The Truth about Women of a Certain Age

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with three wonderful, professional women of a certain age, from different industries, to navigate through late-in-career transitions. When each arrived at my door for leadership and confidence coaching, they insisted that being almost or 50 was going to make finding a new position difficult for them.

Fast Forward to last week, literally… when all three accepted the jobs of their dreams. Now, I am personally familiar with the challenges faced by woman of a certain age, as I am one of them. Yet, after 30 years as a success coach, I have witnessed again and again the seemingly magical power of an optimistic attitude during this delicate time of transition.

Cultural Pronouncements, real or imagined, often discourage and dissuade many talented people to claim their next, best contribution. These pop culture pronouncements often prove fickle like the tide.

Over The years, I have seen a distinct pattern emerge that I want to share with our readers.

There is always work for honest and talented people despite the current cultural story.There are always business owners and leaders of all types that highly value the profit that wisdom, experience and trustworthiness delivers.

• In the 1970s, we were too young to vote, but old enough to die in the Vietnam War.
• In the 1980s, we were told to slow down, wait our turn, and after 20 years atthe same firm we would finally be in charge.
• In the 1990s, arrogant tech wizards emerged to outsmart those same established entities.
• In the 2000s, we were told to redirect our resources to a war that was forced upon us and fought by mercenaries along with volunteers needing work.
• In the 2010s, we were told that young and fresh ideas were best – olderfolk were possibly irrelevant.
• Now, we come full circle to a culture that knowingly blends the wisdom of experience with the fresh passion of bold, new ideas. I Love millennials, baby boomers, Gen X and Gen Z.
  
  They each have my respect and occasional awe.
  
  

So, to all of us of a certain age, younger and older – please remember your talents, gifts and abilities are of great value to those around you despite the current cultural story. It is when we cooperate, work together and bring out the best in each other that amazing coincidences and synergies occur. Let us each endeavor to appreciate one another and example the humble nobility accordion our species.