Dreamy Expectations of Success Meet Reality for Women Over 50What happens when our dreamy expectations of success meet our reality? That was today’s question for meditating on, especially for us, women over 50.

Talking with a friend today reminded me of back when I worked at the bank. She asked me what I dreamed of when I was a kid. My reply was “I’ve always had this picture in my mind of what a successful woman looks like”, this is what my dreamy expectation of success has looked like for over 40 years. This picture is so vivid I can recall the woman’s name, where she worked, what color she was wearing.

I followed her path of success and it looked like this – I worked at banks for twenty years. Wearing nice slack outfits, dresses, skirt, and blouses with sweaters and simple business suits. Now, where I lived…that was not typical; yet, it made me feel successful. The problem is this – with every promotion the bank changed requirements demanding more time, overtime, no time off for my two babies, etc. The end of my banking career came when corporate cut my hours, demoted me to an entry-level job and with daycare, I ended up paying them to allow me to work.

The point to this my friend…are you in that boat? Do you think like I did, seeing success in how you dress, where you work? Do you hate that you are gone from your kids and grandkids all the time just to make money and not enough at that?

It doesn’t have to be that way. I’m the kinda gal who jumps into the boiling pot and burns bridges as she goes; but, you don’t have to. I have a large network of professional women who have businesses of all sorts. If you are looking or even considering looking for an alternative to that 9 to 5, let’s talk; if what I do isn’t your cup of coffee, maybe I can point you in the right direction, introduce you to someone who will lovingly care for you, nurture you and show you how to get your happy back.

Just a fleeting thought this afternoon…sitting here, drinking my coffee reflecting on the past 40 plus years of my working life and that dreamy expectation of success. If this struck a cord, share with a friend who may be thinking along the same line as you and me. Don’t give up, the best of your life is just ahead, grab it by the horns and let’s make your retirement lifestyle what you’ve always dreamed it would be.

Care to watch the Facebook Live replay? Here you go…


Carla J Gardiner, The Fiery Grandma

Carla Gardiner is a mom of 2, the fiery grandma of 7 and has been married to her husband for 38 years. She is focused, and driven; a business owner who made a big move in her late 50’s which rocked her world. Transitioning from her native hometown to her new home 3 states away took guts, work, and dedication to get the job done. Now, she is focused on helping other women handle life’s changes after 50 while making the transition to their retirement lifestyle; one they’ve been dreaming of instead of the nightmare it could become.


 

Thank you for reading along with me on this journey of growing, changing and shifting about. If we aren’t connected on Facebook – we really need to be, don’t you think? Click here to follow me then send me a message and let me know you read the blog post! I don’t add everyone on Facebook – only the snarky, sassy, sexy women over 50 who are friendly people who actually give me a few minutes of their time.