14 of 24 women left, lost or were pushed out of a role in midlife. Only 5 were made redundant.
Research by Olivia Carr. 24 private, one-to-one witness conversations with women in midlife, May to August 2026.
The Midlife Truth is an ongoing body of witness conversations, lived experience, research and writing exploring what it means to be a woman in the middle of life.
What the women I spoke to described.
Dismissed, then left to find their own way
10 of 24 women felt dismissed or misdiagnosed by the health system. For 5 of 24, menopause was early, surgical or medically induced.
That was my body slamming the brakes on for me.
Participant, 41 Culture
8 of the 14 women who left described bullying, a toxic culture or a leader who undermined them. Across all 24, 11 described it.
Equally punished for being too vocal and not vocal enough.
Participant, 45 Misread symptoms
9 of 24 described brain fog or lost words at work. These are the symptoms most easily mistaken at work for poor performance or a bad attitude.
I always think it's my job.
Participant, 56 Silence
Only 2 of 24 mentioned having menopause education at work. For both, one session was how they first recognised what was happening.
A woman with education and knowledge is not a threat. They're an asset.
Participant, 59
Round 1: 24 witness conversations in the findings
Ages 41–74
Australia · UK · US · Canada · NZ
About the research
I invited women aged 40 and over to take part. Every woman chose to join in response to an open invitation, so the group is self-selected.
I held every conversation one to one, by video call. Each lasted about an hour. Every woman was asked the same opening question about where she is in this season of life. From there she led. There was no question list.
Transcripts were anonymised in two passes, removing names, employers, industries, places and other identifying detail. Every quote was checked word for word against the anonymised transcript.
Twenty-five conversations were held in Round 1. One could not be included because the recording did not capture her answers.
This is a small, in-depth study. It describes these 24 women, not all women in midlife.
Who are you, and where are you in your life right now?
Read the Round 1 report
24 unscripted conversations. Every number counted, every quote checked.
Where this goes next.
- For organisations
Bring the findings to your leadership team.
The full Round 1 findings, presented to your people.
Explore work for organisations - For women
Round 2 is coming.
Round 2 is not open yet. Register your interest to share your story and I will be in touch when it opens.
Register your interest - For media
Cite this research
The Midlife Truth, Round 1 (n=24), Olivia Carr, 2026.
hello@oliviacarr.com.au