Episode 37
How Do You Find Your Mid-Life Passion?
- Video
- Stories
- Contribute
I received an email from a woman who asked ‘what does one do after your kids have left home?” She’s in her mid-40s and has a decent job, but she’s not passionate about it. She wanted to know how to keep growing and learning without creating student loan debt. Her email made me think about what is really important in life. To me, it’s about life’s journey and the passion that you have during that journey. This woman has raised two children, but wants more for herself. She wants to have a passion about something while still supporting herself and keeping a roof over her head. How do you go about that? Did you find something later in life that you were passionate about? Share it with me, and share it with her.
Your stories
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Finally complete at 51
I am a 51 year old woman who is loving life! I was married for one year (at 30) and have no children. Over the years I found that even though I thought I wanted to be married with kids I was always happier when I lived alone. However, I felt like being a woman meant being a mother and wife so I felt empty without accomplishing that. I finally realized at 51 that I am complete without a husband and children. I have a wonderful and full life on my own. Some women say to me, "oh I'm so sorry you never found the love of your life or had children", but I respond by saying "instead I had many loves of my life and hundreds of children to love throughout my career. I was engaged 4 times, worked with disabled kids for 20 years and currently work at a college for the past 15 years". Through my journey I discovered something that Judge Judy wrote, "loving is the greatest thing you can do with your womanhood". That statement was so profound to me!!! Thanks so much for the book! -
Finding new life after 50
I have been in my chosen career (Computer Engineering) which is my only one so far. I have been doing this for pay for 31 years, however I started six years before this. I had desired to be a number of professions, but when it got down to it I chose to make my hobby a career. Now that I have passed 50, I am feeling a bit different about this, in no small part due to the changing culture. I have decided at least for me it makes no real sense to change or get rid of something that is very lucrative, so I went a different route. I became active in my community, I joined a singing choir both in my Church and in a club. I realize not everybody has the gift of music, but there are so many other ways that get you out of the house and into the community. So much comes from being exposed to a whole new experience and it brings new life. Good luck on finding something that makes you feel renewed. -
From a 50 something
Take whatever workshops, classes, sports you find of interest. The more you become, the easier it is to find what moves you, and in what direction to go. -
Re-invent yourself. Second career
I started working a job right out of high school in a grocery store. I continued to work there while getting married raising a family After 35 years of doing almost every job in the store, the store closed and suddenly I'm out of a job and 55 years old. I couldn't retire yet I needed to work. We needed two incomes in my small town jobs were almost all minimum wage and I would be competing with much younger women. of things I had always wanted to be a nurse I was nurturing and caring There was a nursing class at a university branch in my city, but the classes were full with waiting lists. I took the test anyway and needed to take extra classes in math. Which I did and passed. Some how a slot in the class opened up and I was able to attend at 55 I was older than everyone even the instructors. Graduated at almost top of the class. Got my license and a new job within two weeks. I'm retired now but that job was my passion I believe God put me where I belonged -
Nursing isn't for everyone
As a late bloomer, I decided my father was right about my becoming a nurse. What began as a career move ended up being my identity. Because most of us begin working in our teens and spend 40+ hours weekly going "somewhere", it should be something we believe in. Not everyone is cut out for nursing but the point is, everybody has something that they are good at and that makes them happy. It doesn't have to involve extensive schooling and debt up to your eyeballs but it's never too late to try your hand at something you've always had in the back of your mind. It's also not necessary to be reimbursed for your time to lend to your self worth. Volunteering is a great way to try something you're interested in without too much given only to find it wasn't right for you. -
how to find mid-life passion
Been there, done that. Found my passion mostly by accident. It is gardening, farming, and being outdoors. In the past 7 years, I have grown over 100 fruit and nut trees, and 500 different trees. I have turned our 5 acres of just grass that has to be mowed into a paradise for the 7 grandchildren and tons and tons of others to learn about raising your own fruits and vegetables. We have two harvest parties a year and every year we give away so much to others. My new passion found! -
From Nurse to Pilot
I grew up loving the thought of flying. I also graduated college with a degree in Nursing. Noble as a career and certainly making a difference, and 5 years as an EMT...I knew I wanted more. I was shot down by family members and more about being a pilot would be a mistake, complete waste of time and an unstable Job. But the hell with that noise. I knew what made Me happy. So, in July And $5000 later, I flew my first airplane in Jacksonville Florida. Its a milestone I'll cherish forever. There is more out there, always. Like JJ says, "find something you're really good at and then find a way to make an income from it." So for me I'm as happy and "successful" as an EMT as I am a Nurse, as I am a Pilot. Money is meaningless. It always got me into trouble. It's paper in its sheerest form.. So, long story short; as long as you're happy the rest will follow. Naturally. Blind out the opinions of other people and do what YOU want. You define your life, nobody else. -
FIND YOUR PASSION, YOUR FIRE
The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose. Find your passion/what fires up your soul. Label three shoeboxes: (1)Social Cause/"I've made the world a better place."; (2)Personal Cause/"When I heal my family/myself, I heal the world."; (3) Soaring!/"I've had the time of my life!" Ask family, friends, co-workers, strangers to write down their ideas for 1,2 & 3; place in corresponding shoeboxes; randomly pick from each box. Social Causes? Foster children, be a medical advocate for the elderly; rescue animals; help clean the garbage patches in the oceans, etc. Personal Cause? Heal the emotional wounds within your family; get therapy; go to AA; walk the Camino; ask for forgiveness; read books, reconcile, confront; admit the truth to yourself, volunteer to be a research subject on your issue, make "right" what was once "wrong," etc. Then help others walk that same path where you stumbled. Soaring? The sky's the limit! The Bucket List is overflowing! Just don't waste what time you have -
I'm 60 and Recently Found a New Passion!
Now in the Internet Age, with Social Media connecting us all, I found that I love to write. I am a hairdresser by trade and still have my passion there. However, after starting my connection on Facebook years ago, I realized that I loved to express my thoughts and feelings on my friends posts, especially concerning suggestions. I like to be supportive and helpful. However, the comments posted by others would sometimes get confusing. I thought it was terrible how so many people couldn't write well to express themselves clearly. And the English language was being bashed by abbreviations, misspelling, and improper word usage. I never majored in the English language but I knew the difference between their, they're, and there! Well, that sparked my interest in learning how to write better and I loved being able to clearly express myself in the written word. I now like to post daily thoughts on my page to share with others. And, I like to research topics to talk about and share a discussion. -
Trying to find my way
I'm 52 years old, a stay at home mom for 26 years, with 5 kids, 4 off on college and the youngest is a sophomore in high school. I have no college education. Before I had kids, I worked for the phone company as an operator. Now that I have only one kid at home (and that's only for a couple more years) I have no idea what to do with my life. I'm not unhappy, my kids are well-adjusted hard workers, going into professional careers and are at prestigious universities. Living a traditional lifestyle has produced wonderful, productive members of society and I'm very proud of my contribution. But, what now? My husband doesn't care what I do, as long as I'm happy. His biggest fear is a mid-life crisis affair but that's the LAST thing on my mind, I would never let another man besides my husband touch me. I'm just not sure what to do at this point. Back to school is a choice but my memory is not what it used to be and I worry about not being able to do the work. -
Catch 22 or 38.-
I was raised in a very progressive family for my time. My parents stressed the value of education, and how important it is to earn your own money. My mother was a typical housewife in the 1960’s . Even though she never complained, she was torn between raising a family and having a career. I had a successful career and was happy for a long time, until I noticed my peers getting married and having children. Unfortunately, I was told that children were not in my future due to several health issues.. At 38 years old, I decided to look into in vitro fertilization. Unfortunately, the in vitro fertilization was not successful. I was left grieving, with a gap in my employment in conjunction with a painful loss.I lost my confidence and my value of self-worth. Due to the recession, the job market was fierce and it was difficult to find another job. Emotionally I was grieving and ended up taking several jobs that did not fit. Please remember to have a back up plan! -
Passion Comes When You Are Ready
I will be 56 next month and I started a business when I was about 11 years ago. I never intended to be an entrepreneur but I always wanted a "big" life - to be a participant. When I lost my corporate job, I was devastated - but I know now it was a gift because it started me on this journey. This journey about self discovery, spiritual knowledge, and self fulfillment. Do I regret that I didn't start this journey when I was younger? - sure. But my path required me to experience life step by step - gradually working my way here. This time would not be so incredibly rich and rewarding if I had started at any other time. I am at a perfect age, a perfect mental state, a perfect positive energy to embrace my passion - which came about quite accidentally. If passion is defined as something you can't quite left go of, then I have discovered it in business - learning all the time, trying - failing - trying again. And all the while stretching and becoming a better role model. -
Hungry for knowledge.
Hello Judge Judy, I am 60 now and I have recently found a couple of 'passions'. One is an online University course on Human Aggression and Criminality. I am totally enthralled. The other passion is Jewellery making with all sorts of media from Silver to Polyclay. I am a solitary sort of person so volunteering and group activities are not for me. I realised after raising 7 children in a combined family that i was all 'helped out'. It has taken me a while to find my way but I would say to your "gal", be a little selfish and self-absorbed and get the most out of every minute of your life. Do what brings you joy. Don't be dissuaded by others, keep positive and forge on. Thanks for the chance for discussion on this important topic. Kind regards Annie -
Money or ....
Not many people realize that the 3rd most highest paid conventional profession in America is professional sales. 3rd behind doctor and lawyer. The barrier to entry in professional sales is very low and does not require much if any formal education. If monetary rewards are your concern you may want to see what is out there. However if you are looking for something more for the soul you should consider working a job you love for free. Money will be a byproduct of doing something you love. If you analyze the latter as hour in for dollar earned you will be upset with the hours spend and the dollars earned. -
Volunteering
I don't think there's anything wrong with working a job to pay bills. It doesn't mean you can't pursue your passion. There seems to be a misconception that rewarding endeavours always accompany financial remuneration. When I retired as a professional triathlete, I already had a sense that there was no sum of money that would compare to what the sport meant to me. The very idea of charging for coaching made me cringe. I decided to volunteer as a coach and I've been doing that for five years. It's been so challenging, and that's part of why it's so rewardig. I even had the opportunity to coach a special-needs athlete which carried over skill-sets that are useful in my professional life. It may not be a mid-life endeavour, per se, but I would encourage anyone wanting to pursue a personal interest to consider doing so on a volunteer basis. -
Kids are raised...what now?
I have three sons, the first two are 9 and 10 years older than the son number 3 BTW, I refer to them as number 1 son, number 2 son and number 3 son. When the youngest (who is now 23) became a freshman in high school, I found myself single with lots of time on my hands. So when my son made the high school basketball team I volunteered with the booster club for the team. I learned that I am a natural at fund raising. Love Love Love it and I'm quite good at it. Since his graduation in 2009 I have gone on to work for the booster club in a number of different ways to help them raise money for the program. I have taken on several other causes as well (all local to my city) and am having a great time doing it. I work full time (two jobs in fact) and am very socially active including playing softball several times a week and competing in two triathlons this year (so far), but still make time to help out with fund raising for anyone who asks. I try not to turn anyone away!! -
Rebuilding and Rebounding
I am 45. In 2006, I found myself at the greatest intersection life affords: Ovarian Cancer. Now, surgery for a total hysterectomy was immediate, not elective. I had a wonderful doctor: kind, compassionate, called me everyday, provided me his home & private cell numbers. Following surgery came 1.5 years of daily chemo and radiation. Being thrown into menopause & the ill effects of the toxins pumped in me, I was provided a Rx protocol that included HRT. Yes, 6 months later I was dx'd with breast cancer. I fought a very aggressive cancer (6 years) and was put into remission in the fall of '12. I opted to have a prophylactic bi-lateral mastectomy (BEFORE A. Jolie) and have just been dx'd with lung and breast cancer. My point: Life owes us nothing. While sick, I went back to a Jr. Ivy League college, received my MA Degree, incurring significant debt, but I decided who was in charge of my life: me. Take the path less traveled. Follow your hear; no one else will do it for you. Good luck! -
Education is never a waste!
My youngest child graduated high school and was preparing to leave the nest, to further her education. I was in my early 40's. No one to care for? Sounded so strange & scary! What would I do with my time? After careful consideration I made the decision to pursue an education in Nursing. I hadn't been in a classroom setting in over 20 years! I was a little scared, a bit apprehensive, and very much excited! I went to take my NET test to see if I would be accepted. Terrified, I sat through the exam and completed it but I walked out of that building feeling like the dumbest person ever to walk the Earth. I was sure I had failed miserably! To my surprise, I received a letter stating that I had passed & could be placed into the Spring class. I was over the moon! The 1st day of classes I was given a stack of books that no one person could carry. Oh what have I done? It took me 3 months to develop good study skills. I found my passion! I graduated with the highest GPA in my class!! -
Helping others
I went back to school at 46 years old to get my masters degree in mental health counseling. Three and a half years later I am in private practice working to improve the lives of others. Our only son is in college now and I love working with adolescents! I am continuing my training and love learning about human behavior. If you can't go back to school try doing something that improves the lives of others (e.g. volunteering as an advocate for abused and neglected children CASA-court approved special advocate). This is a great program and there is a need in our country. Melissa -
FINDING YOUR PASSION
When my children left home, my passion for things creative returned with hearty enthusiasm. I was given a camera and began filming everything and taking stills. I turned these films and stills into video films complete with music and narrative. When my grandchildren had "show + tell" for school, I would turn whatever it was they were going to talk on into a five minute film. Then I began writing children's stories, incorporating my own artwork. Time just doesn't exist when I'm working on a project. Gardening is another passion, though as I've got older I'm unable to do as much as I used to; but keeping the garden planted with shrubs, flowers and even your own produce is very rewarding. I've begun to buy old garments from Ebay, and add lace, decorative buttons and satin ribbons etc., to give them a renewed lease of life: again, this is absorbing, healing and wonderfully therapeutic. Everyday should include doing something you're passionate about, and which brings you joy. -
Too early to retire
I retired at the age of 62 after working all my life like millions of people thinking how nice it would be now to sleep as late as I wanted and not have to worry about how to dress anymore , well, that only lasted a few months until I was going stir crazy with nothing to do except walk my dogs or get on the computer , so I went back to work at The University of Bridgeport at the Stamford Campus as a Campus patrol officer . I love the job , the staff love me and so do the students and teachers , they said I am the only one that would escort the women to their cars at night making sure they get home safe to their families . That makes me feel like I have a purpose in life where money doesn't matter and I'm passionate about my job . -
Finding your Passion Mid-Way
I retired at 55 as I was fortunate enough to do so. That is almost 3 years ago. I kept business at my Niece's daycare centre but I found it just wasn't enough. I love music and can play the piano by number but I have all my life wanted to learn how to play by reading and understanding the notes. I decided one day I am going to take piano lessons. I found a young school teacher who teaches piano. He comes to my home once a week for 1/2hr., which for me is enough time to digest each lesson. I know I will never be a concert pianist but I hope to one day play the music I love. This is only the beginning of my passions. My advice, for what is it worth, is to take time to look back over your life and remember what brought you joy. Once you find it go after it with all the passion you have to give. Remember, you are not alone!!! -
Retired and Happy...
I retired 16 years ago after raising 5 children. I always loved reading, however, living on a farm and chasing after 5 children I didn't have much time for my passion, reading. I know this doesn't fit the kind of passion you are referring to, however, it was still my passion. So here I am retired and happy enjoying my passion. -
Mid Life - when?
How interesting to think of this - at age 71 - mid life passed me by, I think it was the struggle to keep all the "balls in the air" and raise our family. I never quite figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up and now at age 71....after 45 years of teaching Hebrew, only because the hours were good and the money decent....I look at my self in my dotage and say each day is a blessing - THE PRESENT. Therefore I shall live each day with my piano and books on tape and my wonderful family and husband of 51 years and say - IT COULD BE WORSE....so my passion is TO BE HERE!!!! -
To be Frank .....
I had a full career in the Royal Navy ... I left that career (time served) and became a College Lecturer ... I made Head of Department and after 15 years of that I decided to give it all up at the age of 55 to pursue my real dream ... to be a professional singer. I have a pension from my Navy Service and a pension from my Teacher's pension so the time was right .... I am now a singer .. Frank Sinatra/Michael Buble/Neil Diamond/Elton John. The pay isn't great but I don't really need to earn from it as I have my pensions. My mortgage is paid off so .. why not give it a go I spend most of my time singing in rest homes, retirement homes and care homes. To see a 104 year old lady with dementia get up and start singing and dancing is amazing. To see other patients and residents get that spark of a memory as i sing a particular song that has a meaning for them is priceless -
Passion is Important
I have enjoyed writing all my life. I grew up poor, conscious of having to support myself, knowing a life in the arts wouldn't cut it. I became a teacher of Art & English and loved it until the drug culture turned it into a job more like a warden's than a profession. Marriage and fate moved me to a different city where, on a whim, I wrote what I thought was a satirical article on becoming a US citizen. The editor loved it, said he laughed himself silly and offered me a job writing a regular column. Within a year I was turning in almost 20 articles bi-weekly. I have no formal training in journalism but somehow had a style that spoke to people and won the confidence of politicians who knew I understood the meaning of "off the record". Another woman and I eventually started a new local independent newspaper that is quite successful. Follow your reams - do what you like - like what you do. -
My passion at 48
My name is Jackie and I live in Sydney Australia. I had always had an interest in the Law but never acted to pursue that interest. However, in 2003, I was called up for jury duty which changed my life forever. I entered law school and for the next 7 years, while working full time, I attained a law degree, something I never thought possible. Some people told me I was too old to start on such an epic journey and some told me I was not smart enough but my interest had turned into a passion and I was going to reach my goal, no matter what anyone had to say. I am yet to continue on the the College of Law (where one is taught how to put all that theory into practice), so I can receive my Certificate to Practice, something one must have here in Australia before you can begin practicing law. I am now in my late 50's and even if I never get to practice, at least I managed to attain what I thought was so unattainable. Age is no barrier. If you want something enough, you will always find a way -
The Drive
I am telling you my story so that you may have the drive to do something with your passion. It is there...you just don't how to release it in a way that produces moments of goal satisfaction. The stairway begins with the first step. I am a mother of 2 and have always been driven by survival mode if that is what you want to call it. I needed to make sure the next step I took would leave me independent enough to never have to ask for help to pay my way. I work in manufacturing and was a production worker all my life. ( I am 42) I made the next step then the next but it wasn't my passion. I recently opened a little antique store that I run on the weekends. Yea I am still a production worker but that has given me the money to go to the next step at my shop. People ask how do you work all the time I just look and say when you're passionate about something, you never work a day in your life. I know I am building my foundation for my passion but it takes time and remember you have to stay driven. -
FINDING YOUR PASSION
When the last of my children left the nest, i was all alone. I decided it was time to find what made ME happy now that I didn't have kids to focus on 24/7. I looked around at my life, trying to figure out what my interests were. Gardening? Spending time with friends? Did I have any other hobbies? Were there any local groups did I want to get involved in? I realized that one interest I had always had, but never had time to get involved with was politics. I got involved locally with a group that supported the views I shared. It was the best thing i ever did, not just for the connection with others and something that gave my life meaning, but because of it,i met the man who is now the love of my life. So...think about what things you have always wanted to do, and then do it! I still have one thing i have always wanted to do that i still want to do once my career settles down - learn sign language and be an interpreter. I hope to start classes in the next year or so. -
Here are some ideas.
Learn a new skill. Start your own business (or plan to start one). Become an expert at something. Try a spiritual practice of some sort Go skydiving or rock climbing. Do whatever you enjoy most. But make it something that is yours to be proud of. -
Finding your inspiration
Growing up, a hobby & passion was filming videos & taking photographs. After high school, deciding it was something I would like to pursue further, I chose to study & after two years received my Diploma. Unfortunately, pursuing a career in a creative field is competitive & limited in opportunities. Four years went by, & I worked full-time in retail. Uninspired & disappointed with the outlook of my future, career-wise, I knew I needed to seek change. As I live out of home with my partner with rent & expenses, studying seemed impossible. Having grown up watching 'Judge Judy' religiously, & seeing how many people are living disadvantaged, either by means of income, victimisation, oppression, or in need of social welfare, I felt Social Work would be a rewarding, challenging & inspiring career path. Two years into the four year degree while working part-time, I have never been happier & look forward to making a difference. Thank you for your inspiration Judge Judy. -
Uprooting & Relocating to find Mid-Life Happiness
I lived in Long Island, NY most of my life. I moved to PA and was very unhappy. I realized how much I missed the beaches. The lifestyle in PA was not for me and I felt very lonely. Last year, at 46 years old, I asked my husband to ask for a job transfer to Delaware, since they were opening stores down there. Most of the people in my development where I built my brand new home are coincidentally from Long Island, NY. I am back near the beaches, I made a lot of friends to go out with to lunches, shopping etc.The best part is the taxes are so much lower, utilities are less and my quality of life has been so deeply enriched. Even my children, who were uprooted in their high school years were not disappointed over the move, they are much happier. The school districts are much better. Delaware reminds me of Long Island without the high cost of living. Many of my friends still go back to LI, so I can often give them money to buy me bagels, black and white cookies and other NY foods I do love. -
Passion!!!
I have two sons who are juniors in high school and thinking about a career path. Their dad and I are giving them mixed messages about how to proceed. Dad wants them to find work where they'll be financially secure. I want them to find work that makes them happy and where they can use their natural talents. I believe that the best advice for them, and for your viewer, is to find work that achieves a delicate balance between those two ideals. I have been in my profession for almost 30 years. I am knowledgeable and good at what I do. But I don't love it. When I first started out I was passionate about it, but quickly became disillusioned with many aspects of my job. I've stuck with it because I can't picture myself doing anything else. It's depressing. I guess my further advice to your viewer is to involve yourself with something that helps others in some concrete way. Nothing could be more fulfilling. -
Passion Requires Courage
Committing to a passion-filled life isn't easy. I'm an artist. My closest friends are artists. We make things--from quilts to paintings to public art sculptures. We play music, write stories, dance, cook and garden creatively, listening to an inner guide that tells each of us how to continue following our passions. We've been meeting twice a month to support each other, for over 15 years now. We're not Bohemians. We're regular people with teen & college age children, mortgages, aging parents and dental bills. We've pieced together jobs in order to support our passions. We don't have retirement packages or any kind of "security" by the world's standards. It's been rigorous, and scary, and continues to be, as we age. True passion requires courage, acting from the heart. It's often thought that following one's passion will bring happiness and peace. Sometimes. Yet it more often brings me to the truth about myself. And that isn't always comfortable. Has it been worth it? Absolutely. -
Finding Your Mid-Life Passion
A funny and true quote to share: "Concentration is a fine antidote to anxiety." ---Jack Nicklaus (In my case it was to remember what I loved most as a child - which was animals. Now much older, volunteering and working with them equals one happy day, every week - guaranteed!) -
Career Change
in 2009, I found myself enrolling in personal training school at the age of 39. In my mind, I found the very idea ridiculous for many reasons. After receiving my textbooks, studying on weekends, and doing some major sacrificing to do the work, I found myself on the wrong side of the economic downward spiral. Having lost my job in 2010, I used the down time to finish up my studies and take the certification exam. Again, the idea of this didn't make sense in my head. However, the day came to take the exam and I was quite nervous. After sitting in the exam center for about three hours, the time had come for my scores. I did pass the exam and have gone on to become a very successful personal trainer. Four years later, I have found my passion. Getting up everyday and making a difference in the lives of others is why I do this for a living. Find what you like to do and do it with all gusto. It's never too late. -
Volunteer first!
She needs to find out what her passion is and then pursue that. One of the best ways is to volunteer. Find something you think might interest you and then look for ways to volunteer in that area. That way financially your not invested if it doesn't turn out to be for you. However you will feel good about yourself and the contribution you have made. -
Older and Wiser
I think "mid-life passion" is what we find after a "mid-life crisis." I'm pretty sure it is normal in our forties or fifties to wonder what our purpose in life has become. After I got over the shock of becoming an empty-nester, I realized it was nice not having that responsibility any more. Then when grandchildren came along, that was by far the best thing that ever happened. These experiences helped me to quit taking myself so seriously. I finally grasped the idea that working "9 to 5" was just a job and made a sign for my desk that reads, "I just work here." That is a daily reminder for me to get a life. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget how many things there are to get passionate about. Here's my list: volunteer at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, old folks home; join a book club; research ancestors; nurture relationships; travel; take classes in subjects of interest; take grandkids fishing, and most of all, count your blessings instead of sheep! -
I started my own business
I went back to school at the age of 50 to finish my college degree. After graduating at the age of 52 I found it rather difficult to get a job, so I took my experience in real estate and turned it into a home remodeling business. This allows me to be very independent, creative, to work whenever I want to, and to be paid well for what I love to do. Several male friends told me that I was not strong enough to do the work I'm doing, but I have proven them wrong many times over. Don't let anyone else tell you what you can or cannot do. -
Mid Life Passion
I retired at 54 years old after 32 years as a teacher. I did not want to spend my life sitting on the couch watching television, (although I never miss a Judge Judy episode!) I have started playing my guitar again after many years of not playing. My suggestion is music lessons. They are relatively inexpensive and a challenge. Playing music is something you can do at practically any age. I now perform in a trio and play at many Senior Citizen centers and Assisted Living facilities. It is great fun and rewarding to bring entertainment to others. That would be my suggestion to your writer. -
No more passion!
I was passionate at 40 in telling my children that if they want anything for themselves then DON'T HAVE CHILDREN! After they were having babies I was gun-ho for "helping them" in anyway. Be cash donations so it wasn't as hard on them, like us or doing house work they got behind them and then babysitting so they didn't have to leave them with strangers. After a few years I realized I wasn't "helping them" I was hindering them into growing up the rest of the way! That they shouldn't quit a job just because they didn't like it, bills need to be paid and "that job" you didn't like paid them. Your children need YOUR attention, NOT MINE. I gave my all to you and rarely went anywhere unless it didn't cost much, then they usually went with us. And cleaning YOUR home isn't as hard as you think. You just gave in to the poor me's I'm tired. I made our kids help with cleaning, you haven't If I were to do over, I'd of taken my own advice above. My PASSION is now doing NOTHING and it feels so good! -
Philosophical Counselling
Hi Judy, Hi Gal. You just caught me working on my greatest hobby which is searching philosophy for things useful in everyday life. I started out just like you Gal, thinking wat can I do with my spare time. I came to the conclusion that ethics is something I was always drawn to but never had a chance of truly looking into it. So I decided to see for myself whether I will love it or not and I did, big time. Not only it gives me joy, makes me smarter and shows me how much great things there is to find out - I also think that it influences my whole life in a truly meaningful positive way. I came to a point of having a dream of being a world-class philosophical counseller which truly excites me and makes me want to give all I got. Of course first I need to find out much much more about living a good life before coming out with this, but I'm definately on my way. What do you like, what would be wise to pursue? What would fill your life with meaning? Not sure? Get up and experiment right now! -
Retirement-Life's Passion (?)
Hello Judge Judy: I don't know whether or not you'd consider a "passion". I've been retired for four years and will be 70 on my next birthday. During my "working years", I enjoyed sports and doing things with my dad which included being a second pair of hands for him down in his workshop in the basement. I've always enjoyed making sawdust in one form or another. (I forgot to mention that I'm female). Recently I got the urge to make sawdust again, so I purchased what equipment I needed to make pen and pencil sets. Needless to say, the hours now spent in the basement remind me of the hours I spent with my dad and those hours just melt away because I am so focused of making something beautiful out of wood. -
Life is passion!
I have always had a great interest in so many things. I took my 4 year degree, and turned it into six! I can not afford Law school, and a Master's. At 55, and medically fragile. I find my passion, and driving force. In researching, and advocating for those who would perhaps have no voice! And then filing the needed paperwork, at the local courthouse! Sometimes "you"do not have to spend a lot, to receive a lot of thanks, and joy! Life should always have passion!