You’re Never Too Old For Change

Besides wanting to start a blog to have a place for me to speak my mind freely, I never thought that my life would have much change when I turned 40. Usually by this time, people have their career path, family established, and plans for retirement, right? I didn’t think my life was going to change much besides my children getting older. Come to find out, you’re never too old for change!

For most of my professional I have been in finance, first banking and then bookkeeping. I’ve always try to work hard to keep moving on that career ladder. I’ve had many set backs and been knocked down a few rungs on that ladder. This year, I worked hard to advance on this ladder and skip up to those rungs that I’ve been before but to only get to the next rung. I decided to buy my own ladder!

I turn 40 in 3 months and 29 days and I have started my own bookkeeping business. I was very hesitant to do so but after speaking to another bookkeeper, who is a lot younger than me, I thought, “Why not? Why can’t I do this? I have the experience! I have the knowledge! But, do I have the determination?” I believe I do! I am not a sales person and I have a hard time “selling” myself/skill to unfamiliar territories. But, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and have made small steps in getting my name out there and mingling as best as I can. And it always helps to have friends that are out there as well and help you promote yourself!

Why did I leave a steady paycheck, insurance (yet my husband has insurance), and job security, especially at this age? WHY NOT? I can set my schedule to be able to be around for my kids when they need someone. I can choose who I work for, how much I get paid, and do a great job to show what I know. I was getting tired of doing all the leg work, reports, and crunching numbers for other people to get credit! My work speaks for itself!

Funny enough, I’m not the only one with a career change, at a late stage! My mom, 62 years old (sorry mom), retired last month! She took early retirement because being a nurse is hard work and she has worked all of her adult life! She needed a break and she was firm! So, my parents need to sell their house in the FL Keys, because if you are not rich you cannot retire there, and move. Which means that my dad needs to get a job some place else, at 62 years old. He wants to work until full retirement age. Can you imagine looking for a decent job at 62? I know that it’s against the law to discriminate anyone for their age when applying, but you know they are thinking about it! He is a mechanical engineer but hasn’t been in the industry for 20 years! Where is he going to go? What is he going to do? How does he feel?

He applied for at a placement company that had spots at a well established manufacturing company. But, he had to take a test, mostly about mechanics these days. He didn’t want to take it. He didn’t say why but I had a feeling that he wasn’t going to pass it. Defeated before even stepping through those doors! Luckily my mom convinced him to just take the test! Nothing ventured, nothing gained! He did study and passed the test! He was so proud of himself that he couldn’t wait to tell me! And I was so proud, impressed, and grateful that stepped out of his comfort zone to show what he knows and what he can do!  He got the job! You are NEVER too old!