A decade ago the thought of starting a whole new career would have given me a conniption. Establishing myself as a Freelance Hair & Make-Up Artist took years, a huge amount of tenacity & untold patience I couldn’t imagine starting again from scratch. More over by the time I felt ready to step away from my career & have children I was already 38 years old & had worked for over 20 years. I didn’t actually have a plan for after babies. You know that time when the children are settled into school & you begin to feel redundant between the hours of 9 & 3?
Fast forward 10 years & much has changed for women in their 40’s, those having babies later & leaving hectic full-time employment are now keen to get back into the workforce. No longer satisfied being a stay at home Mum nor take any old part-time job that fits in with the school run, women everywhere are embarking on brand new careers! Whether that be working online from home or starting a small business from their kitchen table, they know their worth & want to be paid accordingly. Not only that, but also set the terms & conditions! After all we’ve negotiated with some powerful tyrants in our day – toddlers. Whilst we were potty training & singing along to Cbeebies the internet has grown exponentially, opening up a wealth of opportunities that never before existed. Along with exciting business opportunities there is now a world-wide platform for creatives like me…
Thinking on a Global scale
Just because many of us have been away from technology for a decade or more doesn’t mean our brains have shrivelled up & died, we can still be autodidactic – There’s bloody Youtube for god’s sake! We may be closer to fifty than thirty but we still look & feel (& act) as the previous generation did in their 30’s!
Did you know that one in four women is over 50? And in 50 years time a staggering half of all women in the world will be over 50! Do you think all those gorgeous, vibrant, clever women are going to be happy doing housework & picking up after the other people in their families? There has to be more stimulation in our lives than bookclub & who’s been elected Parent Governor at the kid’s school.
For me it was a matter of finding something creative that I could do mostly from home & in my own time frame. I know a bit about Hair & Make-up yet Fashion is my true love so I figured blogging would encompass all my talents the only sticking point being the tech stuff. Ahem, to be honest – I was totally clueless. Sure I could’ve paid someone to create my blog & even look after the updates for me but how would I make any money if I was already paying other people to do stuff?
So I brushed off the cobwebs in my baby brain & got started. And you know what? That’s what makes us chicks over 40 unique, we’re past caring what other people think & past caring about making fools of ourselves but most of all & this is the kicker,
WE’RE NOT AFRAID TO FAIL.
Let’s be honest we’ve made so many mistakes up to this point what’s a couple more? We’ve learned that by making mistakes we move forward. And that my friends is the secret to all these awesome women creating successful new careers after 40, they are FEARLESS…
IF YOU WANT IT GO & GET IT!
When I think about how many more years of work I have in me it makes sense to build on something I enjoy (actually love) for my income. Yes any new business or career is tough on finances & nobody expects to become a millionaire overnight but a couple of years working hard long hours for a pittance is the price you pay for freedom. Having strong female friendships in my life, encouraging , listening & most importantly lending physical support has enabled me to make headway faster by keeping me going. Even those friends who’d never heard of Blogging before immediately signed up (literally) to back me up! As they say in the States “they had my back” & you know what, it bloody matters. After all nobody can maintain 10 hour days on no pay for very long, I needed all the help I could get in whatever form that was offered, to keep things moving forward. My women friends did not disappoint, far from it, they were & remain, as enthusiastic in my future success as I was & let me tell you THAT IS GOLD DUST…
It may sound dramatic but we are going to live a hell of a lot longer than earlier generations & I’m sorry to say we won’t be getting the state pensions or social benefits they enjoy. Money to live off has to come from somewhere. Yet it isn’t only about money, the mental stimulation will have a direct impact on our longevity. You do want to live longer don’t you? I know I do!
Keeping the brain in gear & body in shape is a direct consequence of building your new career. Think about it, you’re learning new skills & meeting people you want to impress for your business, you also want to look the part, after all you’re committed to making this new venture a huge success. It’s invigorating, simultaneously rejuvenating your body & mind. And the best part is you don’t even realise you’re doing it!
Take a look at the kick arse girls below if you need proof. Three are in their 40’s, two of us turn 50 this year & the other two are already in their 50’s. Sexy, successful & not about to slow down. As a matter of fact we’re all about to become even busier as we launch our joint enterprise today…
L to R – Michelle The Barefaced Chic, Me obvs, Catherine Not Dressed as Lamb, Lisa The Sequinist, Liz What Lizzie Loves, Nikki Midlife Chic & Annette Lady of Style
The Over40Collective launch
By now you’ve probably seen the collaborations I’ve done as part of the Over40Collective with Brands such as Winser London & Marks & Spencer. Together we’re attracting the attention of our favourite retailers & designers which is how we intend to move the focus of those companies onto women over 40. Well that’s the business end of things. Suffice to say this group of seven women I have the privilege of working with have been instrumental in the success of RCM. They’re immeasurable support has helped me get to a place where just shy of 2 years as a blogger I am earning “actual money”. O.K not a huge amount but yes it is cash I get for producing content – HOObloodyRAH!
I’m proud as punch to share with you the news that today we officially launch our site. It’s mainly for Brands to access our work, what we produce & how we are valuable to them but you’re more than welcome to have a sticky beak here. If you happen to be interested as a fellow blogger you can join our mailing list here.
However if you haven’t read the back story of this midlife Girl Squad check out this post. Which led to my next article being published in Blogoshere magazine. So you can see in reality how important female support truly is. Sure Men are ok too, there’s a place for Husbands & Partners but let’s be honest here, mostly they just don’t get us do they? ‘Nuff said… heehee
Now it’s your turn – Tell me what you’re doing, your thoughts, your plans, I want to hear it all!
Later this week it’s back to fashion with my Aspire Style Collab.
Lots of love, Mx
*photographs taken by Rachel Vogeleisen
Comments ( 30 )
Nancy Baten
What a great post! I turned fifty last year, in my head I am for the past twelve years38, and I have so much more self convidence now as I had when I was much younger! And only that make s me happy to be at this age!
MT
Yes exactly the way it should be Nancy, that confidence & knowledge will get you far girl!
sequinist
I’m reading your post and singing in my head, “SISTERS! Are doing it for themselves! Standing on their own two feet and ringing their own bells….” We need a theme song, don’t we?
Fabulous inspiring post… This is not your mother’s 50, that is for sure! xx
MT
Hell to the YES!
Now you see that actually ages me 😉
xxx
Tracey – Naughty Forty Diaries
This is fabulous Michelle and a great post.
I absolutely love blogging but I make no money from it which is beginning to cause a rift with the BF! He can’t understand why I’d work such long hours for nothing. I suppose I enjoy it, being creative and I’ve met some amazing people…it stimulates me but he also has a point. I’ll figure it out!
My real dream is to write a children’s book, raise some awareness for cancer charities and just be the best I can. Hopefully I’ll do some if not all of these this year.
I Look forward to following your journey
Tracey xx
MT
It must be even harder for you Tracey because you already have a full time job. This is my full time job & I’m working at it every spare moment so I totally get where you’re coming from. The thing is you really are an engaging writer & now that you mention childrens books I can actually visualise you doing that! I mean why don’t you start now? Perhaps incorporating Cancer into the story is a good place to start for you? If anyone can handle the topic it’s kids. I haven’t seen a book for my kids on the issue but it would’ve been handy when my Dad was having treatment, can you imagine how much easier it’d be for parents to explain with a book as their prop? I say get on it girl xxx
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
Such an inspiring story, Michelle! Bravo to all of you and good luck on your joint journey! BTW, did I tell you that you all look absolutely fab? Way to go Girls! xx Abby
MT
Thanks beautiful & thank you for your support xx
What Lizzy Loves (@whatlizzyloves)
Fantastic post Michelle. You’re absolutely right about everything and as Abby said above, you look stunning. I’m so pleased we met one year ago today! xxxx
MT
Thank you my dear friend – I am too xxx
Eva winger
Great post! I am 45 and left my career in the pharmaceutical industry making good money (my degree is in Biology) when I was 30. We chose the route of less money but me staying home to raise my girls. My girls are 15 & 13 and finally i am starting a business based on my passion–costume designing. It might take 2 to 4 years before I can make an income for it, but I am ready for the endless hours I put into it. I am fortunate to have a husband who is supportive in many ways. I could have gone down fashion blogging, but I enjoy reading all of yours!
Eva @CostumeTakeOut.com
And I am challenged by all new technology–uh, hello? I just put my full name on my comment! Grrrr…how do I edit that!?
MT
Hi Eva, I’m loving this story of yours! Biology to costume design – WOW that’s so cool!
Yes the small issue of a single income does have to be considered but just like you I’m lucky my Husband is willing to wait a little longer for the pressure to come off his shoulders alone.
I don’t think money is necessarily a motivator in achieving success but it is a major factor in how long that success takes. Earning a decent income drives me because if I can’t make money with RCM then I would eventually have to go back to work. Employment on someone elses terms would be disruptive to the entire family including Hubs. So it’s a win win 😉 But yes a good 2 years plus is reasonable I think. Keep us in the loop Eva xx
jacqui
My blogging is just a hobby atm, but who knows – in the future!! Having so much fun blogging, it’s very therapeutic. Great inspiration many thanks, I’ve also signed up too. x Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
MT
Sometimes “fun” & “theraputic” is all that we need right? I’m so glad you’re enjoying blogging Jacqui, you never know where things can lead xx
Rozanne Swift
Inspiring post Michelle, over 40 bloggers really are shifting perspectives and, for me, long ago replaced ad-stuffed fashion mags oozing with photo-shopped youth and misplaced material and physical aspirations. I always look to the blogs like yours for creative ideas these days. As for me, I’ve been freelance as a translator for two decades and can’t conceive of anything other than this independent lifestyle, but I would love to broaden my horizons and do something bold one day that involves my love of fashion and/or writing my own words rather than translating other people’s. Starting with committing to doing a colour analysis course, I keep finding excuses not to and am beginning to bore myself with my f*nnying around 😉 If you and others in the O40 Collective can achieve such great things while raising kids…. Perhaps I can too. Keep blazing that determined trail! X
MT
What you’ve said is such an amazing compliment to hear Rozanne. I’d love RCM to be the first stop for women to find inspiration for their style or even just their next outfit. I couldn’t agree more about glossy fashion mags & actually haven’t bought one (not even Vogue) since I started blogging. There’s just no need & as you say the images so so hard to relate to – Guess I’m too long in the tooth now to be inspired by an 18 year old model in Gucci 😉
As for your course, well you know what I’m going to say don’t you? It better be booked in by the next time we speak Mrs! xxx
Michelle
Excellent post my friend, as always. There are so many women out there starting new lives, new careers, building new businesses. It’s such a joy to hear about their journeys!
Michelle xx
MT
Thanks honey xxx
No Fear of Fashion
You lot of 7 are a great bunch and I love you all. So pleased that I got to know you in real life. Wish I could spend more time with you. Alas.
And I think you are totally accurate in your assessment. You will have to work longer and earn money and yes it is also a satisfying challenge for the mind.
I have chosen to keep my blog a hobby as I haven’t got the time to develop it, working full time at the bank. A job which handsomely pays the bills.
When I stop working at the bank (in 2 years utmost), I am going to take a fww months to see what I can do next. Sitting at home, drinking coffee doesn’t appeal.
Greetje
MT
Well you’ve already set the groundwork if you decide to make “No Fear of Fashion” a business, it’s a hugely successful Blog already! I can’t wait to see what you do Greetje because I know for certain it WON’T be drinking coffee 😉
No Fear of Fashion
Nah.. I only have 4.200 unique visitors every month. 19.000 page views with one post every Sunday. I don’t think I make it big, but who knows.
MT
Yes but that’s you working full time in another job! I can imagine you writing that’s for sure, who knows it could be a book?
No Fear of Fashion
Hmm.. not so sure about that. But I will give myself 6 months to think about it. After I am retired.
Emerald
Reading this post much later, but already love reading your blog. I already follow Catherine’s which is fab and have been introduced to the others via Not Dressed As Lamb. What I like most is how personable the bloggers are -you can imagine having a catch-up over coffee with these ladies.
MT
Hi Emerald (love your name btw) and welcome! It’s true what you say, these ladies are fabulous but I think all women over a certain age are pretty fab. You don’t get to forty without having some incredible experiences right?
Helen Perry
Hi Michelle, I have just stumbled upon your post and blog while looking for some career inspiration for women in their forties. A great and encouraging post. I am four months into my own blogging journey, very early days. Fun, fulfilling, frightening. Much love, H x
MT
Welcome Helen! It’s great to hear you’re blogging. What’s you site called, I’ll pop over & say hi xx
Sherry Joy
Great post! I feel like everything changed in my 40’s. I’ve felt more focused and confident about taking risks and trying something new. I wouldn’t go back for a second. Although the perimenopaus thing isn’t so fun. lol
MT
Thanks Sherry, lovely to see you again so soon. I think by 40 most of us realise how strong we are and that taking a risk or trying new things isn’t such a big deal, even if it doesn’t work out we know we’ll be OK. When it comes down to it, the only thing that stands in our way is fear. Right?
What’s your experience going through perimenopause?