Career Reinvention Over 60: 5 Early Observations

I have sat in my EDITOR chair exactly 24 days and to say life is hectic is an understatement, but career reinvention after 60 is interesting.  I heard a young lady say the other day to a younger co-worker she was not looking forward to being over fifty because she would be so bored at that stage of life…well, let me tell you, it is no where near boring!  Down-time has been precious and small.

In twenty four days, I have learned these things:

1.  I miss blogging every day of the week…I do miss you (my readers) and it is a challenge to keep both going, but I am determined to do so.  I did not realize how much I really enjoyed being here every day!
2. Returning to the professional world with some maturity has made such a difference.  While the workplace drama is the same, I react so differently now…calm, quieter, reserved and thoughtful.  I do not over-react as I did in my 20s & 30s to other people…and I recognize what other employees might be up to, faster.
3.  Yes, there is some age discrimination, but I think by working hard, and being on my game, I have showed them I am really more capable of good work than some younger employees.  It has been better to address this with action rather than words.  I have been at my desk for about an hour before the others arrive to work each morning. 
4.  Interesting enough, there is some “blogger” discrimination.  I do not know why some people talk about our time with our blogs as if it is not work.  It doesn’t feel like work, because I enjoy it so much…but, nevertheless, it is WORK.  I have been in the world of communications for over 40 years, but one employee will describe me as “just a fashion blogger”  while looking down her nose.  I am proud of all my experience…including blogging!
5. A daily workout has been imperative to keep me mentally on my game and feeling good.  M-F, I am at the gym at 5AM.  

Currently, I am working harder than I have in a long, long time.  There are so many small details to learn and oversee.  But, it is possible to do this…so have hope, those of you who desire to return or remain in the career world for awhile.  It can be done…with a little panache and STYLE!

See you later with Jennifer and Hit Your Style Sweet Spot!  Have a wonderful weekend…..

9 Comments

  1. I have a relative over 50 who worked for a large suburban paper in the Northeast; she has been job hunting for two years now and is going to have to take the self employment route. It has not been easy for her. I know you will be far from bored! Good luck.

  2. It took hard work and perseverance to get to this place. It did not happen immediately. Tell her to keep pressing forward…even through the discouraging days. I know it is not easy. Perseverance was my one word focus for 2016!! I also had to humble myself and enter the magazine on a much lower position in the beginning.

  3. Well, "Kill them with kindness and bury them with your success". Blogging is still a newer frontier and some people see it as not much more that writing and email. But clearly there is alot of thought and time put into yours. Great content. Keep looking ahead and moving forward. Your work ethic will be one of your strengths

  4. #4 reminds me of an incident that happened early in my stay at home mom days. I was at a function with my teacher husband and met a beginning teacher on his staff. Her comment when she learned that I was at home with my children still rings in my ears decades later. "Oh, you're just a housewife." Little did she know that I had more teaching experience than she did! Just as my days at home rearing my own children made me an even better teacher when I returned to the workforce, your days as a fashion blogger have helped prepare you to do an awesome job where you are today! So glad you're finding time to keep the blog going!

  5. I'm so happy you are enjoying life back in the workforce. Show them what "older" ladies can do!! To quote Robert Browning:
    “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith, 'A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!”

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