After a year and a half without the stability of a regular corporate paycheck, I've had the chance to reflect on my discussions with many incredible women about our professional trajectories, individually and collectively. These conversations become more salient as we reach the midlife tipping point and provide a bit of a north star when we encounter biases that are even more acute. While searching for work, I encountered a startling piece of advice from a recruiter. First, she suggested I downplay my experience because my C-level titles might intimidate potential employers. Then, she advised me to shave a decade off my resume to disguise my age—suggesting I list 15 years of experience instead of 25. Can you imagine?!
After dedicating decades to climbing the corporate ladder, it was disheartening to hear that I might now be seen as too old rather than well-experienced. These conversations made me curious about which industries truly value the maturity and experience that comes with age, where your expertise makes you more essential, not less. Where the wealth of knowledge you accumulate over the years is seen as an asset and where the confidence that comes from caring less about the small stuff is appreciated.
As life expectancies rise, the conversation around aging, especially for women in the workplace, needs to evolve more quickly. There are approximately 44 million women in the United States alone in midlife (US Census), and that number is rapidly growing with Millenials coming into it. Reframing aging from a winding down period to one of opportunity, growth, and continued contribution will shift the perspective around women and broader workforce dynamics. These years can also be a prime time for career advancement – pivoting into new roles or industries. Many women (including myself) are experiencing a renewed ambition for the second half to make it count in a more meaningful way. We did our time; [some of us] raised our kids, got married, divorced, built careers, and navigated our parent's health issues as well as our own.
"The first half of life is devoted to forming a healthy ego, the second half is going inward and letting go of it," Carl Jung
We encounter a natural pivot point in midlife. What had been a linear path begins to unfold in more complex layers. Carl Jung, the famed psychologist, described this stage as the "second half of life" — a period marked not by pursuing outward success but by a journey inward towards a more authentic self. At this stage, the noisy demands of ego begin to quiet down, making room for a richer, more integrated sense of identity. This 'true self' isn't just a sum of our parts but a fuller, more nuanced amalgamation of our conscious and unconscious lives. It's about reconciling with the parts of ourselves we've sidelined and connecting with something greater.
With many working years ahead, this is an ideal time for women to further their education, switch careers, or step into roles that once seemed out of reach. Changes in industries, including tech, where I've built my career, prompt us to reevaluate and pursue what truly matters. Launching Forty Fifty and deepening connections with women making significant impacts is profoundly rewarding. Take inspiration from Victoria Beckham, who embraced turning 50 with grace and vigor; with every act of defiance of societal norms, we can all see and take comfort in knowing that it is far from over.
Many of the stories submitted to us by the generosity of so many women further articulate this. From the evolving face of friendship to embracing the unraveled fabric of what was. We are all still becoming. Looking forward, we will share many more of these stories and build up our network of professionals who will help shine the light on this second act. Thank you all.
In gratitude,
Ali Rand, Forty Fifty
ICYMI
Falling off the corporate ladder and landing on my feet
'“It almost feels like a betrayal to my fellow sisters to say that I have enjoyed the chaos of being a working mother. My overactive brain is set alight by the hundreds of tasks I need to do. I understand my privileges: a husband who works flexible hours and all four grandparents ready to help at any time. However, I could not help but feel I would be doing this without them.” Read Clare’s Story.
Other Reads This Week
What women can do — and should do — to protect their health
Dr. Sharon Malone, on NPR's Morning Edition, discusses the challenges women face within the healthcare system, particularly for women of color or those with serious conditions. In her book "Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy," she advises women to take charge of their health by building a reliable healthcare team and being well-prepared for doctor’s appointments. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and preparing for menopause early, advocating for women to be proactive in securing better health outcomes in a system not initially designed for them.
Substack Recommendations
The word I would most like to erase from the English language by Dr. Vicki Comp
The piece challenges the common use of the term "lazy," arguing it inaccurately and unhelpfully describes human behavior. Therapeutic observations suggest that what is often labeled as laziness is actually a natural response to unmet needs—such as rest, emotional support, or physical health. The author compares humans to plants, noting that neither fails without cause; both simply reflect their conditions.
A Call For Submissions!
Every woman has stories of triumph, resilience, laughter, and learning. These narratives, woven from the threads of our experiences, are not just personal tales but collective wisdom waiting to be shared. That's why we're reaching out to you, our vibrant community, with an invitation: share your story with us.
Whether it's a tale of overcoming obstacles, a chronicle of personal discovery, or a memory that brings a smile, your story matters. By sharing your experiences, you own your truth and light the path for others.