Fifty is the New Prime of Your Career – Especially For Women

By Brian Maynor 

 

Years ago turning fifty meant the beginning of the end of your career as the focus shifted from advancing to retirement. Today that’s no longer the case.

Now fifty is seen as the new career mid-point, especially for women.

It’s well documented that the traditional career phases of women are very different from that of men, but as gender-balance is on the rise, companies have to rethink the traditional career phases, which is actually working out to everyone’s favor. As the talent identification phase now spans from the 20s through the 40s there are more opportunities for ‘senior’ employees.

Here are a few reasons driving this shift in how we view age in the workplace:

1.    Life is now peaking in our fifties. Both professionally and personally research is finding a greater sense of happiness and skill development emerging at this time in our lives. Some of the documented reasons are less stress than that of the mid-life years where the focus is on building and balancing a successful career and family, and the general emotional maturity.

Age ideally brings both wisdom and emotional maturity; allowing for older people to better control their emotions and essentially handle conflict better. They are also able to accept misfortune with a decreased sense of anger and resentment.

2.    They know how to play the game. Far from being old and tired, once you reach fifty you have probably mastered the art of working smarter, not harder. This also means you know how to influence the outcomes.

Many people find entering the silver years actually makes their lives easier. With established reputations, empty nests, and home ownership without a mortgage comes greater flexibility, fewer expenses and a plethora of new career opportunities. Life’s commitments are no longer such a heavy burden and you are free to follow career dreams and inspirations.

3.    A new kind of gender gap. Fifty is the prime of everyone’s career life.   Since men tend to follow more traditional career phases, they still look toward winding down and retiring, not ramping up new phases in their careers. This can cause strain and division in marital relationships. For example, more women are initiating divorce proceedings at this point in life from traditional husbands who would rather play golf than support their wives’ professional opportunities.

We’ve talked about the fact that people are working longer, so it really is no surprise that we are seeing a delay in reaching professional pinnacles. This is also great news for younger professionals struggling with finding the balance between family and career. A temporary plateau to focus on starting a family doesn’t mean the end of your professional dreams. It could be just the break you need to come back stronger and more focused than ever.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

 

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