Whether you’re a UX designer, a banker, a writer, or anything in between, navigating your career in the later years can be confounding. You have enough perspective to be able to look back and see where you’ve been, and are highly motivated to figure out what’s ahead. Yet, what you see ahead may be discouraging—shrinking opportunity.
I find the best re-motivator, the guaranteed salve, comes from reading the stories of others. These people are also navigating midlife career choices, perhaps crafting a second or third act, looking for purpose after retirement, or simply continuing to make bold choices later in life. I have a few websites where I like to immerse myself in these stories.
Glorious Broads
The tagline here is irresistible: Sages, not saints. I love the big and bold vibe, an attitude women, in particular, could use more of as we age. There’s a story here for everyone. Most are “regular folk,” with an occasional celebrity thrown in (Katherine Turner’s interview is a hoot, and recently Stacy London made an appearance.) Come for the interviews, stay for the merch: The T-shirts rock! gloriousbroads.com
Ageist
The brainchild of David Stewart, Ageist is a testament to the beauty that comes with age. Click on Profiles at the top of the home page and you’ll enjoy an extensive “library” of fascinating people. They run the gamut from open-water swimmer to graphic novelist—all people who have taken the second half of life and jumped in head-first. Stewart’s background is in photography, and the beautiful images in the profiles really set this site apart. weareageist.com
Wisdom Well
Chip Conley, who has navigated a fascinating series of twists and turns in his professional life, posts daily on his blog. Guest posts are often written by alumni of Modern Elder Academy (MEA) in Baja, where Chip is a founder. Or Chip mentions people he has met through MEA. The post today, for example, profiles Suzanne Watkins, who at 60 is embarking on her new career as a flight attendant. wisdomwell.modernelderacademy.com
The 50:50 Project
Katherine Brown set out to interview at least 50 people over coffee, to hear their stories, and ultimately to inspire her own journey. Brown’s words mirror my own belief: “Looking for work in your 50s is challenging. Trying to find truly interesting and fulfilling work even more so. Add to the mix a few career breaks and a desire to transition to a new career and it is easy to despair. But don’t, you are not alone. There are literally millions of people across the globe who’ve wrestled with these same issues and come out the other side.” I just discovered this gem, and am in love with the format and variety of the stories. the50fiftyproject.com
The Senior Nomads
I wish Debbie and Michael Campbell lived next door. They’re charming, talented, and adventurous. But alas, they will never be my neighbors. They have been traveling the world and living in Airbnbs since 2013, after ditching their house and sailboat in Seattle. When I see a new Senior Nomads post in my inbox, I eagerly click to read about where they are now and the adventures they’ve had. If you envy the nomadic lifestyle and want inspiration for your own travels, the Campbells are your role models. seniornomads.com
It can be tempting to feel very alone as you navigate the later years of your career. Instead, find ideas, hope, and a sense of companionship by reading stories of others just like you. They did it—whatever “it” is for them—and so can you.
Photo by Brett Jordan from Pexels