Career Reinvention after 60: Maturity Helps This Time
My younger professional self was quite different from my current professional self. First of all, I wear more neutrals now and love it.
But, I have noticed many changes since my return to professional life after age 60.
First, I have learned to respond to situations slower and without over reacting. My younger self would tend to over react or get heated a little too quickly.
Now, I wait to respond and every time my response has been much better than if I had quickly opened my mouth. I wish my younger self had practiced this!
I am not as anxious as before when I cared about moving up the ladder or, on the other end, losing my job. This time I am a leader and if I were to lose the job for any reason, I know I will find something else to do. This gives me confidence to speak up with ideas whereas my younger self often kept quite…mostly out of fear.
My current self cares about the whole team and helping to bring the whole team to a point where we all work well together. My younger self was not as appreciative of the talents of others…now I am fascinated and love the talents of others.
It is amazing how much teaching journalism in high school for 16 years prepared me for this moment. Learning to inspire and motivate teens is the same with adults. We all want appreciation!
What hasn’t changed is I still appreciate a good sale. This summer sweater from EILEEN FISHER AT DILLARDS was in an out-of-season sale a couple of years ago and works perfect for South Texas Climate. It wasn’t meant for fall, but is great for our type of fall! I love it with my black pants, tank and flats. I often pick up Eileen Fisher on sale at Dillards and it keeps me very happy!
Would anyone else like to share what your older self does better now than when you worked younger?
Returning takes humility, hard work, and can be much fun!
Linking up with FUN FASHION FRIDAY LINK UP
I do love being older for these reasons and more too Pam!
I've finally figured out it's okay not to know all the answers and to admit it!
That's exactly why I'd never want to go back to a certain age! Being the age I am is perfect!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I have learned many thing in my 61 years upon this earth, but this is a great summary: “Never miss a good chance to shut up.”
That's a great look, Pam. Quietly confident.
I agree Jodie! I love working at this age!
LOL! So true, Laure Lee!
Thanks so much Susan. I really like a look such as this…seem to go this direction more and more!
I love your reflections on how you have changed as a career woman now. I also LOVE that coat!
My older self would tell my younger self that the best was yet to come. To not worry about being unemployable after 50 – there are still employers who know when they're on a good thing and want mature women and are happy to pay for the experience we bring with us. I love that we're thriving in our new fields Pam!
I love being in my 60s! I'm much more confident than my younger self was and I don't worry as much about what other people think.
My older self laughs a lot more. The best thing is that I know what I want and I can relax because I know what I don't want as well. The outfit you have on is perhaps my favorite. I have stocked up on sweaters and leggings this season even, gulp, faux leather leggings. Pleasantly surprised at comfort & look.
When I was young I didn't love or trust the way I do now. I would tell myself to take a breath relax and just love and trust better.
In my youth, I would lose heart so easily. If I had a setback, I would be devastated and want to just give up. I've finally learned to take a deep breath, find the gift or lesson in the disappointment, and move forward with gusto! Yay for us and yay for maturity! 🙂
Thanks so much for linking up with Fun Fashion Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.com