Incredibly random, but when I asked my gym if they could add a morning spin class, the owner said "Why don't I add one and you teach it?" I got certified and taught spin and yoga until quite recently. (Unusual for me because I hate speaking in front of groups, but there was something about the music and the people that gave me courage.)
I love this topic, as I was out of the workforce (is that still a term?) for 10 years while raising my kids, then worked in non-profit for 15 years. I always felt a bit behind the 8-ball, although I don't regret my choices. With that said, I started writing my book in 2018 at 49, while still working, so it wasn't a full-time project. It was published in 2021, when I was 53, after having survived cancer. This year, I launched my business that teaches aspiring authors to write, publish, and promote stories that inspire through memoir. I'm 56.
I love this Shannon! We have so many incredible women to celebrate and I am inspired to see it all happen after 40! I had my first book published this year when I was 42 and I know that big things are still to come!
I am writing my first technical book after spending 40 years in engineering. There is no book that says what I want to say so it's time. Why not me and why not now.
My memoir "Honeymoon at Sea" was published late last year when I was 62 by Re:books of Toronto, and has been very well received. I also started my Substack of the same name last year!
In my late 50s, my first mystery short story was published in Ellery Queen Mystery magazine. Many, many thanks to the editor, Janet Hutchings. She has published four more of my stories. One of the stories was selected for the book Best American Mystery Stories 2017, and for another, I was named a finalist for the Edgar Award.
Thank you, Shannon! And I'm equally proud of becoming politically active in my 60s - calling/emailing my political representatives multiple times per week, etc. - and that all began with Hours of Action with Moms Demand Action. Thank you!!!
As a teacher who had to support 6 year-olds through lock-down drills, finding a way to give voice to my outrage, and a community to show me how, kept me sane. And being politically active is helping me cope now. And hopefully doing some degree of good.
I was hired at 61 years old as an admin assistant at UC Merced. There were 80 applicants that were most likely younger than I was. Sometimes people see your qualities/talents and work ethic and not your age! I went on to shine in that domain, accomplishing many interesting and challenging projects, then retired after five years.
In my late 40's, my (now) wife, seven other couples, and I sued the State of Wisconsin to overturn a hateful anti-marriage equality amendment to our state's constitution. We won! And brought marriage equality to Wisconsin. In my 60's, I was appointed to our library board and I'm thriving! I'm also working to fight book bans in Wisconsin and am looking forward to teaching the local fascists that their behavior isn't tolerated.
Wow. Well, I became a Commissioned Minister in Congregational Transformation and Covenant Renewal - a fancy way of saying I started working with congregations in conflict - in my 50s. Consulting is like writing - you can take it into your 3rd act easily. I started Community Organizing - we're calling it Relational Organizing because we first create community and relationships, then we work on the community we want to live in - kind, fair, compassionate and fierce about individual dignity and agency. I've been actively working in building community for 10 years, and I guess that's the work of my 70s. I also work the elections, and our Registrar of Voters just posted an announcement for an Election Specialist, and I'm seriously thinking about it.
I left my spouse after 25 years at 43. I had started college (finally bc pregnant in High school and god forbid I attended college single and pregnant).
He made it impossible to study at home and life generally intolerable.
I took my clothes, $1000 from the bank account, and my elderly parents paid my first monthly rent at Illinois State.
I worked on weekends and some evenings as a paralegal. Graduated with honors. Went to law school at CUA DC evenings. Borrowed every cent to finish law school
Got in top 1/3 and a DC Superior Court Clerkship. A job in the Chief Counsel office of a Treasury Bureau.
Until I was 66. Then retired for heart surgery (aortic stenosis genetic)
After 20 years of making faithful payments on those loans, I got a PSLF discharge for the remainder balance (life changing) in 2022. Thank you Biden.
I got married and became a mom by the time I was 25. I worked full time in super boring jobs for years, because I never went to college. I returned to school at age 43, and got my BFA in graphic design when I was 47. I had a whole new career ahead of me. I worked in design firms, then became a full time graphic design freelancer/illustrator. When I was 53 one of my college professors asked me to teach a graphic design class at UMSL, and I started my career as an adjunct professor. I taught for 14 years, and eventually moved from UMSL to my Alma Mater, Maryville University—and finished out my career at the school I loved the most, teaching Introduction to Digital Design. I retired during Covid. My best career years were after age 43, and I am so glad I took the leap and made the changes I needed to be a much happier person.
Leaps are scary because we can fall mid-air, but when we land in the right spot…it’s worthwhile. I have never regretted quitting my old job to go to school full time at 43. It was the right time to make change happen.
I bet you will enjoy your second half of life career as much as I enjoyed mine. Change is good after 40 because we know exactly what fits, and what makes us happy. We don’t know squat at age 22.
Like Kerry K., I also stayed home to raise kids. I’m sort of neurologically divergent and the corporate world was a nightmare for me. I was fired from most jobs, none of which I loved anyway. As my kids got older, I worked part time in the legislative office of a state representative, then went back to school to become a teacher, which ALSO did not work out; turns out trying to get a classroom job in 2007-8 (when the economy was tanking) as a 50-something first year teacher with a master’s degree was a non-starter. Also, I had a kid with a serious medical condition (since resolved) and another with emotional challenges. BWAAAA! I subbed and tutored for years, and my last job was with a wonderful public-private tutoring partnership in a very low-income school district that was too far from my house. When the commute got to be too much, I pivoted back to my first love, which was quilting. I bought a computerized longarm system and started my own business. Big investment, big leap of faith!! I was 57 years old and…a little bit nervous. You know what? It was great. As an older women with few f***ks to give, I am really enjoying my own empowerment now. I closed up shop this year to spend more time with my grandkids and don’t regret a thing.
At age 46, I wrote and had published a booklet on covert abuse tactics. It was copyrighted this past summer ☺️. It’s in fairly high demand and has helped hundreds of women understand abuse better. 💜💜💜
I am currently working on having it distributed to many more girls/women! I look forward to doing this for years to come!!
At age 50, after 24 years as a veterinarian in clinical practice, I 'started over' as a professor at a local junior college. As professor and attending veterinarian of the veterinary medical technician program, I am fulfilling a lifelong dream to teach. It has been challenging but rewarding-and I have summers off :) I have now been recommended for tenure and anxiously awaiting their final decision. Fingers crossed!
At 40, after years of lousy health made worse by 70-hour work weeks, I left the up-or-out world of CPG marketing and embarked on a journey of writing and physical rehab. After two major surgeries, a long-awaited diagnosis, and six years of physical therapy, I've been able to work out consistently for the past year (a HUGE goal for this former elite gymnast and D1 cheerleader!). I also completed three YA novels. But, after realizing I was burying my own story in a fictional world with made-up characters (THANK YOU Courtney Maum for the challenge!), I'm pivoting to writing personal essays, op-eds, and narrative non-fiction. Starting a Substack in 2025. TBD what form the projects will take in the long run, but I've never felt stronger...and that strength is propelling me forward with purpose and determination. Let the doors open!
Incredibly random, but when I asked my gym if they could add a morning spin class, the owner said "Why don't I add one and you teach it?" I got certified and taught spin and yoga until quite recently. (Unusual for me because I hate speaking in front of groups, but there was something about the music and the people that gave me courage.)
Love this, Lisa!
Teaching is so different than speaking, I think! Well done you and lucky morning spin students!
I love this topic, as I was out of the workforce (is that still a term?) for 10 years while raising my kids, then worked in non-profit for 15 years. I always felt a bit behind the 8-ball, although I don't regret my choices. With that said, I started writing my book in 2018 at 49, while still working, so it wasn't a full-time project. It was published in 2021, when I was 53, after having survived cancer. This year, I launched my business that teaches aspiring authors to write, publish, and promote stories that inspire through memoir. I'm 56.
This is so great, Kerry!
I love this Shannon! We have so many incredible women to celebrate and I am inspired to see it all happen after 40! I had my first book published this year when I was 42 and I know that big things are still to come!
Yes, they are!
I am writing my first technical book after spending 40 years in engineering. There is no book that says what I want to say so it's time. Why not me and why not now.
Exactly - why not you. That's great, Siva!
Thanks for the encouragement..!
My memoir "Honeymoon at Sea" was published late last year when I was 62 by Re:books of Toronto, and has been very well received. I also started my Substack of the same name last year!
That's amazing, Jennifer!!
In my late 50s, my first mystery short story was published in Ellery Queen Mystery magazine. Many, many thanks to the editor, Janet Hutchings. She has published four more of my stories. One of the stories was selected for the book Best American Mystery Stories 2017, and for another, I was named a finalist for the Edgar Award.
Congratulations, Trina!
Thank you, Shannon! And I'm equally proud of becoming politically active in my 60s - calling/emailing my political representatives multiple times per week, etc. - and that all began with Hours of Action with Moms Demand Action. Thank you!!!
As a teacher who had to support 6 year-olds through lock-down drills, finding a way to give voice to my outrage, and a community to show me how, kept me sane. And being politically active is helping me cope now. And hopefully doing some degree of good.
Love this!
I was hired at 61 years old as an admin assistant at UC Merced. There were 80 applicants that were most likely younger than I was. Sometimes people see your qualities/talents and work ethic and not your age! I went on to shine in that domain, accomplishing many interesting and challenging projects, then retired after five years.
That is so great, Trish!
In my late 40's, my (now) wife, seven other couples, and I sued the State of Wisconsin to overturn a hateful anti-marriage equality amendment to our state's constitution. We won! And brought marriage equality to Wisconsin. In my 60's, I was appointed to our library board and I'm thriving! I'm also working to fight book bans in Wisconsin and am looking forward to teaching the local fascists that their behavior isn't tolerated.
Wow, so impressive, Lu!
Thank you for all you do! Nice job!!
Yessss!!! 🔥🏳️🌈
Wow. Well, I became a Commissioned Minister in Congregational Transformation and Covenant Renewal - a fancy way of saying I started working with congregations in conflict - in my 50s. Consulting is like writing - you can take it into your 3rd act easily. I started Community Organizing - we're calling it Relational Organizing because we first create community and relationships, then we work on the community we want to live in - kind, fair, compassionate and fierce about individual dignity and agency. I've been actively working in building community for 10 years, and I guess that's the work of my 70s. I also work the elections, and our Registrar of Voters just posted an announcement for an Election Specialist, and I'm seriously thinking about it.
Wow, that is incredible, Mary!
I left my spouse after 25 years at 43. I had started college (finally bc pregnant in High school and god forbid I attended college single and pregnant).
He made it impossible to study at home and life generally intolerable.
I took my clothes, $1000 from the bank account, and my elderly parents paid my first monthly rent at Illinois State.
I worked on weekends and some evenings as a paralegal. Graduated with honors. Went to law school at CUA DC evenings. Borrowed every cent to finish law school
Got in top 1/3 and a DC Superior Court Clerkship. A job in the Chief Counsel office of a Treasury Bureau.
Until I was 66. Then retired for heart surgery (aortic stenosis genetic)
After 20 years of making faithful payments on those loans, I got a PSLF discharge for the remainder balance (life changing) in 2022. Thank you Biden.
Now I grow vegetables 🌽
I love this, Katherine.
Thank you 🙏
I got married and became a mom by the time I was 25. I worked full time in super boring jobs for years, because I never went to college. I returned to school at age 43, and got my BFA in graphic design when I was 47. I had a whole new career ahead of me. I worked in design firms, then became a full time graphic design freelancer/illustrator. When I was 53 one of my college professors asked me to teach a graphic design class at UMSL, and I started my career as an adjunct professor. I taught for 14 years, and eventually moved from UMSL to my Alma Mater, Maryville University—and finished out my career at the school I loved the most, teaching Introduction to Digital Design. I retired during Covid. My best career years were after age 43, and I am so glad I took the leap and made the changes I needed to be a much happier person.
I love this! Sometimes the biggest leaps lead to our happiest years.
Leaps are scary because we can fall mid-air, but when we land in the right spot…it’s worthwhile. I have never regretted quitting my old job to go to school full time at 43. It was the right time to make change happen.
As someone in my late 40s who also changes careers in my mid 40s, this is very inspiring!
I bet you will enjoy your second half of life career as much as I enjoyed mine. Change is good after 40 because we know exactly what fits, and what makes us happy. We don’t know squat at age 22.
*changed*
Like Kerry K., I also stayed home to raise kids. I’m sort of neurologically divergent and the corporate world was a nightmare for me. I was fired from most jobs, none of which I loved anyway. As my kids got older, I worked part time in the legislative office of a state representative, then went back to school to become a teacher, which ALSO did not work out; turns out trying to get a classroom job in 2007-8 (when the economy was tanking) as a 50-something first year teacher with a master’s degree was a non-starter. Also, I had a kid with a serious medical condition (since resolved) and another with emotional challenges. BWAAAA! I subbed and tutored for years, and my last job was with a wonderful public-private tutoring partnership in a very low-income school district that was too far from my house. When the commute got to be too much, I pivoted back to my first love, which was quilting. I bought a computerized longarm system and started my own business. Big investment, big leap of faith!! I was 57 years old and…a little bit nervous. You know what? It was great. As an older women with few f***ks to give, I am really enjoying my own empowerment now. I closed up shop this year to spend more time with my grandkids and don’t regret a thing.
I love everything about this, Amy.
At age 46, I wrote and had published a booklet on covert abuse tactics. It was copyrighted this past summer ☺️. It’s in fairly high demand and has helped hundreds of women understand abuse better. 💜💜💜
I am currently working on having it distributed to many more girls/women! I look forward to doing this for years to come!!
Such important work, Chera.
At age 50, after 24 years as a veterinarian in clinical practice, I 'started over' as a professor at a local junior college. As professor and attending veterinarian of the veterinary medical technician program, I am fulfilling a lifelong dream to teach. It has been challenging but rewarding-and I have summers off :) I have now been recommended for tenure and anxiously awaiting their final decision. Fingers crossed!
Got a book deal at 43 (is that midlife?)
Congratulations, Liz!
At 40, after years of lousy health made worse by 70-hour work weeks, I left the up-or-out world of CPG marketing and embarked on a journey of writing and physical rehab. After two major surgeries, a long-awaited diagnosis, and six years of physical therapy, I've been able to work out consistently for the past year (a HUGE goal for this former elite gymnast and D1 cheerleader!). I also completed three YA novels. But, after realizing I was burying my own story in a fictional world with made-up characters (THANK YOU Courtney Maum for the challenge!), I'm pivoting to writing personal essays, op-eds, and narrative non-fiction. Starting a Substack in 2025. TBD what form the projects will take in the long run, but I've never felt stronger...and that strength is propelling me forward with purpose and determination. Let the doors open!
Yes, let the doors open. Amazing, Kristine.