Working Woman Reaches Milestone and Can’t Stop Now!

Just a couple of years ago, I began to receive a notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA) which details every year I worked since the first year I started working and how much I made every year since. In 1968 I made three hundred and sixty eight dollars – $368.00 during that entire year.  I was lucky at that time to have lived at home with one living parent, and I didn’t have to pay any rent, but we were poor and we faced pretty tough challenges over the next few years.

I am happy to report that I am still working nearly forty years later. I managed to get a college degree from a state school along the way while working. I made progress against my goals every year; each job required more skills and experience, more responsibility, longer hours, and – luckily – better pay! I found an area of work that matched my skills, that offered advancement and that I was really good at. I’m still at it!

If I were to sum up my advice in three words it is: Don’t give up.  If I were to sum up the five most important things that made a difference to me in pursuing my goals they would be: mentors, education, confidence, creativity, and strength.

I had mentors in every job I held whether as a waitress or a professional – seek out mentors. My education, which I paid for myself, has stood me well for decades – post high school degrees do make a difference to employers.  I have always had confidence that I could do a job – practically any job well if just given the chance – confidence generates ability (I once got a summer job as a cook in a private home even though I’d never cooked in my life!).  Being creative really helps when the challenges mount up, try anything.  And, approach all barriers from a position of strength. Be strong.

I have entered my 40th year as a working woman. Forty years ago things looked pretty grim. Forty years later that SSA report makes me proud. A first job is often the jumping off point to being self-sufficient, to furthering your education and creating a better future. Think about what you really want to be and then you have to take the leap!

– Fabulous at Fifty-Five

Comments

[Michelle Higginbottom]

That's right mother, grandmother, auntie, sister and friend, it's never too late. I agree, never count yourself out, grab hold to your dreams, only you can bring them to life! I'm in my forties but am stronger and better now then when I was in my twenties. That's right ladies we can't be stopped! Many of us are reaching milestones the same time as our kids are graduating from high school, college or getting married. Who says we have to stop shining and reaching for the stars. You want a new job, Go For It! You want that business, Open It! This is the time for us to Just Do It! That's right Fabulous at Forty things do at times look pretty grim but I'm here to stay that we can rise to any occassion because we are OVERCOMERS!

Facing Fifty

[Yvonne]

I'm also fabulous fifty and some change. Yes ladies we have to continue to stay educated, looking good and know what happening with our every day walk in life. Keep on keeping on and don't let any one or thing get you down. ffsc.

I can't believe how right you are about what it takes to get ahead! I'd only add one thing: never rule yourself out; let somebody else do that. If you want a job, try for it. If you want to go to school, then apply. You just have to keep on trying.

Some people don't even try because they feel they just aren't good enough, but I figure, every time I try I learn something, even if I don't get exactly what I want, I always learn something or meet somebody and you never know where each attempt might get you, right?

These are really helpful words of wisdom. Everyone has to start somewhere -- you just have to get experience and continue to build your confidence.

And a mentor is an invaluable asset!

Thanks for the words of advice/wisdom.