As a baby boomer, I know that there are still many opportunities for me here, in this country no matter my actual age.
I remember that thirteen years ago I decided to go back to school for a new career in interior design. On my winter break, I went to Belgium. When I was standing in line for the museum ticket, I saw the sign Students Tickets. I switched the line because that is who I was a student. The clerk at the desk returned my crispy new student’s ID and looked at me as if I had two heads.
She laughed, “Don’t you see the sign? This is for students! You are too old to be a student!”
The truth is there are not many places in the world where you could change careers after forty or go back to school. In fact, the cut off age in many counties is as young old.
My mother lost her sleep when I hopped on the plane to go to America with ninety dollars and a baby on the way. She thought that I did not know what I was doing. Twenty four years later I have to say that she was right. I didn’t quite have an idea about my plans. Just wanted my baby to grow up in a free world, away from the Soviets. And I was not alone. Many of us, young crazies of the eighties ran away to become mothers, wives, successful paycheck makers and business owners in the new world where your age does not always mean that you are cut off from growing as a person. “All you have to do is believe”, (a little Jennifer Hudson here). It sounds like a cliché, so what? It is still true.
So, while the opinionated Belgian clerk is ready to trash a student’s ID of anyone who is over thirty-two, many of my baby boomer friends make six and seven digit figure salaries rolling their second or even third careers. And while the foolish clerk would rather check out my bucket list than checking me in as a student, I am soaking in millenniums-style-techie-stuff I need for my business.
The best thing that ever happened to me on my second life journey away from the Soviets, the one that I never take for granted, is the permission and the right to choose happiness at any age. This feeling is called FREEDOM.
When I felt that my paycheck did not feed my soul, I waited, and then quit my day job. I never looked back no matter how hard it was. I guess it was only because I knew that I would always have the opportunity to change my life around. At the age of forty, I went back to college and at forty-three got my second degree in interior design. I feel so fortunate to get up every morning knowing that I can help change someone’s life by editing their living space. My heart beats fast when another happy family enjoys their home.
My readers and fans are my inspiration. They are now all over the globe. As I write articles here and chat with my fans through social media I am happy to help anyone with their decorating dilemma. My heart glows to know that my company’s work is selected and included by many people in their idea books. I believe that my passion for age-related home modifications is valid with eighty-five million baby boomers. As a baby boomer, I believe in a sensational, fulfilled life at any age.
How about you? What is your “road to independence?”
Please post your questions here below. I’ll be happy to help you!
Xo,
Marina
Tenacity, Sincerity and Perseverance – these are three prerequisites essential for success. Life is full of ups and downs. Some times circumstances are unfavourable and success comes on its own without much effort. I think what is important is our happiness knows no bounds. I truly admire you Marina! Very inspiring.
I love your story Marina. I can really relate, since I went back to school at the age of 29, after a failed marriage and the realization that no matter how good I get at my job, a college drop-out will not get anywhere. It was a long road to where I want to be, but I know I am slowly getting there. Thanks for the inspiration!
Yep, I get inspiration from people like yourself as well. Thanks for the comment.
Retiring Baby Boomers need to develop a substitute community – one that substitutes our work colleagues. Consider getting another job, joining a health club or maybe get involved in a religious group We might want to consider volunteering at a local school or organization.’*’-
Have a look at our web page as well
<http://www.healthwellnessbook.com/
Very Inspiring. I admire your tenacity and sincerity.
“All you have to do is believe”: have faith in what you know you were meant to do, traveling the ocean with a few bucks in your pocket and a baby on the way is a challenge; what you should follow is the callings of your soul. I am not a woman neither a mother, but I have them in my life and from what I have noticed , women have a strong will power. That was a very inspirational story.
This is very inspiring. I strongly believe that deep inside all of us, we wish to have our own success story. We all dream of achieving our deepest desires and of changing the world. I admire the courage and perseverance you have shown in overcoming the challenges you were faced with. I admire you even more for not letting your age stop you from achieving your dreams. I’ve always believed that it doesn’t matter how old or young you are as long as you want to learn. I think life is a learning process and it never stops. Thanks for the inspiration Marina! You have truly made your mark in your own special way!
Well, thank you.
While reading this article I have this feeling of being connected. It’s funny though that this makes me feel like you’re just in front of me. This article is very inspiring and yes very touching. I can relate to what have you gone through. I’ve been with the same situation as yours but who cares, right? Congratulations! You deserve all the best in the world.
Many of us deserve all the best in the world. Thank you for your comment.
So Beautiful, Inspiring and Refreshing to read. You really make a difference and touch so many lives in a special way. Thank You!
Thank you, Monica. I am glad you liked it. We all do our part the best we can, girl.
Marina,
This is beautiful, well written and inspiring.
Thanks,
Peter
Thank you, Peter. I am very glad that you liked the article. Now we know each other even better. Stay in touch.