This article is part of our#40over40series.
This is our time! We’re stronger when we work together to lift other women up. Evolve is creating the first-ever 40 Over 40 list! We're curating profiles of women who have or are in the process of reinventing their careers in their 40s, 50, 60s and beyond. We're thrilled to share these stories of reinvention - women returning to work, pivoting careers or launching new ventures!
What is the current focus of your career or - if you are in transition at this time - your area of professional interest?
Currently focused on building and growing two divisions within Pride Global, both in the contingent labor/temp labor business.
What prompted your career reinvention?
I had been in staffing for 15 years on the vendor side and felt like I wasn't growing. The recession of 2008-2009 landed me on unemployment so you could say I was forced into it! But I had been working with a therapist to figure out what my personal blockers were and that gave me the confidence to hold out for a great opportunity instead of jumping on a paycheck. I'm in the same industry but in a very different role and it's been fantastic.
What's the best thing about midlife career change? Reinvigoration of what you do every day. You can bring new passion and energy into your role and feel like your career is fresh and exciting again. I personally found working for a smaller company, while sometimes challenging, gives you access to decisionmakers and the autonomy that someone at a fairly senior level in their career is looking for.
What's the biggest challenge?
Companies are generally risk-averse, so getting a shot at a new role can be challenging. Also age discrimination is real and widespread. Once you're in a new role, though, I think it's almost all upside.
What's your personal mantra or mission? Why?
Maya Angelou said that people might forget what you said and what you did, but they never forget how you made them feel. I try very hard to treat everyone, at every level, with dignity, honesty, and respect because when we come to the end of our lives that will be our legacy.
Your best career advice for other women at midlife is...
Trust your instincts and advocate for yourself. You've had decades to develop skills and recognize patterns in business and in people that younger people, no matter how bright, simply can't bring to the table. At the same time never stop listening and learning!