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You Are Never Too Old To Start A New Career

By
Real Estate Agent with Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY

You Are Never Too Old To Start A New Career

I just had a conversation with a long time friend of over 30 years and she wants to start a new career as an Esthetician. She has been wanting to do this for so long and when you work 40+ hours a week it's difficult to be able to go to school.

She is unemployed due to an eye condition she has that makes her see double so driving is not an option for her right now. She found a new doctor that specializes in this condition and it seems like he might be able to help her.

We had a conversation about that she could get financial aid from the government and she is looking into that. She told me since she can't drive, how does she get there? Our Long Island transportation system is awesome and I'm sure there is a bus stop by her house and even if she has to change buses once, it shouldn't be a problem. She is going to research this as well.

Then she started talking that maybe she's too old to start this new career now? I told her the only person that can stop you from this, is you. She's in her early forties. I said to her it's better to do this than to do nothing. It's like that person who wants to go to college then thinks to themselves, "I'll be 50 by the time I get my degree". Isn't it better to be 50 with a degree than without one? Absolutely!

By having these "I don't know" conversations with yourself, you are holding yourself back. It doesn't matter how old we are, if you want to and are able to do it, then do it. If money is an issue, look into financial aid. Look at all available options before you throw in the towel.

We are never too old to pursue our dreams.

 

Comments (9)

David Obbee
Obbee.com - Agoura Hills, CA

A very inspirational post- thank you!

Feb 05, 2010 02:17 AM
Eddie Matthew
Zenith Realty - Perry Hall, MD

Jackie,

It sounds like you are a good friend and motivator.

My Mom is in her mid 80s and going strong.  Her life was not even half over in her 40s.

 

Feb 05, 2010 02:18 AM
Joan Zappa
Eagles Wings Realty - Montrose, CO
Professional treatment of our clients, brings awes

Jackie, My wife and I changed careers at the age of 53, we were full time studio potters for 30+ years, became Broker Associates almost 4 years ago. Major change in life style, it can be done.

Feb 05, 2010 02:25 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Jackie: Thanks for the link to Esthetician.  That's a new one for me.  As for the sentiment, you are never too old to start a new career.  I was only five years her junior when I switched to real estate and I have never looked back. 

Feb 05, 2010 07:46 AM
Jackie Connelly-Fornuff
Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY - Babylon, NY
"Moving at The Speed of YOU!"

Hi David, thank you and you are welcome!

Hi Eddie, Good for your Mom! And being in our 40's doesn't mean life is half over :)

Hi Nick, Good for you two! I've done the same thing myself :)

Hi Chris Ann, We just know when we need to do what we were meant to do. :)

Feb 05, 2010 08:09 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Jackie, You gave her GREAT advice!  She's not too old to begin a business in anything she loves and really has a passion for.

Feb 05, 2010 05:09 PM
Jackie Connelly-Fornuff
Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY - Babylon, NY
"Moving at The Speed of YOU!"

Hi Carole, Exactly, you are never too old. Sometimes, destiny just comes along. :)

Feb 06, 2010 12:05 AM
Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer
Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

Reminds me of when I was pledging Alpha Phi Omega at Texas A&M University. Our National Service Fraternity had a pledge at Ohio State University who was 87 years old, finishing up his degree from lo those many years ago. You're only as old as you let your brain tell you, you are.

Feb 06, 2010 02:42 PM
Jackie Connelly-Fornuff
Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY - Babylon, NY
"Moving at The Speed of YOU!"

Hi Russel, What a nice story Russel. And you are right, we are only old if we let ourselves be old.

Feb 06, 2010 11:46 PM