From Setback to Success: Reinventing Your Life After 50
From Setback to Success: Reinventing Your Life After 50
Life after 50 can be an incredibly fertile time, especially for women. It’s a phase where the demands of raising children may ease, careers often pivot, and many of us finally have the chance to explore dreams that had been put on hold. Reinvention is not only possible—it can be deeply rewarding.
I know this because I’ve lived it. At 48, I lost my job. For months, I felt untethered, unsure of what would come next. But that loss became the catalyst for a new chapter. I started LET’S MAKE ROOM, a business dedicated to helping others create space—literally and metaphorically—for the lives they want to live. My own mother’s story is also a testament to reinvention. In her 50s, she started a radio production company specializing in funny commercials. Not only did she thrive, but she also won dozens of awards for her work! Stories like hers and mine are far from rare. Look around, and you’ll see women in mid-life shining in amazing roles, like Kathy Bates in Matlock, Carrie Preston as Elsbeth, or Glenn Close in The Wife
If you’re feeling a tug to rewrite your story, here are five steps to help you reinvent yourself after 50.
1. Reconnect with Your Passions
Life has a way of burying our passions under responsibilities. But they’re still there, waiting for us. Start by asking yourself: What did I love doing as a child or young adult? What hobbies or interests have I always wanted to explore but never had the time?
For Susan, a 54-year-old working in finance, rediscovering her passion for painting became a game-changer. She hadn’t picked up a brush in decades, but once she did, it unlocked a new world of joy. If you’re unsure where to start, try journaling about moments that have brought you happiness or fulfillment. Sometimes, your passions may even connect to your past work in unexpected ways.
2. Set a Vision, Not Just Goals
Instead of focusing on short-term goals, think about the bigger picture of what you want your life to look like. Vision-based thinking allows you to dream beyond limitations and imagine a future filled with purpose.
When I started LET’S MAKE ROOM, my vision wasn’t just about running a professional organizing business. It was about helping people make room in their homes and lives for what mattered most to them. Think about what gives you purpose. Maybe it’s mentoring younger professionals, starting a new career, devoting time to your family or writing that book you’ve always dreamed of.
3. Take Small, Brave Steps
Reinvention doesn’t happen overnight nor does it always have to be about a profession. Start small. Sign up for a class, join a local group, or volunteer in an area that excites you. The key is to take action – even if it scares you a little.
When my mom decided to start her radio production company after a super-successful career as an advertising copywriter and creative director, it came out of who she already was: Funny, creative, and totally tapped into how people think. After years of writing serious ads for cosmetics, cigarettes and haircare, she ultimately made her name writing, laugh-out-loud radio commercials for everything from politicians, to Broadway shows, to cheese. They not only won over her clients, but they earned her dozens of awards.
Her first step was simply being who she was and saying yes when someone asked her one day to “write a little shtick” for a snack product. That small action snowballed into pitching her first client.
For me, starting LET’S MAKE ROOM began with walking around local Farmers markets with a basket of my printed brochures and a bag of gourmet tea stapled to each one that I gave to anyone who was interested while telling them how I could help them get organized at home. It probably didn’t get me a single client but it did get me good at putting myself out there and articulating my value.
4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Reinvention is easier when you’re surrounded by people who believe in you. Seek out a community of like-minded individuals who are also exploring new paths. This could be through networking groups, online communities, or local meet-ups.
Coaches, mentors, and friends who champion your dreams can be invaluable. Susan found that connecting with a local artist’s collective not only helped her grow her skills but also provided the encouragement she needed to exhibit her work for the first time. Don’t be afraid to lean on others for advice, encouragement, or collaboration.
5. Embrace the Journey
Reinvention isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about enjoying the process. Allow yourself to celebrate small wins and learn from challenges. This phase of life is as much about exploration as it is about achievement. Try not to focus on the destination at first. Life is never a straight line.
When I launched my business, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were many moments of doubt and plenty of mistakes. I want you to know those feelings are normal, and should be expected as you grow into this new lifestyle. Each twist and turn taught me something valuable. Over time, I discovered that the joy was in the journey, not just the outcome.
Midlife as a New Beginning
Midlife isn’t the end of the story; it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Whether it’s reconnecting with your passions, building a new vision, or taking brave steps, this stage of life is full of possibilities. Look at the incredible roles women in their 50s are playing on TV and in the movies. They’re strong, vibrant, and full of life. Why should your story be any different?
Reinvention is within your reach. Take it one step at a time. You might be surprised by what’s waiting for you on the other side.
Are you ready to make room for the life you’ve always dreamed of or even one that represents a new dream? Let’s chat about how working with a Midlife Coach can help you reinvent yourself this year.