After years of abuse and abandonment, through necessity and hard work, Gay found her purpose in life: She founded Café Feminino Foundation to help raise women in coffee communities out of poverty and despair.
If someone has an idea for a new product or service, why should they hire legal help?
Shark Tank has made invention cool and sexy, but there is a whole other side of building a business around an idea that can be, in all fairness, dry and tedious. There are laws concerning safety, taxes, and intellectual property that come into play and that do affect a business’ bottom line. It is so important to know what these are going in, so that you can plan ahead and avoid unnecessary expenses and surprises. An experienced business attorney consulted early in the process knows the typical bumps in the road and can prepare you for what you are getting into. Get your road map in place first, then kick back and enjoy the ride.
You’ve written extensively about finding a new career in midlife. What challenges and opportunities do you see for women seeking to do just that, at age 40 and beyond?
The opportunities are similar as they are for men. When you’re making a career change, it’s important to go slow. Don’t do anything rash. You need to do your homework to see where the opportunities are—nonprofits, small associations, and small businesses may be good places to start.
A mission in Cambodia assisting girls who have been rescued from sex slavery and an awakening to the problem of child sex trafficking in the United States led Opal out of retirement. She has made it her life’s mission to educate the public and government officials about this growing problem, with a focus on warning signs and prevention.
You have published several books focused on women in midlife—their careers, relationships, and life choices. In your 35 years as a psychotherapist, what have you determined to be the unique challenges women face as they enter their 40s?
It’s a time of change, and everyone has trouble with change. If you’ve had a family, the children are growing up and not needing you as much. A newly empty nest may affect your marriage, too. Your parents may be aging and requiring more care. Your career may feel stale or you may feel the need for a professional change. You are becoming aware of your own mortality and need plans for later life. Finances may be an issue because of college fees, the wish to travel, or the desire to begin a new venture.
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!
When Patti turned 50, she challenged herself to write a novel. Six years later, she has five novels in publication—including some “steamy” romances—and has three more on the way.
When Connie retired from her corporate job at the age of 48, she founded a nonprofit aimed at transforming the lives of Afghan women and their families through the sale of exquisite hand-woven rugs and bracelets.