Why Women In Their 40s and Above Need To Grab the Future By Its Balls!

Problems like ageism, sexism and a smaller paycheck are the reality for women in their 50s and beyond. It begins in the 40s. Or wait, let’s rephrase. It gets worse in the ’40s, which is a good enough reason for women of age to start prepping for challenges in front of them.

The statistics show women in their 40s should prepare for setbacks

Being discriminated against and silenced out of fear of losing their jobs. Many women accept the terrible situation.

The gender pay gap is increasing with age.

Salaries peak in the 40s for women, then drop.

Too many women (and men) are being either fired or bullied out of the workforce in their 50–60s

Only ten percent of those who left involuntarily find new employment with the same pay.

Data from a large American study shows ambitions increase after 55 and peak after 65. So, what’s going on? Are company leaders worldwide idiots? Research leads in that direction. At least when it comes to senior employees.

One argument for getting rid of or not hiring mature talents is they are more expensive. But the ‘’mature’’ workforce has seen their pay drop since the pay peaked in the 40s.

Most workers above fifty years of age are most likely not demanding a spectacular salary.

We all know job security does not exist

The reality is ageism and sexism can catch up with even the most ambitious and outstanding women.

As an example; The company you work for gets sold off, which usually triggers a reorganization. Common practice is to smoke out any undesirable employees. You could be one of them because of age. Brrr horrible.

Avoid Operation Desperation if things go South

Do you have a strategy figured out in advance if shit hits the fan? Will you at least think about some plan B?

Being mentally prepared can save you a lot of anxiety if your income stream takes a hike South.

How many of you have an up-to-date CV and a top-notch personal letter ready to send out right now?

Solution?

Don’t you want to hide your face in a pillow when people tell you what to do, even though they are clueless? So do I.

I could crank out a hundred words about how you can make sure to have savings. But you already know that’s a good idea. And unfortunately, I am not in a position to advise anyone on savings.

Another great advice would be to have a side gig you can gear up if need be. But you got your eye on that ball too. Also, you are probably much further on your journey than yours truly here.

So let’s avoid the awkwardness of me explaining apparent measures.

Avoid and Embrace

But, there’s one thing to avoid at all times. And another thing I would encourage anyone, regardless of age practice.

Yes, I talk from experience. I’m confident I know at least 10% more about my suggested remedies than most people do.

Avoid; Self-pity

Embrace; Self-kindness

Suppose you manage to avoid self-pity and try out self-kindness instead. Your life will be much more enjoyable, including the hard times. Believe me on this one!

The Wrap-Up

I guess I wrote this post mainly because I’m turning 40 in a couple of weeks. I like to research and figure out what the middle-aged me is up against.

It would also be cool if this humble article got someone else to invest in a bit of a career/income ‘’prepper tool kit’’. Just in case….

Do you know what else could be super helpful? If you would please share imaginative and original advice, something we haven’t heard a thousand times.

Also, remember; the forties are the new thirties. Party on!

Ps. Pina Colada is not an old lady cocktail. It’s a super-duper hip drink.

This article has prevoiusly been published on Medium.com