This was posted by kea on another board. General Midlife Issues seems to be the best place to put this topic.

Kea's post:

Dearest,

 First of all I would like to expess my gratitude for this wonderful sight.  It is truely a gift from God.   I was wondering if a topic on mid-life career changes could be started.  I know that menopause totally changes women's lives and therefore a lot of women become more creative and less consumed with ambition.  I am in the throes of wanting to be free of my job to have more time and ENERGY to allow my creativity to flow and yet the MONEY... I would love to hear how other women have had the courage to find and pursue their unique gifts at mid-life.  Thanks.Kathy

Hello, Kathy! Nice to meet you.

I recently retired from having scheduled aerobic classes. I am now on the sub list for 7 gyms and I can take classes if it fits my schedule. Before that, I was teaching 10 to 14 classes a week and never had time to visit my family out of state. Now I have that time.

I also retired from waitressing about a year and a half before that. I was just beating my body up too much...waitressing and teaching classes. We luckily don't need the money...Uncle Sam was reaping the benefits. So, I am home a lot now.

It has given me time to try some new things as well as travel more. I am learning to quilt...something I have wanted to do for a long time.

I do find I get lonely...I miss interacting with people. But, I had to make a decision to trade one thing for the other. I am sure it will be worth it in the long run. I am still waiting for my "gifts" to come to the surface. I feel I deserve to take it a little easier now. I have paid my dues working and raising 4 children.

It is a personal decision.  Make a list of pros and cons and see what you come up with. Life is too short to not persue your dreams if you are able to swing it now. At least that is my opinion. Sept 11 put a new perspective on things.

Hope you can find your answer.

Grace

Hi Kathy...I left my position as a Program Supervisor for a Vocational Program for 180 Developmentally Delayed Adults in March of 2001.  It was a very difficult decision for me also.  Financially I needed to rearrange things,  I concerned myself with whether I would have misgivings after the fact as I truly loved my position and I felt some guilt about retiring at 57.  One year later I must share with you that it was the best decision I have ever made for my own personal peace and growth.  My wellness center is flourishing because I now have time to promote and nurture it.  I have time for my husband, children and grandchildren. I knit, quilt, read and spend time trying to be of help to others here and on the AOL message boards and most importantly I have time for ME to just "be".  I am feeling so much better physically, emotionally and spiritually.  All has turned out better than I could have ever imagined and I feel truly blessed that I had the support from my family and friends to take this leap of faith.

As Grace so aptly put it...this is a very personal decision, I hope by sharing my personal experience it will give you some insight to help you to make yours.

Blessings and be well.