What's it like to start your career again at 43 and half? Four years after trading in a twenty year career in editing magazines for the world of tech I can tell you. And it's not what you think
Just to push the age parameters, I was 81 when I started my Substack, Cookstory, in Jan 2023 as an add-on to my working life as a cookbook (mostly) author and journalist with a sideline as an illustrator. As a shorthand typist (at Private Eye, early days) I had no problem moving from manual to electric to computer to laptop. I came to food-writing in my forties (post-kids) as an add-on to a part-time career as a natural history artist. As a writer, experience is a strength - money in the bank. As an illustrator, I draw on what I learned as an artist. Thanks for posting, Farray, and for the work that you do. I came early to Substack for a UK-based writer, and have loved every minute - still do.
So glad you were brave enough to take that big step. You not only changed your own life by doing so, but that of many others, including me. Happy new year Farrah. X
Your piece could have not been more timely. I am 47 and three months, and I have spent my entire career in education and I think it is time for a change, of course living in Palestine has really constrained the options I have locally, but I just cannot shake this feeling off that it is time for a change. Reading this was inspiring, I hope I can have the courage you did to make the leap into a new career.
As someone who as read your words since the Cosmo days (and quite possibly for longer, without realising) and as someone who accidently pivoted into tech (and received a somewhat odd job title update this week) I took so much from this piece Farrah. You are a beacon in this space now in so many ways. Thank you, well done, and congrats on the expanded role! x
Farrah, Thanks for this terrific insight into your "leap." it was very helpful to read.
A few years ago at age sixty, I left my forty year career in finance, initially to help a friend about to become governor of Maryland and then having discovered that politics was not for me, found writing as a vocation. It turned out that the leap was the important thing to do. I needed some inciting incident to overcome the inertia of staying.
I walked away from my corporate career before I turned 40 with no idea what I'd do next. Eventually I retrained and started my own business and every day is spent unlearning everything I used to do or so it seems! But I wouldn't go back for anything.
In the early days of starting over. I am in my late 40s with a young child and left my corporate job at the end of last year to start my own business. In equal measures terrifying and liberating. I am scared about 90% of the time but much much happier. So for now, the maths work. There is a myriad of reasons why I have done this. A key one was looking over the hill to retirement and knowing in my bones if I was having my leaving do at my corporate job at 60, it would bring with it a whole other level of sadness. So I HAD to do it, not only for me but for my son as well.
Yes, yes, yes you’ve absolutely nailed it. Such familiar feelings when I went to google - the straight line has gone, and honestly, I think we’re all better for it - more curious, more nourished, more ourselves xx
I'm well into my third iteration, photographer then advocate and now writer, and found your words so validating, Farrah. Something I have dealt with during each chapter is managing expectations. Spoiled by early, thrilling success, I tend to set the bar high and struggle with the patience required to accept the process. I admire the fact that you worked so hard to learn the ropes.
A fabulous read Farrah, thank you for sharing your story. I got ‘let go’ from my Director role last year. I took it so personally and felt I had lost my identity. I have recently retrained in Health & Nutrition and about to embark on a new chapter. Scared out of my mind but I really want to make a difference and help people. It sounds very cliched but the purpose piece is calling me x
Just to push the age parameters, I was 81 when I started my Substack, Cookstory, in Jan 2023 as an add-on to my working life as a cookbook (mostly) author and journalist with a sideline as an illustrator. As a shorthand typist (at Private Eye, early days) I had no problem moving from manual to electric to computer to laptop. I came to food-writing in my forties (post-kids) as an add-on to a part-time career as a natural history artist. As a writer, experience is a strength - money in the bank. As an illustrator, I draw on what I learned as an artist. Thanks for posting, Farray, and for the work that you do. I came early to Substack for a UK-based writer, and have loved every minute - still do.
Oh I LOVE this and love your writing too. But I had no idea you came to food writing in your 40s. Love that even more.
If you’re not scared, you’re not doing it right!
Love, love, love how this move turned out for you, and for Substack, who tell me all the time that they are lucky to have you. They’re right! xx
All down to you my brilliant kind friend
Interesting read Farrah
Thanks so much Alex.
So glad you were brave enough to take that big step. You not only changed your own life by doing so, but that of many others, including me. Happy new year Farrah. X
You’ve nailed the turmoil of a midlife pivot Farrah .. and doubly well-done for not resorting to the usual cliches along the way x
Glad to hear...cliches keep me up at night.
So many of us here so glad you made the pivot, Farrah. And you are looking fantastic, too
Miss you!
🧡
London office! 😎
Coming soon
Your piece could have not been more timely. I am 47 and three months, and I have spent my entire career in education and I think it is time for a change, of course living in Palestine has really constrained the options I have locally, but I just cannot shake this feeling off that it is time for a change. Reading this was inspiring, I hope I can have the courage you did to make the leap into a new career.
We’re rooting for you!
As someone who as read your words since the Cosmo days (and quite possibly for longer, without realising) and as someone who accidently pivoted into tech (and received a somewhat odd job title update this week) I took so much from this piece Farrah. You are a beacon in this space now in so many ways. Thank you, well done, and congrats on the expanded role! x
Blushing back here
Farrah, Thanks for this terrific insight into your "leap." it was very helpful to read.
A few years ago at age sixty, I left my forty year career in finance, initially to help a friend about to become governor of Maryland and then having discovered that politics was not for me, found writing as a vocation. It turned out that the leap was the important thing to do. I needed some inciting incident to overcome the inertia of staying.
I for one am so glad you started writing
I walked away from my corporate career before I turned 40 with no idea what I'd do next. Eventually I retrained and started my own business and every day is spent unlearning everything I used to do or so it seems! But I wouldn't go back for anything.
I love this Farrah. I am
In the early days of starting over. I am in my late 40s with a young child and left my corporate job at the end of last year to start my own business. In equal measures terrifying and liberating. I am scared about 90% of the time but much much happier. So for now, the maths work. There is a myriad of reasons why I have done this. A key one was looking over the hill to retirement and knowing in my bones if I was having my leaving do at my corporate job at 60, it would bring with it a whole other level of sadness. So I HAD to do it, not only for me but for my son as well.
Love this Adele. Thanks for sharing
Yes, yes, yes you’ve absolutely nailed it. Such familiar feelings when I went to google - the straight line has gone, and honestly, I think we’re all better for it - more curious, more nourished, more ourselves xx
Brilliant piece Farrah - makes me feel much braver! x
But from the outside it looks like you have it all figured out Alice!
I'm well into my third iteration, photographer then advocate and now writer, and found your words so validating, Farrah. Something I have dealt with during each chapter is managing expectations. Spoiled by early, thrilling success, I tend to set the bar high and struggle with the patience required to accept the process. I admire the fact that you worked so hard to learn the ropes.
Early, thrilling success is very hard. I am glad I only discovered i was good at something by the time I hit my mid thirties.
A fabulous read Farrah, thank you for sharing your story. I got ‘let go’ from my Director role last year. I took it so personally and felt I had lost my identity. I have recently retrained in Health & Nutrition and about to embark on a new chapter. Scared out of my mind but I really want to make a difference and help people. It sounds very cliched but the purpose piece is calling me x
Cliches for a reason Clare! Because they are true. Best of luck with your leap.
Thank you Farrah. Good luck with your new International role 😊