When her kids got older, Lauren, a former lawyer, chose to pursue her longtime love for musicals. She wrote book and lyrics for two original productions in her hometown before moving to New York to pursue a Master’s degree in musical theatre writing at NYU’s Tisch School for the Arts.27
Aug
2015
Adopting an unruly dog was the catalyst for Cissy to learn dog-training methods and become certified. Today, she trains dogs privately and for the Humane Society, where she also makes it her mission to educate the public and reduce pet euthanasia.24
Aug
2015
20
Aug
2015
Let’s Hear From an Expert: Lori Goldstein, Employment Lawyer
You advise, write, and speak about legal issues affecting both employers and employees. For women who have been out of the workplace for a while, what has changed in the last 10 or 20 years, when it comes to employee rights?
The last 20 years have seen many changes in workplace rights and laws, as well as in how job searches are conducted. Anti-discrimination laws have added protections for sexual orientation and identity, and make it easier for workers to establish rights to disability and pregnancy accommodations. The advent of technology and telecommuting, with more flexible schedules, has enabled more women to join or remain in the workplace.
6
Aug
2015
Let’s Hear From An Expert: Dr. Nancy Irwin, Hypnotherapist
You are the definition of reinvention! From opera singer to standup comic to a doctorate in psychology. What drew you to your current career?
I was a good working comic, not great, but good. I was staff emcee at the Melrose Improv in Hollywood working with the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, Ray Romano (no one famous…). When you are a comic, you only work about 30 minutes a day, so I got bored and began volunteering in my community at a shelter for sexually abused teens. I absolutely fell in love with it. This experience woke up the healer in me, allowed me to heal my own adolescent clergy abuse, and prompted me to go back to school and earn my doctorate in psychology to specialize in sexual abuse prevention and recovery. That is still my mission.
30
Jul
2015
Giving Birth for the First Time at 51: Sally’s Story
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When she finally found her life partner in her 40s, Sally was able to realize her deep yearning for a child of her own. She recounts how donor-egg IVF gave her a beautiful, healthy son—and writes about her experience as a late-in-life mom on her blog.
Welcome! My name is Hélène. I’m 51 years old and I live in Chicago with my husband, twin daughters, and our dog Rocky. This blog is a place where I share stories about women who have reinvented themselves in midlife, whether in big ways or small, and provide resources for those of you pursuing similar journeys. I hope you’ll enjoy these inspirational stories. Thanks for stopping by!
