There’s a persistent assumption that people over 50 – especially women – are somehow less relevant, less employable. I see it in hiring trends and across my social media feeds: the unspoken suggestion that I should feel desperate for work and grateful for whatever comes my way.
My response? That’s not my reality and it doesn’t reflect the experience of the women I proudly call peers, role models, and friends.
At 50, after years of running half marathons and chasing new personal bests, I downloaded a training schedule, read a few books, and ran my first full marathon. I crossed the finish line after 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Having my three teenage daughters cheer me on and greet me at the finish line is a life moment I treasure beyond words.
Since then, I’ve come to see that milestone as more than personal. It’s become a metaphor for my life, especially my career. Taking on a big, unfamiliar challenge and seeing it through has been a powerful affirmation: I’m still growing, gaining strength, and building momentum. I’m showing up with more clarity, capacity, and drive than ever before.
Why do we treat midlife as a sunset instead of a sunrise?
I’ve spent the last three decades learning and evolving, personally, professionally, emotionally. As a latchkey kid, I was independent early. I figured things out by doing them. In my twenties, I tackled financial and emotional independence, built skills, and worked hard to prove my value. My thirties brought major personal and professional growth: I moved cities, found my community in San Francisco, fell in love, got married, and had three children in under five years. I never left the workforce, but like so many women, I constantly navigated trade-offs between ambition and caregiving. Even with a supportive and progressive partner, I carried much of the mental and logistical load at home.
By my forties, I was holding it all together and functioning with the confidence of a seasoned “working mom.” However, between raising teenagers and managing a full-time career, there was little room for reflection, let alone aligning work with personal values.
A shift at 50
With my third child soon headed to college, I’m reclaiming time and space, logistically, mentally, and emotionally. I’m no longer anticipating the daily needs of three children. I’ve begun to re-center myself.
In doing so, I’ve taken stock of what truly matters. I’ve interrogated my values around equity, impact, and progress. I’m no longer making decisions based solely on salary or title. I’m seeking alignment. I want to work with people and organizations rooted in purpose. I’m drawn to meaningful collaboration, where wisdom is valued and growth is measured by mindset, not age.
I’m Not Alone
I see my peers doing similar, redefining what thriving looks like in midlife and beyond. We’re not just “still in the game.” We’re bringing our full selves: lived experience, earned resilience, and the clarity that comes with emotional intelligence.
So no, 50 is not the finish line. For me, it’s the start of a new race. It’s one I’m running with as much grace as I can muster, with strength, intention, and perspective.
And I’m just getting started.
What about you?
I’d love to hear how you’ve navigated this chapter. Share your story here in the comments or connect with me! We are stronger, together.
We're Pivoting 