You're Too Old to Start a New Career!

My step-daughter is a vibrant, beautiful, outgoing young woman. This year she turns 50. In addition to being an outstanding wife, she has dedicated most of her adult life to raising three wonderful sons and doing all the cheer-leading, taxi-driving, counseling, and homemaking tasks that we all do as mothers and wives, sacrificing much of our own identity for our families. Don't get me wrong, I believe that there is no greater title for a woman than that of "mother" and most of us have no regrets giving all that we have to our families.  Empty nesting however, brings with it an entirely new challenge as we attempt to redefine who we are.  

Last year, Michele* hung up her real estate shingle and she is totally "working it!" We are so proud of her and share in her excitement. In a conversation the other morning however, she mentioned to me that her oldest son told her that she was "too old" to start a new career. We laughed! Yes, mature adults often feel like the world wants to put them out to pasture after 50. We should be sitting in rockers or easy chairs, doing nothing all day except perhaps watch The Price is Right.  Is that even still on the air?  We aren't computer or technology savvy they believe, so we should just sit and wait...to die.

If you search the internet, you can find story upon story about individuals who became very successful later in life.  Contrary to how the younger generation may view us, the average life span in the US is moving upward into the 80's and 90's. Many seniors are still very active, participating in marathons, triathlons and even skiing well into their 90's.  It has been said that those who live a sedentary life after the expected age of retirement, often experience depression and a rapid decline in health. This is especially true for those who are not surrounded by family or a support system of close friends and/or a church community.

Mature adults, as I like to refer to us as, have a wealth of knowledge, skills and insight. We often have a great sense of humor, because we have had to cultivate that skill to get through many of life's challenges and even tragedies.  We love to reminisce because it helps us to remember a simpler time in a world that many of us believe is rapidly loosing values, morality and integrity.  We still have much to offer our families, neighborhood, community, and even our country.  

What really helped me get over loosing my job after nearly ten years of dedication, was taking a look at my Talents, Abilities and Gifts.  We all have them!  As we mature in age however, we can feel that what we have to offer is not valued, needed or appreciated. This is just not true, but feeding those feelings along the way can make it seem very real.  If we find ourselves being treated as such, we can speak up and let others know that this is not the case.

I believe we all can benefit from taking a moment to reflect upon our lives and make a list of all that we have been blessed with over the past 50, 60 plus years.  List them!  Own them, and use them not only for your benefit, but in an effort to help others as well. By your example of excelling and persevering at an older age, it will give others hope and encouragement regardless of their age.  

Just remember, you're NEVER too old to start a new career!  Work Your Wisdom! 💖

One of my visions for this business is to spotlight entrepreneurs and business owners as a resource:  

*Michele Nemecek is currently working for Keller Williams Realty - DFW Preferred in the Dallas Fort-Worth, Texas area, located at 546 E. Sandy Lake Road, #100A, Coppell, Texas.  She can be reached at 972-977-7484.  If you have a need, reach out to her and I guarantee she will surely "work it" for you.