4 min read

Empowering Middle-Age Women to Overcome Prejudice and Follow Their Dreams

Updated: Nov 9, 2023

At 55 years old and recently divorced after 33 years of marriage—which you can read about here, (if you're curious)—I find myself dealing with some issues in my professional life that go beyond gender and race. As a middle-aged woman trying to switch careers, I've always prided myself on my qualifications and skills. And although I’m more than qualified for the positions I’ve applied for, recently I have come face to face with a harsh reality: the triple fight against sexism, racism, and ageism.

Ageism, a subtle yet common form of discrimination, has become a real occurrence in my search for jobs. And despite having tons of experience, solid qualifications, and not looking my age (or so I've been told, lol), I still get this feeling that once my age is discovered, for some reason, it's seen as something that might have the potential to hold me back from showcasing my talents and skills effectively.

To be honest, it's disheartening to realize that Just when you think you've tackled the hurdles of gender and racial biases, along comes ageism to remind us that the fight for equality is far from over. As women, we have to be ready to face it head-on.

So, let's talk about it. In this blog post, I'll share some practical strategies (that I've adopted) to help you deal with ageism and overcome its challenges, and give you actionable steps to take when you find yourself in a battle against it.

Learn to encourage yourself and do regular self-evaluations

Take a moment to appreciate all the skills, accomplishments, and expertise you've gained over the years (most likely across a range of industries). Remind yourself (often) about the incredible value you bring to the table, no matter your age. Boost your self-confidence through consistent positive self-talk and affirmations, and (if you're not already) celebrating your achievements.

Develop a network of people who will support you

Make connections with professionals from different age groups and backgrounds who can become allies and the go-to people when you need some backup. Look for mentors who have been there, done that, and overcame similar challenges. Their wisdom and support can be a game-changer for you. They'll offer you priceless insights that can help you overcome your own obstacles.

Be a lifelong learner and remain open to change

Stay ahead of the game by embracing lifelong learning. Level up yourself by fine-tuning your skills through workshops, online courses, and industry-specific certifications. By doing that, you're not only leveling up your skills, but you're also showing employers that you're an adaptable, open-minded individual who's ready to take on any challenge that comes your way. Always stay sharp and never stop growing!

Show them what you've got

Create an impressive resume and cover letter that emphasize your extensive experience and accomplishments. But here's the key: tailor them to showcase how your skills align with the specific needs of the organization and the role you're applying for. Show them how your skills are a perfect match. You've got the goods, so make sure they see it loud and clear on paper.

Brand yourself and develop your online presence

Now is a better time than ever to leverage the power of social media platforms and professional networking sites. Why? Because you've got the chance to build a strong personal brand. Show off all that knowledge, insight, and those achievements you've racked up over the years and establish yourself as an authority in your field. It's time to make some noise and position yourself as the go-to person.

Make friends with those who share your values

Connect with those within your professional circles who are all about promoting diversity and inclusion. These are the one's you know will have your back. Collaborate with them, engage in conversations about ageism, and work together to challenge stereotypes and biases. Together you can make a real change.

Learn to embrace resolve and determination

Understand that tackling ageism is a journey that might take some time and effort. But here's the good news: you've got what it takes to handle it. You're already resilient and persevering, and that's a huge advantage. Remember, your worth isn't determined by what society expects or the biases they hold. You're so much more than that! So, as you maneuver through this challenge, don't forget to celebrate the small victories along the way. And most importantly, keep that positive mindset going strong.

Let's rewrite the narrative and celebrate middle-aged women

Remember, age is not a limitation but a testament to the wisdom, experience, and strength you've been blessed with as a middle-aged woman. By facing ageism head-on and defying societal stereotypes, we can make the world more inclusive and empowering for ourselves and those who come after us.

As we keep pushing boundaries, it's important to remember that our shared experiences and support can dismantle prejudice and create a society that embraces everyone. Together, we have the power to redefine what it means to be a middle-aged woman, igniting change and embracing the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Let's stand our ground, drown out the opposition, and rewrite the story so that our voices, talents, and dreams are never limited by factors like age, gender, or race.

And to all the incredible middle-aged women out there who face and conquer challenges every single day... it's time to fight back and show the world that age really is just a number.

Isaiah 46:4, Job 12:12, Psalms 91:16, Psalms 92:12-14; 103:5, Ruth 4:15, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 4:13, Jeremiah 29:11, Luke 1:37,

Having a blast serving Him!