tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post3242843829665797656..comments2024-03-28T08:54:28.654+08:00Comments on Cresting The Hill: LIFE AFTER A MID-CAREER MALAISELeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-57929031913998651922020-09-26T16:23:40.300+08:002020-09-26T16:23:40.300+08:00Hi Michele - I think you're living the dream -...Hi Michele - I think you're living the dream - getting paid to do what you love is something we all hope for (and few of us achieve) I must admit to being a tad envious, but I'm also never going to sell my soul again - so if that means cruising through retirement for the next few decades, then I'll happily do that too.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-11857147685894754292020-09-25T10:21:12.877+08:002020-09-25T10:21:12.877+08:00I had all the same midcareer issues- but mostly I ...I had all the same midcareer issues- but mostly I was just bored. I knew I needed to do something else. I guess I would say my path followed the V. I reinvented myself and it has been the right choice. I do what I want and choose not to do work that I don't like, that doesn't use my talents, or that I find uninspiring. I don't make the money I used to make, but I am okay with that. I choose to live by my values and that means time for things that are important to me. like you, I can't imagine going back! Michelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16638777178568450491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-11510670206371040652020-09-24T12:34:47.918+08:002020-09-24T12:34:47.918+08:00Hi Min - Dental Therapy was a complete unknown to ...Hi Min - Dental Therapy was a complete unknown to me too - I was pointed towards Dental Nursing and when they saw my grades they told me I should look into Dental Therapy - the bonus was that they paid a (very) small fortnightly grant that I could use to pay board at home. Not the greatest reason to choose a career path - but that was what happened "back in the day". <br />Like you, I'm still trying to figure out who I am now that I'm no longer working. I keep thinking I'll return to work, but the longer I'm away from it, the less I feel the desire to go back, and the less honed my skills are. I think the universe is telling me that it's okay to step away from all of that and to re-discover who I really am without the roles I hid behind all those years. It's an interesting journey and one I've only just started on really - now I just have to figure out where the next path is leading...Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-57130658790455432552020-09-24T12:30:56.399+08:002020-09-24T12:30:56.399+08:00Hi Denyse - I think your dad was way ahead of most...Hi Denyse - I think your dad was way ahead of most men of his time. The fact that he was willing to encourage you to pursue your dreams is such a great gift. Many, many Midlife women have commented to me over the years that they wanted to do further education but were discouraged by their parents who saw it as a waste to "over educate" women. I'm so glad that has died a long-overdue death, and our daughters got to follow their talents into whatever career they chose. <br />I'm all about looking forward these days - you can't re-invent the past, but you can certainly learn from it and rise above it - something I hope I've done well :)Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-1248171916388406992020-09-24T12:28:07.424+08:002020-09-24T12:28:07.424+08:00Hi Bree - I feel exactly the same way about bloggi...Hi Bree - I feel exactly the same way about blogging - who'd have thought that we'd find all these like-minded women to connect with and I never thought I'd still be writing with joy 6 years after I leapt into this little adventure - such a surprising blessing - and SO much better than the 9-5 days!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-25611864501758302312020-09-24T08:29:14.358+08:002020-09-24T08:29:14.358+08:00Firstly, I love that photo of you where you'd ...Firstly, I love that photo of you where you'd graduated as a Dental Therapist! Look at the curly hair! And what an achievement. That was not a career path I was ever aware of or considered back in my day. As you said - I was always told I could be a Teacher, a Nurse or a Secretary and that was that. I shared my story a while back - I was training to be a court reporter but ended up getting a 'secure' job in government where I was sexually harassed by my boss. Not the best introduction to the work force. After kids I went back into Government eventually and worked my way up over the years until the day I left (another long story). Nowadays, as you know, I'm still struggling to work out who I am and what my purpose is. I'm kinda retired I guess but noone else in my household is so it's not an easy thing. My blog has been my saving grace and replaced my work in many ways. Midlife sure does bring with it a lot of reflecting! :-) xoMin - Write of the Middlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11880899126465316282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-2410872087436364842020-09-23T17:51:52.210+08:002020-09-23T17:51:52.210+08:00As someone who is considerably older than you I am...As someone who is considerably older than you I am saddened by the way in which your "career" path was negated. I know each family has differing values but for some reason, my working class Dad (with a stay at home wife)who had educated himself to professional accountant status, saw the gains a person could make with a full education and 100% supported me to finish Year 12 (we were the first cohort in NSW) and then go to Uni to do what course I wanted. I was not a swot...I liked my social life a lot but I did knuckle down by Year 12 and was able to get to teachers' college after HSC and then had a 40+career in education. Mum on the other hand, was somewhat critical of my fulltime working and would say a few things to me but, over time she saw I was happier working than staying at home and she would spoil us with some homecooked meals waiting for us after big weeks at school. Thanks for linking up this week, next week, the optional prompt is 39/51 Healthy. 28.9.2020 Hope to see you there too. Denyse.Denyse Whelan.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16888810644186418559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-61572032486947643472020-09-23T16:24:52.235+08:002020-09-23T16:24:52.235+08:00Such an interesting post. I have changed my caree...Such an interesting post. I have changed my career several times over. Re-inventing myself each time I moved states etc (yes I moved around a bit lol) Im now enjoying my time blogging. Who would ever have thought I would be writing and people enjoying what I write. #MLSTLBree Dixonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02828660117834484388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-58325323524209023592020-09-23T09:24:02.987+08:002020-09-23T09:24:02.987+08:00Hi Corinne - I totally understand why you'd be...Hi Corinne - I totally understand why you'd be hesitating about going online - face to face just has a warmer feel to it doesn't it? I guess we do what we have to do but if you can wait this covid time out, hopefully things will return to some sense of normality - fingers crossed.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-70204608639417949502020-09-22T23:57:53.547+08:002020-09-22T23:57:53.547+08:00The L, V and W theory is certainly very interestin...The L, V and W theory is certainly very interesting, Leanne. I like your version of the W too.<br />I've made several changes in my career too and am presently just happy with my blogging and occasional coaching/training. The training was in person, so while I do know I can move it online, it doesn't have the same appeal for me - at least, not at the moment. Corinne Rodrigueshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11142098428026084994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-20996385215735711532020-09-22T20:25:10.870+08:002020-09-22T20:25:10.870+08:00Hi Anne - I really hope your career change stays a...Hi Anne - I really hope your career change stays as a V and doesn't turn into a W like mine did. I think you've found your sweet spot job-wise and good things seem to be coming your way with where you are now - exciting times for you.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-19350614034780856612020-09-22T20:23:38.322+08:002020-09-22T20:23:38.322+08:00Hi SSG - I think life deals you a hand of cards th...Hi SSG - I think life deals you a hand of cards that you can fight or accept graciously. I've chosen to make the years ahead pleasant and peaceful rather than chasing after something I no longer feel drawn to. I guess with 60 looming my priorities have finally changed towards what interests me rather than what I feel I have to do for an income.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-32280538137259961302020-09-22T20:22:05.604+08:002020-09-22T20:22:05.604+08:00I wonder how many talented and wonderful women nev...I wonder how many talented and wonderful women never got to see where their brains and skills could have taken them Jennifer - our story is retold over and over from women in our generation and it disappoints me to think that our parents did nothing to encourage our dreams. Still, we pushed through and made it work, but I think after 40+ years of doing that, I'm ready to enjoy the years ahead without constantly bowing to the needs of an employer.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-82740233673165234122020-09-22T20:20:11.827+08:002020-09-22T20:20:11.827+08:00Natalie I think it's such a great feeling to b...Natalie I think it's such a great feeling to be able to reach a point in life where you can leave a job and not feel compelled to go back to something unappealing. When I stopped and took inventory of where we actually stood financially it was a huge relief to know that I didn't have to race back into the workforce. It would take a miracle to prise me out of what I have now.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-2029871965524122252020-09-22T20:18:35.203+08:002020-09-22T20:18:35.203+08:00I think having a job you love is such a huge bless...I think having a job you love is such a huge blessing Donna - I've never got past "quite liked" in my job feelings! Still, working for or with sucky people certainly colours how a job turns out and it's nice to be away from that type of person - and I hope I don't ever encounter any more of them from here on out!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-16938419632787476522020-09-22T20:17:15.352+08:002020-09-22T20:17:15.352+08:00Laurie when I look back, I think teaching is proba...Laurie when I look back, I think teaching is probably the ideal job for women with children - the hours fit so well around raising a family. Unfortunately my parents weren't on board with the idea and I went down a different path - one that wasn't bad, but wasn't my dream job either. Still, retirement might turn out to be my perfect new career!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-47817989620841955152020-09-22T20:15:30.459+08:002020-09-22T20:15:30.459+08:00Sue-Anne the idea of having my own business has a ...Sue-Anne the idea of having my own business has a lot of appeal, but I really don't have anything that I'm skilled in that translates to self-employment. I'm also finding that at nearly 60 I'm ready to stay off the hamster wheel for the foreseeable future - I never say never, but until something leaps out with my name on it, I'll be sitting in the peace of my home and enjoying being out of the rat race.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-48434267718115661212020-09-22T20:13:18.257+08:002020-09-22T20:13:18.257+08:00Hi Suzanne - that's really interesting because...Hi Suzanne - that's really interesting because I went from one meglomaniac boss to one narcissistic boss - I was starting to wonder if I had a sign around my neck that said "kick me"! But I also realized that the field I worked in attracted people who had the whole "entitled" thing down to a fine art and being kind to employees wasn't part of their agenda. I think bouncing off to a new frontier (whether working for your lovely husband, or being at home - for me) was definitely preferable to throwing more of our lives away on hopeless cases.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-24991539946886092552020-09-22T12:28:42.296+08:002020-09-22T12:28:42.296+08:00Hi Leanne, I love the letters to describe the mid-...Hi Leanne, I love the letters to describe the mid-career crisis. I think I'm on the up from the V bottom up ... we'll see ;) But for now, everything just fits so perfectly and I feel so much more content and at peace. I definitely feel better prepared for the tough times ahead but that will be the test. Thanks again for sharing #MondayMusings :) AnnesHappyClueshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04891022021401854348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-32487151708403303452020-09-22T09:52:46.253+08:002020-09-22T09:52:46.253+08:00Leanne, thank you for your insights into work mala...Leanne, thank you for your insights into work malaise and your bravery in leaving the past behind and embracing change and adventure in your professional space.<br /><br />SSG xxxSydney Shop Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05813953421175387706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-21463716716617016352020-09-22T07:04:07.146+08:002020-09-22T07:04:07.146+08:00I can relay to the messages you were given from yo...I can relay to the messages you were given from your parents. I wanted to be a kinder teacher but was very quickly told by my parents that they couldn’t afford to support me in it - and anyway you’re not smart enough. Who knows the damage that caused! Not sure where my midlife career is at the moment. I still haven’t decided about retirement but very happy not to have to make the decision for a while yet as we can’t go back to work until there’s a vaccination. Jennifer Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12242401238970209578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-17205418879485191812020-09-22T07:02:24.741+08:002020-09-22T07:02:24.741+08:00Leanne, I'm so glad that you've been able ...Leanne, I'm so glad that you've been able to launch into a lifestyle that suits you and makes you feel happy. I was fortunate to have a rewarding career and chose to leave when on a high note. I'm grateful for the freedom to make that decision and the lifestyle I have now.Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05151221243588416460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-83346846176008134592020-09-22T05:40:49.239+08:002020-09-22T05:40:49.239+08:00Hi, Leanne - I'm pleased that you have been ab...Hi, Leanne - I'm pleased that you have been able to make a happier life for yourself with you in control (instead of a positiion or a coworker) trying to control you. I was fortunate to retire early from a job that I loved. I know that this is not a common tale. I am extremely grateful.retirementreflectionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03256842249783275416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-40043616230558112692020-09-22T01:14:27.338+08:002020-09-22T01:14:27.338+08:00Leanne, I so can relate to the choices available t...Leanne, I so can relate to the choices available to us women who came of age in the 70s. Office worker, nurse, or teacher. That was about it. Or Mommy! I was a teacher for 1 year, then stayed home with my kids for 8 years, then taught for another 30 years. I guess I sort of had a "V" response. Or maybe a lopsided "W". Glad your "W" is working out for you. I am loving retirement too.Meditations in Motionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08406003928113822953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-68960297750458273882020-09-21T22:46:06.711+08:002020-09-21T22:46:06.711+08:00I think my working life has been more of a U, espe...I think my working life has been more of a U, especially since I took a long break to bring up the children. But now that I have my own business, I literally bound out of bed with unbridled energy each day. It's a wonderful feeling to love your job and be in charge of your own destiny. Older women have so much to give which is not necessarily recognised in the wider workplace. If you have the energy - and the financial cushion - to get started in your own business, you won't look back.Sue-Anne @ SisterStayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14325741742405138850noreply@blogger.com