The Wholistic Productivity Podcast #44 You Can Do Hard Things: Making a Midlife Career Pivot
In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with Jason Mustard, an immigration attorney and law firm partner, to explore what it really takes to make a major career pivot later in life—without sacrificing your values, your family, or your well-being.
Jason brings a rare perspective shaped by lived experience. After earning a journalism degree and spending a decade working in education, marketing, and recruitment, Jason made the bold decision to leave a stable career and return to school for law—with a spouse, young kids, and real financial pressure in the mix. Today, he practices immigration law in the Bay Area, helping families stay together and individuals pursue new futures.
Together, Chris and Jason unpack the emotional, practical, and productivity challenges of starting over mid-career. They talk candidly about fear, identity, imposter syndrome, preparation, support systems, and why doing meaningful work often requires patience—not urgency.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why making a big career change doesn’t mean starting from zero
- How to manage fear, uncertainty, and imposter syndrome when stakes are high
- The role support systems play in long-term success
- Why “treat it like a job” is a powerful productivity mindset
If you’re wrestling with a career crossroads, a long-held calling, or the tension between professional ambition and personal priorities, this episode will help you think more clearly—and more compassionately—about your next step.
Show Links
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-mustard-26642b6a/
Contact his law firm - https://surowitz.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:02 The Journey of Career Transition
06:42 Understanding Immigration Law
10:03 The Decision to Pursue Law School
13:46 Experiences in Law School
17:14 Overcoming Doubts and Fears
22:05 Support Systems in Career Changes
25:47 Preparing for the Bar Exam
26:35 The Weight of Expectations
29:59 The Journey Through Law School
32:14 Transitioning from Education to Law
34:05 The Impact of Immigration Law
38:08 The Courage of Immigrants
39:52 Balancing Priorities in Law School
45:36 Work-Life Balance in Law Practice
49:29 Navigating Law School Challenges
53:00 The Importance of Doing Hard Things
55:49 Defining Success and Happiness
58:10 Taking Risks and Building Confidence
59:34 The Questions
01:13:13 Conclusion
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