"I let go of my fears and started my own company."
For author Beth Brykman, her 20s and early 30s were focused on building her career, working long hours and moving up the so-called corporate ladder. Then in her mid-30s, she began to have children, a decision that would change her perspective on work. When her husband's headquarters moved across the country, Brykman made the choice to stay at home with the children. That's when, at the age of 40, she wondered if she could create a career from her home.
"I had the experience, I had the know-how, but did I have the nerve? Not having any business contacts [in my new town], and with two small children at home, I sent out letters/resumes, made phone calls and accepted interviews leading to a 20-hour per week consulting practice. That was my big surprise! If you had asked me at age 35 if I would run my own business, I would definitely have said, 'No.' It was my solution to the issue of mixing motherhood and a career," she shared. "I found the experience of starting up my own business empowering, making me feel as though I could do anything. Being a seasoned professional made it possible. I lost all fear of trying new and difficult things in my 40s."
Image via Beth Brykman
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"I found freedom in growing roots."
When career and life coach Allison Task stared down her 35th year, she decided to have children on her own, since no stable partner was in sight. But as soon as she attended some meetings and browsed sperm donors online, the right man showed up and asked her out on LinkedIn. At 39 they married, and she gave birth at 40. Her previous life of travel, intrigue, dating and career growth took a different route in her 40s -- especially with a 3-year-old, two 4-year-olds and a 16-year-old stepchild. "There were things in my life that had been unknown that were now known -- my husband, my children, where I live and want to put down roots. When you have stability in key areas, that frees you up to have more fun and explore in other areas," she shared. "Until 40 I was free and spontaneous. But that freedom gave me stress about all the unknowns. I enjoyed putting down roots as I turned 40. That certainty, for me, was true freedom."
