Midlife Is About Reinvention, Right? Not Necessarily

If you think midlife career rejuvenation depends on reinvention, you're not alone. Baby Boomers who are bored or burned-out feel enormous pressure to change what they do for a living.

When I started writing "RIPE" (my new book about rich, rewarding work after 50), I was thinking along the same lines. Everywhere I looked, there were high-profile examples of reinventors such as Sandra Day O'Connor, who stepped down from the U.S. Supreme Court and is now an educator and video game developer (games that help drive social change, of course!). And Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil, who now invests his energy in water conservation issues and who also, in 2009, paid for the privilege (to the tune of $35 million) of being the first clown launched into space.

One day, I spotted something different -- some of the newsmakers I was reading about were doing familiar work while stretching in new directions. For instance, each of 80-year-old Clint Eastwood's recent films is different in theme, narrative and visual style -- consider "Gran Torino," "Invictus" and "Hereafter." At 77, Jane Goodall now travels 300 days a year, having realized the most effective way to save her beloved chimps is by connecting with audiences around the world. Even Prince Charles, 62, has found new ways to define his title, becoming the patron saint of organic farming and delivering the keynote address at the 2009 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

These people represent a distinct kind of Ripe pioneer -- those who discover new passion for their careers and achieve a level of mastery previously unattainable. Former U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy is a perfect example. Here's what The New York Times printed when Kennedy died in 2009, at 77: "He gradually found his place and grew into a role where his own gifts worked perfectly. In late middle age, he built a truly spectacular career."

I call these Ripe pioneers "Masters." They're appearing in every field, each sector and around the world. In the weeks to come, I'll share stories of people like us who have become Masters, and reveal how they made their choice -- how they knew their current path was the right one and why it made sense to keep moving along it.

* * * * *

"RIPE" is here! This spring, I'm writing about "RIPE: Rich, Rewarding Work After 50," a 12-week course on discovering passion, purpose and possibility at midlife. Check out the video (a.k.a. book trailer!):

Be part of the "RIPE" community on HuffPost, Facebook and Twitter. Together, we are going to change this phase of life!

 

Follow Julia Moulden on Twitter: www.twitter.com/juliamoulden

Comments

[dearrosie]

12:26 AM on 05/10/2011

Julia you said that "many people assume if we haven't 'made it' by 50, it's over. But RIPE is filled with stories of people who HAVE found their life's work later in life."
HOORAY. It's so encouraging to hear a positive story about the big FIVE-O birthday. Thank you.

[Julia Moulden]

09:41 AM on 05/10/2011

Yes, yes, yes, so much is possible after 50! Including "making it" if you feel you've never achieved your potential. I'll write about people like that (as I do in RIPE). Glad you read RIPE and that it strikes a chord, dearrosie. Oh, there's plenty of living and adventuring to come... It's never too late (and it makes me CRAZY to have to say that about people of any age... but I'll keep saying it until I croak - or things change!). It's never too late. Never too late. Never. Ever.

[Alexandra Spinner]

09:21 PM on 05/09/2011

Is there any likelihood that one day we may observe the less affluent as purveyors of the current state of reinvention after 50? I know I'm one. I have been a fitness and personal trainer for over 15 years. Being an athlete and needing to rather hang up my athletic shoestrings, I am seeking to use brains over beauty to communicate the absolute need to depend on oneself to sustain optimum health as the healthcare system changes as we are living longer.
I do this everyday, with many people...IF ONLY I had millions of dollars to just up say, "I think I just go in different direction because I have the financial freedom to do so...well...what I could do???" Russell Bishop recently wrote here about possibility over probability as a means to make a difference; baby steps. I took that as, be myself, make a difference, with or without the financial status others possess.

Hopefully we'll hear more everyday stories...clearly these individuals achieved this status by SOME means, but this may not ever be true for some. I'm just saying GIVE EVERYONE HOPE.

[Julia Moulden]

09:38 AM on 05/10/2011

I truly believe that it's the "less affluent" that are going to drive this! (I include these newsmakers because they help us see the trend - they could choose to do anything, and decide to stay in the game.) There's NOTHING like the power of need to help us keep going. I know lots of comfortable people who have little drive to accomplish anything.

Thanks, Alexandra. Keep sharing your story with us so that others will be inspired to follow in your athletic footsteps!

[Alexandra Spinner]

08:14 PM on 05/11/2011

Thank you ever-so-so-generously for the reply...and lending one more insight to this ongoing paradigm shift...my deepest appreciation for such a broad perspective. I will continue to be a cog in the world as we move forward.
Best regards,
Alexandra Spinner

[drosenth613]

10:20 PM on 05/08/2011

Some of the examples above that you mention Julia, are truly an inspiration to Baby Boomers throughout the nation. Many people feel that once you reach the age of 50, that you are over the hill in terms of creativity and what not. However, what the examples above that you mentioned really teach us is that through hard work and a focused vision, anyone can be successful no matter what the age. This is especially important for the Boomers at www.AfterFiftyLiving.com to take note of as well!

[Julia Moulden]

06:11 AM on 05/09/2011

Thanks, drosenth613 -- what you say is so important, 'anyone can be successful no matter what the age'. So many people assume that if we haven't 'made it' by 50, it's over. RIPE is filled with stories of people who HAVE found their life's work later in life. And it details a process we can all use to find our way. Thanks for sharing your POV and insights!

[gemsviathailand]

05:34 AM on 05/08/2011

I am in my 62nd year. In March of 2012 I hope to collect Social Security. If it still exists, it will be the first dependable income in my eclectic life.

Here I sit, becoming a person I never envisioned. The irony of all ironies, I am know a good will delegate for the USA. It was not my intension. It just worked out that way. The villagers think I'm a nice person and I come from Sahhalaht (America).

Forty-three years ago I was considered unpatriotic for not wanting to visit SE Asia. Now I am considered to be an ex-Patriot for moving here. Go figure.

Since my modest savings falls short of meeting my new family's needs, I have turned to the internet with the hope of attracting a few baht.

Here I sit, becoming a socialy active introvert. If I had less acceptance, I'd be confused. @viasammilaw www.sammilaw.asia

[Julia Moulden]

06:26 AM on 05/08/2011

Isn't it interesting to see the turns life takes, gemsiathailand! Thanks for sharing your story -- and keep us posted so we can learn more about what you're doing in this decade (and what you get up to in your 70s and 80s and...)!!

[KathleenQYD]

10:12 PM on 05/07/2011

Certainly an interesting and useful read, Julia. That said, like others who have commented here, I am tiring of constantly having light shed on celebrity. I, too would like to hear the stories of mainstream folk who have made choices, followed their intrinsic path, taken their individual journey and had fulfillment find them in a way unique and special to their individual self.

[Julia Moulden]

06:29 AM on 05/08/2011

Absolutely! My intention is to show that people who could choose to do anything (i.e., brunch or golf for the rest of their lives) are staying in the game. They show us what's possible. Lots and lots of great examples of real people are included in RIPE. And I'll share them -- and new ones! -- as RIPE unfurls over the coming months...

Most importantly, RIPE is written as a how-to, so that each of us can find our own way.

Thanks, KathleenQYD. What's your story??

[KathleenQYD]

02:13 PM on 05/08/2011

Thank You, Julia, for acknowledging & responding. Kudos to you for staying fully in the conversation with your readers! My story? It has lots of twists and turns - too many to note here. In essence, though, it is a story with three cornerstones: first, being a commitment to meeting and really coming to know mySelf; second: exploring my relationship to what I desire to be and do; third: discovery of my unique contribution in the world.... and following an individual path that guarantees the fulfillment of passion, purpose & potential. Really, it is the story of opportunity that is available to each and everyone of us in our own design and through our own process.

[Katie Young]

06:08 PM on 05/07/2011

Nothing in life has been kinder to me than middle age. I turned 51 this spring and it's as if I have come full circle and all of life is open to me on a much deeper level than it was in my early life. I'm at the top of my game both physically and mentally because of the changes that aging force us to make. Menopause brought relief from a lifetime of PMS and the freedom that comes with not being a victim of rollercoaster emotions. I love being older, and quite a bit wiser. Thanks for your great blog.

[Julia Moulden]

06:30 AM on 05/08/2011

Thank you, Katie! You're discovering the joys of moving into this new phase of life -- and I really love how you put it -- that you've come full circle, but now having a deeper experience. Keep writing and sharing how you keep growing!!

[Saidas]

05:43 PM on 05/07/2011

The average middle aged American isn't like O'Connor, Goodall or Laliberte wondering, "I'm so bored with success. What would I like to do now?" but more like the person with a Masters degree who lost his house and most of his money and is now working at Starbucks wondering what the hell happened to his life just a few years ago when life was great who, in the pit of his stomach, feels that this may be as good as it gets from now on.

This would have been a good blog pre 2007.

[french queen13]

01:36 AM on 05/08/2011

Very good point, Saidas. Talk about changing one's career, lifestyle etc always seem to go from the basis of having the freedom of financial security. First, too many people have never had that, and second, it's even worse for you in the US at present (and it isn't too flash for lower-income earners here in Oz, either).

[Julia Moulden]

06:32 AM on 05/08/2011

Ah, sounds like you've had some hard knocks. Like many of us (can relate!).

My intention was to show that something is taking shape -- even among those who could choose to couch surf for the rest of their lives. They are an inspiration to me. And how we choose to spend the rest of our lives (no matter what age we are!) is always within reach. It's not about money -- it's about perspective. Each and every day we choose how we want to interact with the world.

Keep reading and I hope you'll find inspiration that will help you move forward, too.

[ladyvee1969]

03:11 PM on 05/07/2011

Midlife transformation sounds great! However it's just not possible for some of us who are sometimes in a perimenopausal haze. Kudos to those who can.
Now that I'm older I just want to observe and enjoy life. When I think of studying for mid-terms or writing a paper, I just feel nauseous.

[Julia Moulden]

04:09 PM on 05/07/2011

To those who are in, as ladyvee1969 puts it, "in a perimenopausal haze", there is lots and lots of great information and help out there. There's no need to suffer (I speak from experience -- was loosing half a month until I got my health sorted out!).

And ladyvee1969, if what you want to do is chill for the rest of your days (and you have the financial wherewithal), that's your choice! RIPE is for people who want to stay in the game...

[ladyvee1969]

11:48 AM on 05/08/2011

I work 36 hrs. a week. I'm just working on finding that inner peace-outside the job. I can't really change my career,(refer to previous comment) but I believe I can look at my children, husband and career and know that I have done the best I could, and everything turned out pretty good. Like the lady in the previous comment said "coming full circle." That's a GREAT feeling!

[Scholastica8]

12:10 PM on 05/07/2011

While we all find stories of mid-life or later life transformation or transition uplifting, the truth is that few people have such options. Most often they are forced into transformation, not because they want to, not in the direction they want to, but because they have to... & often the outcomes are not uplifing, but examples of how people can slide downward into an impoverished old age.

[Julia Moulden]

04:07 PM on 05/07/2011

So much of what happens to us in life -- at any age -- is within our control. Not all of it of course (stuff happens!). But it's so important to realize that the slide downward is not necessary - far from it!

I love the Masters I write about because finding new passion for the path you're already on is within reach of each of us. No matter what we do.

[french queen13]

01:39 AM on 05/08/2011

Exactly, Scholastica8! Financial reality is not comfortable, not secure, for too many people - and with the entrenched bias against older workers (which too often is anyone over about 35, here) being out of work any length of time can too easily translate to being out of work permanently. Not everyone has the resources, inner or financial, to start a business or do any of those "transformational" things in a way that's going to turn them into "success stories".

[Julia Moulden]

06:35 AM on 05/08/2011

Ah, french queen13, I recognize you -- you've written comments on my column before! This isn't about reinventing yourself, this is about finding new passion for the path you're already on. I believe that each of us can do that... it isn't about money, it's about thinking about ourselves and our lives (and how we want to be in the world) in a new way... Do keep reading and sharing your thoughts!!