Success has no deadline!

49 Comments

1. Angie CallenDecember 2,2021 at 3:47PM UTC

   Thank you for spreading this message. I was talking with a 31-year-old client last week who was convinced if she didn't fast-track an MBA within the next year (versus waiting ONE year), she'd be too old to realize the full value.

   JEESH!

   I find this kind of conversation comes up regularly with younger professionals who think they've got one foot in the grave and one on a banana peel by age 27.

   I started my career as an engineer, moved into nonprofit leadership at 32, and then made another change at 38 when I started my coaching company. I've probably got one or two more changes in the tank.

   You're never too old!

2. AnonymousDecember 2,2021 at 4:55PM UTC

   I love this, and I think a great lesson that rushing through something also causes you to miss out on enjoying the process!

3. AnonymousDecember 2,2021 at 5:28PM UTC

   I just turned 30 last year and the pressure is real! These lists always make me feel like I should've done more or figured out more in my career by now. But the truth is, I've accomplished so many things, even if they are too small to be recognized on a list!

   Following this thread so I can read the stories of inspiration—and thank you for posting!

4. AnonymousDecember 2,2021 at 5:54PM UTC

   So inspiring! While I am still at an "early age," I have definitely felt trapped into thinking that I *should* be doing X, Y, or Z by my age already.

   One book that really helped me was "An Ordinary Age: Finding Your Way in a World That Expects Exceptional" by Rainesford Stauffer. This book broke down expectations of success and showed me that there are so many special things about being "ordinary" and that we need to redefine what success is for ourselves. "Success" could mean getting to connect with close friends twice a month or having the finances to get your favorite coffee every day.

5. AnonymousDecember 2,2021 at 9:08PM UTC

   Three years ago I knew I wanted to get into the tech industry but I didn't know how; matter fact, I felt "called" to go into tech.

   My current role at the time was in marketing and I noticed a few org changes/ role assignments started to change and align with user experience design strategy. I became curious about user experience design (didn't understand what it was at the time but learned while on the job a bit) and I knew that this discipline would be my IN into tech.

   I decided to attend a UX bootcamp to understand core fundamentals of UX principles but knew, that to truly "break into tech + design," I would have to dedicate the time to learn a lot on my own, build my portfolio, learn more, make real-world connections and take advantage of every opportunity to put myself out there. Note that, I didn't fall into the trap of assuming my bootcamp or any bootcamp/course for that matter, would do the work for me. I had to put in the time, sacrifices, tears, rejections to get to where I'm going!

   It was yearlong road, but I finally broke into tech and I landed my first UX design role, which like almost never happens! I know divine timing was on my side and I still pinch myself in disbelief that I made this pivot happen.

   Mind you, my college degree is communications and I had no idea that I would land a career in tech X design. I love it here and I'm glad I was in tuned enough to know myself, answer the "calling" and just go for it.

   If anyone feels on the fence that their age is holding them back from starting anew, it's not! You are holding yourself back. Take the leap, you'll be so glad you did and you will land exactly where you need to be. Trust your journey!

6. Georgene HuangDecember 3,2021 at 1:19AM UTC

   I love this. It can be really scary to leave your first industry and it sounds like you used education via a bootcamp to help put structure around your effort. I think its clear that it wasn't enough and that it was just one of the things in your toolkit (alongside grit and perseverance and hard work). I have changed industries a few times and I have always found it a lot of work so I think its important to share that honestly with the folks here who are thinking of making an industry change.

7. AnonymousDecember 3,2021 at 2:42PM UTC

   It really pays off to trust yourself, your intuition, and not let any mindset hold you back. Your story is exactly what our community needs to hear within this reminder!

8. Ann B.December 3,2021 at 4:06PM UTC

   Any time you feel "called" to do something, go for it!

9. AnonymousDecember 3,2021 at 1:20AM UTC

   It's interesting that this topic is true of our personal goals too, not just career ones. I felt like I had to married by X and have children by Y....and I see my friends try to balance those personal expectations with their career goals which then makes everything seem totally impossible!

10. AnonymousDecember 3,2021 at 2:41PM UTC

    Seeing them trying to do this, and reminding yourself that it's never too late, how have you re-framed your comparison to your friends, or allowed yourself to release expectations of time?

11. Lisa N AuerbachDecember 4,2021 at 2:54AM UTC

    Yeah, exactly.

12. Jackie GhedineDecember 3,2021 at 12:45PM UTC

    This is a great conversation starter, Gabrielle. I work with Gen X Women and they often feel like their professional biological clock is ticking and by X age they haven't accomplished what they "should."

    I always say, you run your own race, compete with yourself and create your own path.

13. AnonymousDecember 3,2021 at 2:40PM UTC

    I love that you do this in your work, it's such an important message to remind other women and ourselves that there is no race against others, but it's our own marathon!

14. AnonymousDecember 3,2021 at 12:56PM UTC

    I planned on going to college right after high school, but things were a little crazy at home so I moved out before I finished high school, gave up a college scholarship, and started working. Had my first child just before my 20th birthday, and my third was born right before my son turned 5. At 28 I started college, and at 34 I finished a BA degree while working in a technical field. Switched to a completely different field at 35, and was directing the office less than 3 years later. Now I'm 50, make 100k/yr, and love my career. I wish I could go back to that exhausted, dispirited 25 year-old self living in poverty and stressed to the max every day and reassure her that it was all going to work out OK.

15. AnonymousDecember 3,2021 at 2:39PM UTC

    Ugh, if only we could go back and let our younger selves know that it will all work out!

16. KcassmullyDecember 3,2021 at 3:58PM UTC

    May I ask how you obtained a job in a technical field without a BS degree?

17. AnonymousDecember 3,2021 at 11:06PM UTC

    20 years ago things weren't quite as well-defined. While it was expected even then that senior staff have formal educational credentials, there was a lot more leeway on "acceptable" qualifications for everyone else.

18. Cynthia Armistead NewmanDecember 4,2021 at 4:18PM UTC

    You can do that now! I don't have a degree and I'm a support engineer. I got into tech by volunteering to get experience.

19. Barbara WhiteDecember 3,2021 at 4:14PM UTC

    Good for you, that's awesome!

20. Lisa N AuerbachDecember 4,2021 at 2:52AM UTC

    wow, thank you for sharing this. I think I am still in the dispirited part of my journey. Thank you for the hope that it will all be OK.

21. Käte DavisDecember 3,2021 at 1:05PM UTC

    Love this thread. There's not a time limit. At 45 I got certified as a life coach. By that time I had achieved the traditional measures of "success," such as a great corporate job, a house, two kids, etc., and it was time to do something for ME. I love living in both the corporate and coaching worlds. I hope all of you get out there and chase down your dreams!

22. ebalaDecember 3,2021 at 1:32PM UTC

    I started college at 20, took a 16 year gap to raise three children, and went back at 38. I just graduated this May with Latin Honors from a T10 school. Currently interviewing for jobs and excited about this next chapter of my life!

23. Leslie IvyDecember 3,2021 at 1:42PM UTC

    Just graduated this Summer with an MBA. I'm 51 years old .... it is truly never too late!

24. AnonymousDecember 3,2021 at 1:45PM UTC

    I started law school at 37. I did it part time at night so I could keep my day job. I was also a single mom at the time. Now, I have a great job as a public defender and at 45, I'm engaged to a great guy! It's never too late!

25. Lori Laurito BetzDecember 3,2021 at 2:40PM UTC

    This is a great post!
    I had my son when I was 16. Finished high school, got an AAS degree in Early Childhood Education, married his dad and off we went! I worked in that field for 18 years, had my daughter when I was 31, and eventually realized I was ready for a change.
    In 2011 I took a job as an Early Head Start home visitor. It was a great bridge from ECE into social/human services because my ECE background definitely came into play, but I also got tons of training on the social services part. It was like a rebirth honestly. I had always wanted to go back for my Bachelor’s and because of this job I decided on a Human Services degree, which I completed in April :)
    As I finished my degree I came to the realization that I wanted to focus more on family services and leave everything child development behind for good! I recently was offered, and accepted, a job with my county’s CPS. So…I just turned 48 and feel like the sky’s the limit :)

26. AnonymousDecember 3,2021 at 3:17PM UTC

    I can hear that my cousin is always held up as the shining star in our family (he is fifteen years my junior). I don't begrudge him his success it is just that his path is not mine and I feel that I have done well. I know that he would not have been happy in my shoes.

27. Karen GongawareDecember 3,2021 at 3:53PM UTC

    At 64 I started an accelerated PsyD program and am loving it. I will graduate next April 2022, Yay!

28. Lisa N AuerbachDecember 4,2021 at 2:49AM UTC

    You are amazing!

29. Lori Laurito BetzDecember 4,2021 at 8:03PM UTC

    Amazing!!!

30. Me!December 3,2021 at 4:01PM UTC

    I’m between dreams at the moment. Post disappointed I think the fear of feeling it again has set in. Don’t get me wrong I have had many great accomplishments. I’m taking a break from the pressure to achieve at the moment.

31. AnonymousDecember 3,2021 at 4:21PM UTC

    I started teaching right out of college. As another poster wrote, I felt "called" to teach. That calling lasted more than 30 years but I always knew that I would retire as soon as I could and do something completely different. I didn't know what that was going to be and I tried a couple of different things, then when the pandemic shut everything down a friend told me about a great opportunity working from home for a tech company that was hiring entry-level people at a great starting salary. I've been with them for 15 months now and I've gotten a raise and a bonus, and I absolutely love it! I'm lucky that I got into teaching when my state still had a real pension plan so I won't be broke if all else fails but I'm far from ready to retire.

    I still can't shake the feeling that I haven't lived up to my potential since I never got a degree beyond my Bachelor's. I've thought of going after a Master's but there's no way I'm taking out student loans at my age, and there's no way I can afford to pay as I go.

32. Lisa N AuerbachDecember 4,2021 at 2:47AM UTC

    Wow, that is fabulous. I am career changing now. I have no idea yet what I will do. I am also thinking of going back to school for my Master's degree but I am a single mom and I just can't fathom taking out loans either right now. May I ask what the company name is that you work for now remotely?
    Thank you very much. Best, Lisa

33. AnonymousDecember 5,2021 at 7:24PM UTC

    It's called OpenExchange. I'm a Video Specialist. They give you all the training you need. All you need is a good computer and webcam, good internet and good computer and communication skills. They usually hire people as part-time temporary, then if you do really well they will move you to full-time.

34. Wendy ScottDecember 3,2021 at 5:34PM UTC

    I’m starting an online coaching, writing and course creation business at age 59. My prior experience in learning and development means I have all the transferable skills needed. My age and situation means I can afford to back myself while I get started. It’s never too late.

35. Stacey DarlingDecember 3,2021 at 11:43PM UTC

    Not by choice, but at the tender age of 51 I found myself changing roles after almost 19 years of being a bookkeeper for a small, locally owned company. I'm now an Admin Assistant for a very large corporation in an industry I had no experience in. I have totally embraced this adventure! I'm loving what I do, really enjoy the team I work with, and am the happiest I've been in my work life in a very long time!! On a personal note-I fulfilled a dream and learned to ride a motorcycle and purchased my first Harley Davidson when I was in my early 40s. It's never too late!!

36. Lisa N AuerbachDecember 4,2021 at 2:43AM UTC

    omg that is so awesome! all of it. I am 43 years old and of no choice of my own I need to figure out my next career path! May I ask you, how were you able to shift gears in to the admin assistant job? I could see myself liking that and doing well too. Thank you very much. Best, Lisa

37. Stacey DarlingDecember 6,2021 at 11:22PM UTC

    Hi Lisa! Well, my first office job before the bookkeeping job was a receptionist job for a land development company. I just did all manner of tasks-whatever was asked of me! I have had no real formal training for this position, I just tackle whatever is thrown my way and have developed a wide range of skills as a result. It is very seldom dull, and I like that-I don't get bored then! I happen to work for a great company, and the pay scale is appropriate for my area. Not saying I make tons of money, and I live in an area where the cost of living is pretty high. But I do OK, and have great bennies! I wish you the best of luck Lisa!!

38. Xu JocelynDecember 4,2021 at 11:52AM UTC

    Thank you for your inspirational lines here! Success can't be determined by wealth, intelligence or sth instead is evaluated by our willpower and consistence to achieve anything we want.

39. Angela ArmstrongDecember 4,2021 at 4:53PM UTC

    I'm angie and for 36 years I've been raising children. First mine then a granddaughter still until next June. There was no time for me just put food on the table and clothes on their backs. Dec 31 2021 I'm retiring from a job I hate after 26 years. I'm a tax preparer and learning bookkeeping now. I hope to open a business in the spring. Financial Services and numbers is my dream. I'm going to be 56 years old in April and my dreams are finally coming true.

40. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 4,2021 at 8:12PM UTC

    GOOD FOR YOU!!!! Best of luck!

41. Dr. Sarah RatekinDecember 4,2021 at 9:19PM UTC

    This is such a crucial message. I didn't even start college until I was 38. I joined the Navy right out of high school, and then I got married and had kids, and life went sideways for our family and it took me that long to get my head above water long enough to focus on "traditional career accomplishments". I *just* this week received my diploma for my Doctor of Business Administration degree, and I'm working in an incredibly purpose-driven space, and yet it still bugs me on some level that there isn't a well-respected avenue for people who do amazing things in "nontraditional" ways to both inspire and be inspired.

42. ChristineDecember 4,2021 at 10:20PM UTC

    Congratulations!!!! This is such a great accomplishment!

43. ChristineDecember 4,2021 at 10:31PM UTC

    My mom received her nursing degree in her early 50s. Now about 8 years later, I have seen how it has changed her life, boosted her confidence and gave her a new life mission. As for my own career journey I have gone back and forth for years as to whether I should get my Master's degree and what area to concentrate. Finally, I am moving forward on this journey with life in full swing!

44. Patricia ManroeDecember 5,2021 at 3:59AM UTC

    I started in college at 58 years old. I am now 59 and have completed 44% of my degree, BS in Computer Science/Software Engineering. I have a 3.9 GPA so far. I just bought 6 new books: PHP & MySQL, High-Performance C++, two Python books, JAVA, C#, and .NET 6. I have also bought over 100 E-Books on programming. I also have an unlimited subscription to StackSkills.com, and HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python from Plurasight.com.

    This is all in addition to my college education.

    I've been a techie since the 1980s. Been building my own computers since 1991. During the 1990s I also ran my own BBS and Internet Service on 4 Windows NT 4.0 servers.

45. Xu JocelynDecember 5,2021 at 1:37PM UTC

    Wow, I appreciate your hard work. Thank you for sharing with us.

46. Michelle LondonDecember 5,2021 at 4:14PM UTC

    I worked as a freelance writer (I have a journalism degree) while raising my four kids. during that time, I went through a divorce and other personal challenges, and that, along with feeling burned out in my work, which was mostly technical and business writing (not my forte by a long shot) led me to switch careers in my mid 40s.

    I had always been a bit of a foodie, so I ended up going to culinary school, and worked as a B&B innkeeper and chef for almost 10 years. Now *there's* a career that will burn you out big time, which it eventually did for me.

    I floundered for a bit, wondering what was next. My husband and I moved to a new city, and I found a free class through the local community college for new residents that met for six weeks, introducing participants to services and amenities in the area. During one of those meetings, the publisher from the local newspaper spoke.

    I had never stopped writing, even though I didn't do it for a paycheck. I stepped out of my comfort zone and mustered up the courage to walk up and talk to the publisher after his presentation. After our conversation, he handed me his card and asked me to send him my resume and some samples of my writing.

    That led to an interview with the executive editor and the features editor, who hired me a part-time features reporter. As soon as I started working at the paper, I knew, at age 58, that I was back where I belonged.

    A year later, I was offered a full-time position at the paper. I cover arts and culture, theatre, film, books, religion and a myriad of other human interest stories. I've won a state newspaper association award and started writing a monthly local history column a year ago, which my editor and I are now developing into a podcast.

    I recently turned 60, and I'm in heaven! Writing was always my passion and my path -- it just took me 40 years to figure it all out. So yes -- it's never too late!

47. JessieDecember 6,2021 at 3:49PM UTC

    I got my degree at 22 but immediately became a SAHM. Now at 41 I’m looking to enter the workforce, so this thread is just what I need.

    But on the hobby side, I picked up the guitar 16 months ago, prioritized daily practicing, and have made great strides! I’ve started playing with other people a bit and just find it so deeply satisfying. One of the best things I have done in my whole life:)

48. Cynthia Armistead NewmanDecember 6,2021 at 8:08PM UTC

    Making music with others can be a magical experience!

49. AnonymousDecember 29,2021 at 2:04PM UTC

    Hey there everyone, we are so inspired by these stories that we are sharing them with our greater community on social media! Stay tuned!