My life is a story in progress. That may be an obvious commentary to some but it’s a revelation to me because I used to think I had it all figured out. First I’d do my level best to leave home for college and get the mandatory degree so I could secure what I really wanted, a job to begin building my career. Then I’d land a series of dream jobs, all of them contributing to the bank account that would make me financially independent. And because I’d be in love with working, I’d continue that lifestyle until I dropped dead one day. Done. Finished. The story of my life: she strived, she worked, she achieved, she contributed, she died. I never considered that some day I’d be in my fifties looking for different kinds of experiences besides going to work everyday. That I’d be asking the question, “who am I without a fancy job?” Well – hello. I’m here.
I’ve been living my life backwards from most women I know: not really interested in marriage, children, friends, or a personal life separate from a professional one. My jobs were so stimulating; a life in broadcasting (and later cable) meant working 10 – 12 hour days (at least) and most weekends and holidays. Creating shows from thin air required a lot of creative energy and the commensurate time to pull them off – day after day, project after project, city after city, year after year. I traveled around the country, met hundreds of fascinating people, handfuls of celebrities and worked on projects that contributed to a lifetime of memories. No question, I fell madly in love with an industry that fed my soul and beefed up my wallet. I am a very fortunate woman and a highly satisfied professional achiever. By all my definitions, I made it. I accomplished my agenda. And, though not in the plans, I got married and have kids, only ours are furry, four-legged ones who fill my heart every bit as much as human children, with much less expense and potential problems.
One day, much to my surprise (and pretty much everyone who knows the professional me) I decided to stop working. There are a number of reasons why – things like fatigue, frustration and disappointment top the list. But there was also something more. Churning down in my gut somewhere was the understanding that there’s more to experience in this magnificent, finite life I have. Different paths to explore and different methods of exploration. Maybe that’s what our 50’s are about. Maybe it’s a “female professional thing,” maybe it’s a mid-life thing. But it’s a real thing – to be sure. At least, for me. My new life is a journey without a road map; it unfolds each day. Sometimes it offers adventure and insights; other days it’s deliciously mundane. But right now it’s where I want to be. I’m enjoying friends, family, travel, a real personal life, books unrelated to my jobs and a continuing learning experience. Most women did that early on – I saved it for Act three. My Actthree.net blog is dedicated to musings from that journey. Mine and, hopefully, yours.
Are you living a life of journey right now? Tell me about it. I’m particularly interested in hearing from fellow boomer women. But, if you’re not yet among us, but have also decided to carve out the non-traditional life – join the fun. Let’s all enjoy the journey together. Please email your stories to me at joyceactthree@gmail.com. I’ll assume I can share them on Actthree.net, and, maybe, compiled into a book farther along my journey.
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Act Three Scene Setter
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged baby boomer, baby boomers, blogging, boomer women, boomers, commentary, freshly pressed, new life directions, new life experiences, retired professionals, women over 50 on September 9, 2011| 7 Comments »
My life is a story in progress. That may be an obvious commentary to some but it’s a revelation to me because I used to think I had it all figured out. First I’d do my level best to leave home for college and get the mandatory degree so I could secure what I really wanted, a job to begin building my career. Then I’d land a series of dream jobs, all of them contributing to the bank account that would make me financially independent. And because I’d be in love with working, I’d continue that lifestyle until I dropped dead one day. Done. Finished. The story of my life: she strived, she worked, she achieved, she contributed, she died. I never considered that some day I’d be in my fifties looking for different kinds of experiences besides going to work everyday. That I’d be asking the question, “who am I without a fancy job?” Well – hello. I’m here.
I’ve been living my life backwards from most women I know: not really interested in marriage, children, friends, or a personal life separate from a professional one. My jobs were so stimulating; a life in broadcasting (and later cable) meant working 10 – 12 hour days (at least) and most weekends and holidays. Creating shows from thin air required a lot of creative energy and the commensurate time to pull them off – day after day, project after project, city after city, year after year. I traveled around the country, met hundreds of fascinating people, handfuls of celebrities and worked on projects that contributed to a lifetime of memories. No question, I fell madly in love with an industry that fed my soul and beefed up my wallet. I am a very fortunate woman and a highly satisfied professional achiever. By all my definitions, I made it. I accomplished my agenda. And, though not in the plans, I got married and have kids, only ours are furry, four-legged ones who fill my heart every bit as much as human children, with much less expense and potential problems.
One day, much to my surprise (and pretty much everyone who knows the professional me) I decided to stop working. There are a number of reasons why – things like fatigue, frustration and disappointment top the list. But there was also something more. Churning down in my gut somewhere was the understanding that there’s more to experience in this magnificent, finite life I have. Different paths to explore and different methods of exploration. Maybe that’s what our 50’s are about. Maybe it’s a “female professional thing,” maybe it’s a mid-life thing. But it’s a real thing – to be sure. At least, for me. My new life is a journey without a road map; it unfolds each day. Sometimes it offers adventure and insights; other days it’s deliciously mundane. But right now it’s where I want to be. I’m enjoying friends, family, travel, a real personal life, books unrelated to my jobs and a continuing learning experience. Most women did that early on – I saved it for Act three. My Actthree.net blog is dedicated to musings from that journey. Mine and, hopefully, yours.
Are you living a life of journey right now? Tell me about it. I’m particularly interested in hearing from fellow boomer women. But, if you’re not yet among us, but have also decided to carve out the non-traditional life – join the fun. Let’s all enjoy the journey together. Please email your stories to me at joyceactthree@gmail.com. I’ll assume I can share them on Actthree.net, and, maybe, compiled into a book farther along my journey.
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