Mary is on the Advisory Board of Well Past 50. As a Board member she brings with her 60 years of success in motherhood, business, marriage – in life. Whatever Mary does, she does it well. That’s not to say that she hasn’t had challenges and hurdles like the rest of us. But when Mary faced problems in her marriage, with her children, or in her career, she has turned the negatives into positives. She is one of the women I admire most among my peers. Her entry to the blog will show you why.
What am I thinking? I have an attractive job, which I like. I’m good at it. The salary is fine and the benefits are great. I’ve been in the same industry for ten years so I know it pretty well. In fact, I often get calls from business peers who consider me an expert! Not sure that I’m good enough to qualify in a court of law, but you get the point.
With all that said, there’s a reason for my opening question. I’ve decided to make a career change. No big deal as it seems to be the M.O. of today’s professionals. But – they’re young and fearless. I’m well past 50 and nearing an age when most people are retiring and settling into a different lifestyle.
So what the heck AM I thinking? I’m thinking that I want to start doing what I really want to do. I know retirement is not the choice for me. Not yet. And, I want to feel as passionate about what I get paid to do every day as I feel about a special volunteer project, a great book, or a glass of good wine. I don’t consider for a minute that I won’t be good in my new role – passion brings out the best in me. It also gives me self-confidence, which provides a certain respect from clients and co-workers because it shows. Being 60 is not even a part of the equation – at least in my mind. My skills have come through years of working with a variety of people; on good and bad projects; through fat and lean times. All have contributed to that self-confidence.
I, of course, had to think this through financially. I find it sad that benefits have now become as important as salary but I’ve made that work, too.
I will continue to have a salary and benefits that work for me and my family. But, I will be adding the passion that makes my eyes shine and the drive home each night one of anticipation, as I plan what great things are going to happen tomorrow and how my contributions are going to make a difference – even at my age!
I admit that I get a little torked when people say to me – “You’ve got to be kidding! You’re changing jobs? I would think at your age you’d be retiring.”
So, I guess I’ve answered my own question. I’m thinking that I’m doing just what I want to do – even at my age.
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