Thanks for sharing this, Michael. You share truth that many of us have known! I didn't have a "career" until I was 40 and got a Masters in Social Work so that I could actually make a living and feed myself and my children, knowing I was about ready to embark on single parenthood. An emotionally abusive marriage had already put an end to …
Thanks for sharing this, Michael. You share truth that many of us have known! I didn't have a "career" until I was 40 and got a Masters in Social Work so that I could actually make a living and feed myself and my children, knowing I was about ready to embark on single parenthood. An emotionally abusive marriage had already put an end to my confidence in trying to establish myself as a writer. All I wanted was to be able to pay the bills and take care of my kids. Now that I'm approaching 65, retired from social work, and getting ready to celebrate 20 years of a successful 2nd marriage, I am here to say that the most important things in life have nothing to do with career, but everything to do with loving others and being loved by others, and being a vital and caring part of a larger community. What is a "career" anyway? Our society puts so much emphasis on "career" and their status. It's sad really. Do what you love most with the people you love most! Nothing else matters. Potential employers might be tossing your resume into the bin, but look at this way: you've got more freedom and power to do what you want because those same potential employers no longer have power over you. What I love about 65 is that I finally don't care anymore what people who don't know me think about me. And those who love me, love me for what I truly am. At last I am finally free to be whatever I want to be!
Thank you, Hope. I’m hopeful (no pun intended) :) that as I age a little bit, these feelings will pass. Everything you say is true. I have a wonderful spouse, 25 years of marriage, and two amazing adult children. Actually, maybe THIS is the peak!
Thanks for sharing this, Michael. You share truth that many of us have known! I didn't have a "career" until I was 40 and got a Masters in Social Work so that I could actually make a living and feed myself and my children, knowing I was about ready to embark on single parenthood. An emotionally abusive marriage had already put an end to my confidence in trying to establish myself as a writer. All I wanted was to be able to pay the bills and take care of my kids. Now that I'm approaching 65, retired from social work, and getting ready to celebrate 20 years of a successful 2nd marriage, I am here to say that the most important things in life have nothing to do with career, but everything to do with loving others and being loved by others, and being a vital and caring part of a larger community. What is a "career" anyway? Our society puts so much emphasis on "career" and their status. It's sad really. Do what you love most with the people you love most! Nothing else matters. Potential employers might be tossing your resume into the bin, but look at this way: you've got more freedom and power to do what you want because those same potential employers no longer have power over you. What I love about 65 is that I finally don't care anymore what people who don't know me think about me. And those who love me, love me for what I truly am. At last I am finally free to be whatever I want to be!
Thank you, Hope. I’m hopeful (no pun intended) :) that as I age a little bit, these feelings will pass. Everything you say is true. I have a wonderful spouse, 25 years of marriage, and two amazing adult children. Actually, maybe THIS is the peak!