Taking Chances: Finding Courage at 50

When a Job Posting Feels Like a Step Back

Confession: I’m all over the place right now, but here’s where I’m going with this. About a week ago, my husband sent me a job posting. Bless his heart. But when I read it, I immediately dismissed it.

It was for a marketing coordinator, which in my experience is an entry-level position. I’ve been in senior marketing leadership roles, and going back to that felt… wrong. My husband wasn’t thrilled with my reaction and has reminded me about it more than once.

A Night Out, A Reminder About Love

Last night, we went out to say goodbye to a friend moving to Colorado (seriously, take me with you). When we arrived, I saw another good friend, and she was with a man who seemed to make her glow. She looked smitten.

I resisted the urge to pull her aside for the details, and instead just gave her the supportive “you go girl” look from across the room. Later, on the way home, my husband brought up the job posting again, clearly disappointed. I couldn’t bring myself to say, “I’m doing my thing, man. I’m building this site, and it’s giving me my mojo back.” Because it’s true, every word I write here makes me feel good again.

Fighting the “Don’t Get Out of Bed” Feeling

This morning, I woke up with that heavy “don’t get out of bed” vibe. But I fought it. Showered, pushed myself out the door, and headed to my favorite coffee shop. On the way, my friend from last night called me, turns out she’s been dating that guy.

Dating in your 50s is no joke. It’s hard to let new people in, especially love interests. I told her, “Dude, there is not a single person on earth who deserves happiness more than you. Love is about taking a chance.” And I meant it. Honestly, I think I needed to hear myself say it, too.

Taking Chances on Myself

Over coffee (and a delicious, fruity, nutty peanut butter yogurt toast), my mind wandered back to that theme: taking chances.

That’s what this blog is for me. Sharing my struggles, trying to make something out of this little site, it’s a risk. I’m still looking for jobs, but I believe in where this could go.

I’m 50, and I’m ready to take that chance.

Panic Mode at Publix

Fueled by iced coffee, I hit Publix for a few things, I’ve got meal prep jars coming and was planning to whip up a Greek-inspired niçoise salad. But when I got to checkout, my wallet was nowhere. Cue full-blown panic mode:

Hoodie pocket? Nope.
Husband’s car? Nope.
My bag? Dumped, still nope.
Yesterday’s pants? Empty.
Post office (where I last used it)? Nothing.
Bank account? No activity.

Finally, my husband found it… sitting in the closet by his cowboy boots.

Relief. Just breathe. Write.

Why I’m Not Giving Up

This blog, this site, it’s my chance. I just launched a new section for survival kits and have so many more ideas to make this a space for community, support, and real talk.

I’m not giving up. I’m dishing the advice and I’m taking it. I’m taking the chance. Because if not now, then when? I’ve got nothing to lose, and everything to gain. xoMS