Why not launch a new you this year?
With a number of friends looking for new opportunities—and each of them near to or over fifty—I’ve been able to participate in quite a few exhilarating conversations about what they want from the next several years of their work lives.
The biggest questions we’re chatting about:
- What’s next? The world is open to me, I can do anything I want to do in it.
- Why not walk a new path this year? My shoes are tired of treading the same old same old.
- Who said we had to be the same, stay the same, keep doing the same job day after every day of our lives forever? My heart has always yearned to try _____.
The Millennials already know that leaving jobs every two or three years is not necessarily a negative. But us Baby Boomers retain our parents’ attitude toward work. Bless their generation for the ethic they instilled of sticking to a job—it’s served us well—however, the world is not the same for us at fifty as it was for them at fifty.
We have more options, more abilities to alter our lives and try new things. There’s no longer a stigma to plunging into a different endeavor—as if people will think we’ve lost our minds because we’re finally taking a year to join the Peace Corp. Okay, it might take a bit of convincing where your family is concerned, or not, if they know you well.
Over fifty? Embrace tech with open arms!
With the internet, there are multiple ways to change things—from taking the one-off oddball class that could open your horizons, to graduating from college via an online university.
The internet makes it possible to keep our worlds from staying small and assists in us ever-broadening our horizons. My father was a retired steel worker. When he asked me to show him a computer in 1995, it didn’t take him long to be fully hooked. When cable made its way to rural Pennsylvania (dead-end roads included), dad bought his first HP and conquered multiple programs. He got on Classmates and found friends he hadn’t seen since high school graduation in 1951 and Army buddies he’d lost track of.
With the arrival of Google Earth, we took a tour of Oahu and dad pointed out his barracks and beaches he participated in judo training on, thrilled with the discovery–thrilled with sharing that personal history with his daughter. He’d have been wild about Facebook, but died in 2009 as the platform was just reaching non-university folks.
Had dad any interest or desire in starting a new career—well, he did take up woodworking and many folks purchased the results—the internet would have been the key to a choice vastly different from building railroad cars.
Realizing you have choices is the first, best way to decide to make a change.
A less comfortable way to be moving forward is to be confronted with the infamous fickleness of a corporation downsize. The “strategic reorganizations” (is “strategic” really word they should use?) and lay-offs that many of us have faced—whether given advanced notice or having it hit you out of the blue—can be earth shattering. Whatever impact your wages made in your household, that money is gone.
This can also be the opportunity for you to ask, What now, with excitement rather than trepidation.
If you’ve been deluding yourself through life until now, you may finally have begun to recognize your mortality. Sometimes it takes until fifty for us to realize life is short. That realized, most decidedly, time to stop being unhappy in an unsatisfying career.
Laid off or simply ready for a different challenge, your household situation might be the determining factor in how you approach the next steps. You maybe be single, self-supportive, without kids. You may be the spouse of the bread-winner. You may be the person your family relies upon for income. Your kids could be independent, no longer living with mom and/or dad.
It’s time to think about:
- Should I get a job in the same industry?
- Is there a career connected to what I’ve done where my skills would be useful?
- Do I want to do something completely differently this time?
- I may be alive for another forty years, working for another fifteen (or more), where do I want to channel my efforts?
- What do I love? Is there a way to earn a living connected with it?
- Am I an extrovert or an introvert, and how can I use my dominant trait to my advantage?
- What do I hate? How can I avoid it in the future?
- Am I security-minded, leaning toward the well-traversed path? Or am I an entrepreneur, willing to start my own venture?
- Have I always been in the corporate world, but find I’m drawn to a non-profit?
- What am I afraid of? How can that fear be conquered?
- If I pursue an alternative career, what is the worst that can happen?
Changing life
I’ve been changing occupations my whole life—retail management, personnel placement, human resources, consulting, administrative—because the sole career I ever wanted to pursue was writing. The only continuous thing I have done throughout my multi-careers is write. I’ve constantly written for myself, finished four novels (one a truly novice attempt, two begging for re-writes and the last being queried). For employers, I’ve written everything from training manuals to policies and procedures to job ads and employment letters.
Now I’m writing for me. For you. Daily. Hourly. I’m spewing out short stories for contests, querying my novel, writing the sequel, improving the depth and breadth of my blogs.
What is the worst that can happen? I never earn any income from writing? I’ve already sold a number of Travel Journals—if you have an upcoming trip check them out—which is a huge boost to both ego and pocketbook. The worst thing has already been conquered, with many more income possibilities on the horizon.
What about you? How have you handled employment circumstances imposed upon you? Or have you already, like people I know, made the decision to change things and reinvented your life? What have the results been?
And, what’s next?
Careers not pursued…
- Butcher – not so much
- Wine Taster – why not?
- Car model? Hm, nope.
- Carpenter? If only I could read the ruler.
**
First I must say, you slay me. All of our jobs and all of our dreams have made us who we are today….and there are more dreams to come. And we do have a new career awaiting us….Will Weed for Wine!
Love you and love your spirit!
Glad you got a kick out of the blog, Abhishek. Maybe I should start a local club with WWfW as our motto!
What a great post.
I know for me a lot of things have happened since after I turned 50. (I am now closer to 60 than 50). Being an author was one of them, blogging etc, Even continuing my pro wrestling career. I will admit I do not feel the same the next day after a match as I did when I was younger.
I love all your pics, thanks for sharing.
You are into such a variety of things, William, that I am not surprised this post resonated with you. I’ve had too many positive influences in my life to give up doing anything because of a number on a calendar. I plan on going, going, going and trying new, new, new until I just plain can’t. We’ll see if God is in on that one!
I love your writing style, RoseMary. Thanks for sharing your photographs of old- you have barely changed! From as far back as I can remember I have enjoyed reading and writing. I liked the element of switching off and becoming engrossed in the story. I first wanted to be a bank manager, primarily because it was connected to money. This went right out of the window when I did my two weeks work experience at a bank. I was utterly bored. I then wanted to be a journalist or news reader. I worked as junior editor for a few months… Read more »
Switching off and tuning in to a great story is a skill, Phoenicia. I love disappearing into a book. Thank you for the compliment about my writing–I appreciate it. So which of all the wonderful things you do is your absolute favorite? Or do you have more than one?
All I ever wanted to do was write, but it took a while for me to make the leap to: published writer who earns a living that way–those two things are critical.
Dad had judo training? Really? I always wanted to punch a punching bag……who knows? Not a career choice but could be fun. I want to be a photographer, master gardener, stupendous soap maker, sew-er (otherwise it looks like sewer – you see who the writer is in the family – not me), the best grandma ever, chef, hiking enthusiast……so much to do…..gotta quit the day job!
Yes, he did. Neat, huh? I’ve always wanted one of those punching bags, too. Hmmm, what does that say about us? ha ha. You have quite the list, Seester. Get busy! June-hiking-Wales!
I love this post! I just delivered a program to a group of people 55+ all about the importance of older adults adopting an entrepreneurial mindset. The basic idea behind the program (ReSet) is reminding people of their own personal power and what it takes to transition ideas and opportunities into actions. We also addressed the challenge of ageism (self-directed and external) and the way it can dimish both lives and opportunities. Good for you for encouraging the right kind of thinking. With the average lifespan getting longer and longer, that longevity bonus means we have ample opportunity to continue… Read more »
Debra, we keep getting in sync! I love that program–bravo to you for delivering it. I don’t like the warehousing of our elderly tucked away out of sight somewhere. Work doesn’t–usually–define who we are, but how we choose to live our lives. Your class is a great way to help people think differently about the “limits” of age.
LOVE this post, Rose! I could really relate, as I launched my freelance writing career when I was 37. It was COMPLETELY different from my previous roles, and sprung me free from the security of a government pension and tremendous benefits. Yet … I felt it was the right thing to do, and it has brought me much happiness. Perhaps the financial gain will eventually come?
And look at you go, Doreen! Your career change seems to have been a magical choice for you. Hard work, to be sure, but such an adventure!
I have faith that God is leading me where he wants me to go and what comes will be the right thing.
Major changes in the last three years have lead to re-inventing myself three times. While upheaval isn’t fun, it really does lead to better changes in the end. I have a clearer vision for the life I’d like to lead than ever before, so that’s a great thing indeed.
You were in my mind as I was re-writing this, Jeri, with everything that has gone on. I shout: Go, Jeri, go!
Thanks for this inspirational post RM. I think it’s absolutely vital to reinvent yourself every once in a while. Who are we? What do we want from our lives? Of course this can change too as we get older, so why shouldn’t our aspirations? We only have one chance at this so better make it as good as we possibly can. I’m just in the process of reinventing myself (again), from journalist to mother to… watch this space!
I love that we can keep being the new thing that we’re ready to be, Monika! I’m enjoying your yoga blogs, so what else is coming? Oh boy!
I’ve just revisited this post en route to trying to find your latest. Last night I came out of my gym class (how predictable is that for a fortysomething woman?) and I heard this amazing drumming. Now I’m all set to start Samba drumming (or dancing?) in September on Mondays instead. And they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. My husband says I’ll be wearing the tie-dye before you know it!
You know … I’ve been wanting to try my hand at tie-dye. Maybe we should set a date for oh, November, to give that a whirl! I think Samba drumming sounds like delightful fun!
Love all your pics. I’ve done every job under the sun. Well, maybe not every one..but a lot. That’s what happens when you become an actress and have to be adaptable with your survival jobs. Even though I have my own business now, I still work two days a week at a sperm bank for economic stability. A sperm bank??? If someone told me I would have ever been employed at one of those, I would have never believed it. (fyi…I don’t actually work with the sperm…lol. I work with people after they get pregnant.) I’m sure I will keep… Read more »
Erica, you made me laugh! A sperm bank, eh? No, I wouldn’t have matched you to that–venue–ever. Pretty funny. I remember reading decades ago about all the jobs that Kirk Douglas had before he really made it in acting. I was impressed with his versatility and thought–well, why can’t the rest of us do that when we want to? And we can!
Having been retired for about three years now I sometimes scratch my head and wonder how the hell I ever found time to work.
Ken, that’s exactly what my dad said when he was given early retirement at 61. No moss growing on him, he took up wood working and got into computers–all sorts of things to keep going. Bravo to you as well.
Great heading RoseMary!
It takes resilience to change things up, my friend.
I spent the first 19 years of my life wondering why my bipolar mother didn’t notice me, and then I spent the next 19 years of my life missing the signs of being married to an addict. I think it’s safe to say the next 19 years of my life are going to be all about me and they are going to be good.
Bravo to you, Jeri! You are so right that you should spend the next 19 years (at least) putting the focus directly on yourself. You have a lot to offer to the world and I’m looking forward to seeing it all in action!
I’m 28 and found this blog while looking at the comments of other’s blogs.
Thanks a lot for reiterating what other people have told me, it’s never too late to try something new and just because you’ve done something all of your life doesn’t mean you can’t try something new.
Appreciate the content and I shared with my social media! I’m sure one or two of them would enjoy it too.
Never stop being better than amazing.
Welcome, Michael. I’m glad we can reassure you, at 28, that it is never too late to do new things, try a new life. Love this: “Never stop being better than amazing.” Well said.
Hi Rose. I can relate to this post. I was in my 30’s when I left the safety and financial comfort of a corporate job to reinvent myself as a freelance writer. 23 years later (in April) and I am absolutely loving the new life and new me that I have created through this career change. It sure beats sitting at a desk doing mundane tasks and having to check with a supervisor before you can even blow your nose!
Love your story, Doreen! Wish I had been as brave as you and done this 23 years ago. I have an allergy to corporate-world-desks and should have treated it sooner. I love you chocolate tours!
Hi Rose, I like ken’s comment. That is funny. But so true because no matter how old we are it’s never too late to try something new or reinvent ourselves. I’m still a work in progress.
Yeppers, Susan–and Ken. The old people I know are the ways who are the same day after day–whether they are thirty or seventy!
I’m 66 and I’m still kind of wondering what I’d like to be when I grow up.
Ken, that tells me you’re still trying new things and learning. My Dad was 77 when he died and he was still learning–like days before he died. I want to be him. 🙂
I’m not a baby boomer. I’m a complete generation Xer. But I feel I am going through this now. Ever since being laid off and staying home with the kids, I wonder what I’ll do “when I grow up.” Going back to work is still a few years away, but what do I want? I have a Masters, but I’m not sure I enjoy that work anymore (shhh…don’t tell my husband that!). The things I enjoy don’t really fit into a career. Sooo…is there an app to just tell me what to do? ;). This adult stuff just isn’t much… Read more »
Hey–you want in on the Weeding for wine, TJA, you got it!
I so understand what you are saying. From being out of the corporate environment, everything changes. And I think being a mom, you really come to understand what’s the most important thing in life. And it isn’t earning a profit for a corporation. It’s family. So how to do that and earn an income? Ah, an App would be so handy!
Coincidentally at dinner with a friend last night, we were talking about this very subject. I had not read your blog on the topic until this morning. So, I passed it onto her via email. Hope she checks it out!
What great fun, Nadine!
Hip Hip hooray that you still have what it takes to reinvent and to pursue writing, which brings you joy:) Me? I try to roll with it… help more folks than I hurt, quench my inner thirst for all things good.
From what I have learned of you, Jacquie–this is happening!
First I must say, you slay me. All of our jobs and all of our dreams have made us who we are today….and there are more dreams to come. And we do have a new career awaiting us….Will Weed for Wine!
Love you and love your spirit!
Let’s buy that domain before someone scoops us on “Will Weed for Wine!” HA, Seester!
Glad I slay you–it’s mutual. You are darned right about all the jobs/careers behind us have led us to the who we are now. And I’m liking us now just fine!
This is the eternal question I ask myself, Rose. I think that my answer to all this is to compartmentalize work vs. dreams. It’s not a great answer, admittedly, but that’s what I do. Work during the day and make my dreams happen by the light of a single taper. 🙂
Sounds like a good plan, Joy. I wish more of us were fulfilled by our day jobs, but I don’t think that’s in the cards.
Liz Gilbert’s book, Big Magic, talks about this whole issue of working (for a living) and creativity. Very very good. So glad you’re getting to spend your time writing, Rosemary! And, I’ll weed for wine.
I should have known that you would be in on the Weed for Wine project. Oh to the mind of a Wicked Bad!