My last year as been a time of change for me. Everything changing at the same time seems almost fitting, in a chaotic type of way. As I pass into my fifties, being “older,” I say goodbye to many things that seemly belong to my pre50’s life. I’m not really giving up anything major, occasional hot pants perhaps; I bet they are frowned upon, for many reasons, after 50 anyway. I mean,
I’ve read you shouldn’t go bare-legged in public post 50; surely your ass cheeks shouldn’t hang out; but I digress..
I’m giving up my previous work of 18 years to go where they are actually excited to have me, post 50 and menopausal female, on board. Not that I was unappreciated at my old job, I think I just became part of the background noise. I was like the hum of the refrigerator: you never hear it when it’s running, only when it stops working would you notice.
A friend asked if he heard an office was looking for someone just like me; I was scared, change after 18 years, who me? The interview went better than expected; I was quite surprised to hear I was needed on their team. Suddenly, the warmth of the sun of appreciation caressed my face, it felt good.
I felt elated, more appreciated than I had in many years; yet it frightened me to think of changing what I knew so well.
Today is a first day for me, a new job, not big deal in everyday life or in the larger scheme of things. For me it is a rebirth of sorts, as I feel that I’ve just let go of a very stressful past and I am about to open to door to a bright future. I now work for an office centered around fitness and is very excited to have me, and my job skills, on board.
My new office has as much to offer me, as I have to offer them; we are excited to have met each other.
I’m leaving an office with an expressed a desire to employ only cute, svelte, twenty somethings, which I’m not. Joining an office that appreciates the older experienced women.
Fifty and appreciated, isn’t life grand..
and grand it is! I went through that at 40, when I moved from corporate office work in FL to full time house flipping, in TX. So glad I made the change. It was scary, moving to another state, not knowing where I would work, if another good deal of a house project didn’t show up. But it did, and although I’m not in that same profession now, that was 10 years ago, and I am loving where I have ended up so far! Janet, it is wonderful that you get to do the better half + of your life in a much better place! Kudos on taking the jump!
You’ve done well Laurie and your change had to be very scary as it was a complete relation of work and life. I am very happy to enjoy my remaining work years this way, thank you.
As I was reading your post I was reminded of how I felt when my youngest left home and I was suddenly an empty nester – the change was terrifying but exciting, too! I’m rooting for you that this new job will be far more rewarding and a better environment. Go get ’em!
There is that same sense of nervous excitement that goes along with any type of change; stepping into the unknown. I love the challenge of learning new things, which I’m really excited about.
I find (the closer I get to my 40-10th birthday) the clearer things seem to me around the office. It’s not rocket science (unless of course, it actually IS rocket science). Good for you reaching beyond the history for what you want to do. I’m seriously considering doing just that thing.
It is nice to finally be able to do something for me, that make me happy. Thank you.
Change is always scary, but the challenge can sometimes be empowering. Good luck on all of your changes. We all have been in your shoes, and are here to tell our stories! Thanks for telling yours.
Good luck! Sounds like this will be a good fit. It is great to feel appreciated at your job for the job you do and for your experience and perspective.
Thank you, I’m starting to really feel less stressed. Letting go is a process.
Good for you, that you’re going somewhere where you’ll be appreciated! People don’t get how important it is to acknowledge a job well done. You deserve something better, glad you found it!
I bet a fresh set of eyes at my old desk will do a world of good too..
So great that you’ve found a place that will value you and all your talents. What a loss for Dr SweetYoungThings — who will surely begin to figure this out now.
I laugh about that too, he is too young to realize what lies ahead of him.
Us older and more experienced women have a lot to offer. I’m glad you found a place that values what you bring to the workplace. I can’t wait to hear all about it. 🙂
Yes, I believe they did find just what they were looking for. I’ve been on the job for 6 days and already have a handle on what I’m doing. The staff are excited about having someone old enough to know what they are talking about.