Starting A New Career at 50, 60 Or Even Older, Is The New Norm.
“My world of work started with a job as a trainee journalist. I soon rose up that rank to published journalist in a local newspaper. It was a path that I loved very much. However, after doing this for close to two years I was at the proverbial ‘fork in the road ‘ being offered two new opportunities. One was with a new media house to work as a television journalist while the other was as a teacher. My mom wanted me to go into teaching as she called it a steady and safe job for a young woman. I was obedient to my mother’s wishes and took the job as a teacher.
As a teacher, I taught at primary ( elementary) level. I studied for my bachelor’s degree with two babies in tow. Juggled motherhood, wifehood, a full time job and studies, with all the strength I had. After doing this balancing act for four grueling years I finally successfully graduated. At that time I also threw my hat in the ring and applied for a scholarship to study in Chile for two months! Boom , I got it !!
Shortly after I returned I applied for a promotion whenever I saw the opportunity. I was promoted and moved from teacher to administrative roles -both as Vice Principal. , then Principal. The final ten years of my twenty six year career in education was in an administration role.
During all these years though I had my own personal struggles with marriage and subsequent divorce. I literally lived the life of being ‘strong’ on the outside and crumbling on the inside. How could the woman who held this leadership role be going through a. life crisis such as this? Yet , there I was living it daily. After my divorce I started from ground zero to rebuild my life with my kids with me, every step of the way.
The right people were placed in my path. I grew deeper into spirituality, learnt about me; who I really was .I discovered that I didn’t really know myself as I ought to. So I pursued self love and discovered who I am. This lead me to unearth what my purposeful passion is: To help other women to discover who they authentically are and use their tests as testimony to the fabulous lives they now live.
I realized that I now wanted to turn this passion into a business; let go of what no longer served me and step into a new path where I get to help others and get remunerated for it ! It’s a blessing ! I was forty five when I officially registered my company however, I was. coaching for years prior to that.
I discovered that all that I went through ~good or bad led me to being able to give to my clients the depth of help that I do. It comes from a place of experience, knowledge, intuition and authenticity.
Along the way I rebranded my personal style. The office wear was ditched for softer styles. The hair dye was ditched too. I love my different stones~rose quartz, lapis de solis and tourmaline .
That’s me up to this point .
Since then I’ve. had several books published on Amazon including a stunning collection of self care journals. I’ve had a television motivational segment , I was featured in several newspaper articles, helped. several other fabulous women grow into their true greatness, created online courses and I’m excited by what is still on the way. The best is yet to come and it will, as long as we trust the process as well as believe that everything is working out for your good.
My support system is the tight circle of Richard, my life partner, our three girls and a few special relatives who are stalwart cheerleaders.
For anyone who is thinking they are too old to change careers or pursue a dream, that’s a limiting belief we blindly believe. It was mine at one time until I worked through that belief and realized that my story was uniquely mine. I have to tell it, speak it, write it , teach from it .
Was I nervous ? Darn yes! Leaving the comfort zone is scary but staying there and not growing was scarier.
I did it, faced many many obstacles, criticisms and barriers along the way. Guess what each one I overcame made me stronger!
Keep loving yourself because you are more than worth it!”⚘💜
You can follow Marsha on Instagram @MarshaSewdass_mindsetcoach
For more stories about people reinventing themselves over 40, follow us at Old Cow.
