:
Seek truth‑tellers, not cheerleaders: People who can affirm your potential and still lovingly question your blind spots.
Build a “confidential circle”: A small group who knows the full story and holds it with discretion, so you don’t have to perform strength for them.
Find one “systems” thinker: Someone who can see patterns, options, and strategic moves when you feel overwhelmed.
Keep at least one grounded pragmatist: The person who will remind you to rest, eat, pay the bill, submit the form, and take the next small step.
Invest in mentors and peers who have reinvented themselves: Their existence alone expands your sense of what is possible.
The right people will support your transformation. Incidentally, I understand just how difficult it can be to ask others for help. Once I got out of my own way, I was humbled to discover that people were waiting to support me all along.
Time, Failure, and the Philosophy of a Midlife Chrysalis
A midlife chrysalis is deeply philosophical because it forces two truths into the same room:
Time is the only non‑renewable resource. We can make more money, change jobs, rebuild our reputations, but we cannot add one more hour to our lifespan. That awareness intensifies in midlife, as research shows we become more aware of mortality and more driven to use our remaining years meaningfully.
Failure and disappointment, when we face them honestly, are among the most efficient teachers we will ever have. Studies consistently show that learning from failure increases problem‑solving, decision quality, creativity, and long‑term development.
A midlife chrysalis is what happens when those two truths collide. You realize time is short, and you refuse to waste it on a life that numbs you. You look at the rubble of what didn’t work- relationships, projects, decisions- and instead of denying or romanticizing them, you roll them into resilience.
Resilience is not simply “bouncing back.” The research suggests something deeper: people who engage with failure as information- not identity- develop more creativity, persistence, and capacity for complex challenges. In butterfly language, resilience is what happens when the goo is reorganized into wings.
As high achievers, we often fear failure more than we fear wasted time. The chrysalis flips that. You start fearing the quiet, slow erosion of your one precious life more than the loud sting of a risk that doesn’t pan out.
For High Achievers in Their Own Chrysalis
If you are a high achiever, you probably know how to perform under pressure, hit goals, and carry other people’s expectations with ease. You may also know how to hide your unraveling. From the outside, everything looks polished. On the inside, your old form is liquefying.
Here is what I’ve learned from my own midlife chrysalis:
You are not breaking; you are being re‑made.
The awareness that time is finite is not morbid; it is clarifying. It helps you say no to what drains you and yes to what truly matters.
The failures and disappointments you’d rather forget are not dead weight; they are raw material. Used well, they become wisdom, courage, and empathy- qualities the next chapter of your leadership will absolutely require.
You do not need perfect technical skills or a flawless résumé to build what the world needs. You need conviction, humility, and the willingness to be a beginner again.
Your midlife chrysalis will not make sense to everyone. Some people will misunderstand, minimize, or quietly judge. That’s okay. The chrysalis is not a democracy. It’s a sacred, private laboratory where the next version of you is being assembled.
Your Turn: Step Into Your Own Midlife Chrysalis
Here is my invitation to you:
Stop calling it a midlife crisis. Start calling it your midlife chrysalis.
Name it. Honor it. Protect it.
Ask yourself: Am I spending my precious time on what truly matters to me, or on maintaining a life that no longer fits? Look at your failures and disappointments, not as verdicts, but as data. Extract the lessons. Convert them into resilience. Let them inform your next bold move instead of chaining you to your past.
And then take one concrete step toward the work you feel called to do. Apply. Write. Build. File. Pitch. Learn. Ask for help. Submit the “impossible” patent. Join or start the venture that aligns your deepest values with your daily actions.
The chrysalis is temporary. The life you build on the other side is not.
So step in fully. Let what needs to dissolve, dissolve. Let what is true in you organize itself into something stronger, braver, and more generous than you can currently imagine.
The world does not just need your success.
It needs the butterfly that remembers the goo- and uses its flight to change what is possible for everyone else.
If you were to honor your own midlife chrysalis starting today, what is the one brave, specific action you already know it’s time to take?
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ABOUT THE ROLE Part-Time, Permanent position with the New York State Education Department's Office of Education Policy at the New York State School for the Blind (NYSSB). This 10-month appointment involves providing speech-language services to students to support their communication and developmental needs. Location: New York State School for the Blind, Batavia, NY 14020 Date Posted: 03/06/2026 Applications Due: 08/20/2026 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Administer and interpret standardized speech/language assessments - Write speech-language reports and generate recommendations - Ensure an appropriate Individualized Education Program (IEP) is established and all mandates are fulfilled - Deliver speech-language services addressing receptive/expressive communication, feeding/swallowing disorders, augmentative/alternative communication, assistive technology, voice/fluency, and articulation/phonology - Collect and record data measuring student progress - Establish a weekly schedule ensuring all speech-language caseload mandates are met - Assist in Home-Residential-Health Center-School communication and program consistency - Perform Behavioral and Health and Safety Standards as defined in the employee handbook - Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree or higher - New York State teaching certification in Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped (TSHH) OR a New York State teaching certification in Speech and Language Disabilities SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must possess valid NYS teaching certification in TSHH or Speech and Language Disabilities with active registration at the time of hire - Continued employment depends on maintaining valid certification and active registration, including adhering to professional development requirements - Candidates with initial certification must obtain professional certification prior to the expiration of the initial certification - Fingerprinting through the FBI and Division of Criminal Justice Services, a background check with the Office of Children and Family Services, and clearance from the Justice Center Staff Exclusion List are required (fees are at the applicant's expense, unless fingerprints already exist in the NYS TEACH System) - Verification of degree, transcripts, and valid certification is required at the time of interview - Preferred qualification: NYS licensure in Speech Pathology SELECTION PROCESS 1. Application and resume review 2. Verification of bachelor's degree and valid NYS teaching certification at the time of interview 3. Background checks, fingerprinting, and clearance verification HOW TO APPLY - Send a resume and letter of interest by August 20, 2026, to nyssbjobs@nysed.gov (email submissions are preferred) - The resume must clearly indicate exactly how the minimum qualifications are met - Include the Box number (BAT-549/00127) in the subject line of the email and cover letter - Do not submit links to application materials (e.g., Google Docs) - A social security number may be required to confirm eligibility EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: New York State Education Department (NYSED) - Employment Type: Part-Time (17.5 hours per week) - Appointment Type: Permanent, Unclassified Service, 10-month appointment - Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Bargaining Unit: PS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF) - Benefits include: - 15 hours of paid personal leave annually - 6 days (35 hours) of paid sick leave per school year - Health, family dental, and vision benefits - Enrollment in the New York State pension system or Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with an 8% salary match - NYS Deferred Compensation and 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan - Paid Parental Leave and Paid Family Leave - Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility - Various life insurance options - NYSED is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
ABOUT THE ROLE This position is located within the Diagnostic Imaging service at the Martinsburg West Virginia VA Medical Center. The Medical Instrument Technician coordinates technical procedures requiring independent judgment and initiative in applying non-ionizing high-frequency ultrasonic waves for disease diagnosis. The role involves performing diagnostic ultrasound examinations on multiple body areas, vascular studies, and assisting radiologists with biopsies and surgical procedures. This is a permanent position in the Excepted Service with no promotion potential listed. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Control technical factors on ultrasound units affecting time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction, and diffraction - Select between non-focused, fixed-focus, linear phased array, and annual phased array settings - Set up and adjust equipment and manually maneuver transducers to perform exams - Receive and identify patients, explain procedures, assist with patient movement, and position patients for examinations - Evaluate critical and emergency procedures and rearrange priorities to accommodate them MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - United States Citizenship required (non-citizens only appointed if qualified citizens cannot be recruited) - No specific educational requirements; education may substitute for experience only at GS-4 and GS-5 levels - Licensure or certification not required but strongly desirable at GS-6 or above - Proficiency in spoken and written English required - One year of experience equivalent to GS-08 grade level required for GS-09 position - Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound on multiple body areas including abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum - Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, and portal-systemic shunts - Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures and surgical procedures - Knowledge of complex examination and treatment procedures for training and supervision - Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements - Ability to communicate effectively with employees at varying grade levels SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Subject to urinalysis screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment - Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959 - Must pass background/security investigation - Must pass pre-employment physical examination - Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory - Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period evaluating fitness and public interest advancement - Physical requirements include long periods of standing/walking, bending, lifting moderately heavy items, working in awkward positions, reaching above shoulder, and routine lifting/carrying of heavy equipment/patients SELECTION PROCESS - Applications evaluated based on qualifications and experience clarity/specificity - Pre-employment reference checks performed to verify information and assess abilities - Review of applications for qualification and eligibility requirements after vacancy closes - Referral certificates issued to qualified applicants - Hiring office contacts referred applicants directly for interviews - Final notification sent to all referred applicants after selection decision HOW TO APPLY - Apply online via USAJOBS by creating or logging into account - Complete full questionnaire and submit required documentation - Upload standard Clinical Resume Document (one-page, unmodified) into restricted Resume field - Upload full resume/CV without page limit into Other document field - Include any applicable documents: transcripts, SF-50s, DD-214, disability letters, professional certifications, SF-15, cover letter - Application deadline: 11:59 PM ET on October 7, 2026 - Contact: Javay Holmes, Phone: 202-745-8000 X57558, Email: javay.holmes@va.gov - Address: Martinsburg VA Medical Center, 510 Butler Avenue, Martinsburg, WV 25405 EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Work Schedule: Intermittent, variable shifts based on service needs - Location: Martinsburg, WV (1 vacancy) - Telework: Not available - Remote: No - Relocation Assistance: Not authorized - Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized - Appointment Type: Permanent - Federal Service Type: Excepted Service - Union Representation: Yes - Drug Test: Required - Security Clearance: Not required (Non-sensitive/Low Risk) - Background Check: Credentialing/Suitability/Fitness - Paid Time Off: 37-50 days annually (13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays) - Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months employment - Child Care Subsidy: Available for eligible employees after 60 days - Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5-year vesting) and 401K with up to 5% VA contributions - Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care options
ABOUT THE ROLE This position is located in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Southeast Network (VISN 7), at the VA Augusta Health Care System in Augusta, Georgia. The incumbent operates diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross-sectional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional images for disease diagnosis. The role involves working off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed. This is a permanent, full-time position in the Excepted Service. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Perform a full range of ultrasound procedures, including special complicated examinations without standard instructions. - Conduct independent portable ultrasound examinations in intensive care units, emergency rooms, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center. - Operate ultrasound equipment independently during evenings, nights, and weekends as scheduled or on call. - Set up and adjust equipment, manually maneuver transducers, and optimize image quality using knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave physics. - Record and process images for interpretation by staff Radiologists or residents. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen. Education: No specific educational requirements; education may substitute for experience only at GS-4 and GS-5 levels. Licensure/Certification: Not required, but registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is strongly desirable for GS-6 and above. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. English Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade-Specific Experience Requirements: GS-6: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade. Must demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, tissue harmonics, soundwave physics, and ability to operate equipment for routine procedures. GS-7: At least 1 year of experience comparable to GS-6. Must demonstrate ability to independently conduct difficult but standardized exams, knowledge of Doppler techniques and digital image transmission, and ability to alter protocols for patient needs. GS-8 (Full Performance Level): At least 1 year of experience comparable to GS-7. Must demonstrate ability to perform exams on multiple body areas (abdomen, pelvis, vascular, etc.), assist with biopsies and surgical procedures, and handle complex, non-standardized cases independently. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment. - Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959. - Must pass pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation. - Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all Health Care Personnel. - Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period upon acceptance. - Telework is not available; this is not a virtual position. - Relocation assistance and sign-on bonuses are not authorized. SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be reviewed for qualification and eligibility after the vacancy closes. - A referral certificate will be issued to qualified applicants. - Referred applicants may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. - All interviews will use the same set of job-related questions to ensure fairness. - Pre-employment reference checks will be performed. - Final notification will be sent once a selection decision is made. HOW TO APPLY - Apply online via USAJOBS by creating an account or logging in. - Complete the full occupational questionnaire. - Upload required documents: 1. Resume: Use the standard Clinical Resume Document (one-page, unmodified) found at the provided VA link, uploaded into the 'Resume' field. 2. Full Resume/CV: May be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document field. 3. Supporting Documents: Transcripts (if using education to qualify), SF-50s (for current/former Federal employees), licenses, certifications, DD-214, etc. - Submit the complete application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on September 30, 2026. - Contact: Jose Pena, Phone: 404-321-6111, Email: Jose.Pena2@va.gov. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Work Schedule: 1:30pm - 12:00am, Tuesday-Friday OR 7:30pm - 6:00am, Tuesday-Friday. - Paid Time Off: 37-50 days annually (13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 Federal holidays). - Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment. - Child Care Subsidy: Eligible after 60 days for families with income below $144,000. - Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and 401K with up to 5% VA contribution. - Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance available. - Union Representation: Yes. - Drug Test: Required. - Security Clearance: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk background check required.
ABOUT THE ROLE This public notice flyer notifies interested applicants of anticipated vacancies within the Department of the Navy, Commander, Navy Installations Command, located at Naval Support Activity Crane, IN. Firefighters are responsible for providing advanced life support, performing hazard and risk assessments, executing firefighting duties for facilities, airfields, or shipboard environments, and driving and operating firefighting vehicles. This is a Mission Essential position requiring continuity of operations and essential task completion as designated by command. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide advanced life support measures - Perform hazard and risk assessments - Perform firefighting duties for facilities, airfields, or shipboard environments - Drive and operate firefighting vehicles - Provide fire prevention, protection, and suppression services - Respond to and mitigate hazardous materials incidents - Communicate over radio with Emergency Room personnel regarding patient history, condition, treatment, and status - Perform rescue operations MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS GS-09 Level: - One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-08 level demonstrating: 1. Providing fire prevention, protection, and suppression services 2. Operating a wide variety of firefighting apparatus and equipment 3. Responding to and/or mitigating hazardous materials incidents 4. Providing emergency medical care and/or basic, intermediate, and advanced life support measures GS-08 Level: - One year of specialized experience demonstrating: 1. Providing emergency care to injured and/or ill patients 2. Communicating over the radio with Emergency Room personnel 3. Performing rescue operations and operating radio equipment 4. Performing fire suppression as a member of an organized fire department brigade Required Certifications (for both GS-08 and GS-09, awarded by DoD, IFSAC, or ProBoard): - Firefighter I & II - Hazmat Awareness - Hazmat Operations - Hazmat Technician - Driver Operator Pumper - Driver Operator Aerial - National Registry EMT-P (Paramedic) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be a U.S. Citizen - Must be determined suitable for federal employment and pass E-Verify - Must participate in direct deposit pay program - Must obtain and maintain current valid U.S. driver's license - Must successfully complete pre-appointment physical examination - Must obtain and maintain interim and/or final Secret security clearance - Must pass pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) and subject to random testing - Must not have reached 37th birthday by date of appointment (exceptions/waivers may apply) - Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959 - Position is Mission Essential and part of a bargaining unit - Veteran's preference does not apply under this specific hiring authority, but documentation must be submitted if claimed SELECTION PROCESS - Human Resources Office reviews resumes to ensure eligibility and qualification requirements are met - Applicants rated based on information provided in resume and supporting documentation - Qualified applicants referred to the hiring manager - Selecting official may conduct interviews - Performance, suitability, and security information verified before employment offers - Inflated qualifications may result in ineligible or not qualified status HOW TO APPLY - Submit resumes and application packages via email to: directhired9fire@us.navy.mil - Email subject line must include: DE-12901136-26-EMS and (PARAMEDIC) - Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET on October 6, 2026 - Resumes restricted to no more than 2 pages; illegible resumes will not be considered - Resume must show: employer name, starting/end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week (if less than full-time), and pay plan/series/grade for federal experience - Must attach copies of all required certifications claimed - If claiming veteran's preference, submit DD-214 or VA letter; disabled veterans must also submit disability letter and SF-15 - Active duty members must submit statement of service on command letterhead - Facsimile applications will not be considered - Contact: Corey VanMeter, Phone: 812-854-4611 - Address: Naval Support Activity Crane, 300 Hwy 361 Bldg 3219, Crane, IN 47522 EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Crane, IN (Multiple vacancies) - Work Schedule: Full-time - Telework: Not eligible - Remote: No - Relocation Expenses: Incentives may be authorized; Permanent Change of Station (PCS) not authorized - Appointment Type: Permanent - Federal Service Type: Competitive Service - Union Representation: Yes - Drug Test: Required - Security Clearance: Secret - Financial Disclosure: Not required - Promotion Potential: GS-9 - Occupation Series: 0081 Fire Protection and Prevention - Supervisory Status: No