45(f) changing it all! Open to thoughts and suggestions
Hello fellow Midlife Mavens. 🌼
I’m a 45-year-old human woman (not AI!) and my slate is pretty clean at this point… single, no kids, can’t really live near family because our values are very different, don’t have a ton of friends because most of my friends are married with kids, have just enough money to start over, some good skills, lots of interests, not a lot of clarity on the specifics of what’s next, perimenopause symptoms, and not a ton of extra energy. Going through a pretty major transformation. It’s for sure been challenging, but I’m embracing this opportunity. It’s a potent time, and I know many people who passed away way too young who would have loved to have LIVED with my problems.
I’m still exploring exactly where I want to live to maximize community building so I can start making my next chapter of friends. Also weighing in on whether I should rent a house of my own and start over with all of my things that have been in storage, or find a sweet, mutually beneficial housemate situation (do those exist?!). I know for sure that I want to prioritize health, new friendships, community, and continuing to nourish my passions (sailing, nature, painting, healthy food, flowers).
AND… I also need to make the $$$.
I want to be really smart about this next chapter of work because I want it to set me up well. I’ve owned my own businesses before and know where my weak spots are and how to get the support I need to not make the mistakes I’ve made in the past… and girrrl… I’ve made a lot of mistakes!
Here’s what I’m considering creating… either or both.
Academic success coach working with students receiving special education services in a hybrid model… some virtual, some in-person. I have my MA in special education and am highly relational with my students. I’m their biggest cheerleader, and this is something I can see myself setting up and potentially doing ongoing as I get older. I really enjoy this work. ❤️
Professional organizer/cleaner. I discovered that I really enjoy this work after helping family and friends who were struggling with it. I’ve found that I had a knack for it, especially working with clients who have lost loved ones, are dealing with illness or disability themselves, or have a loved one going through that process. I also really enjoy this work.
If you made it this far, I would be very grateful for any insights and reflections you may have to share as I maneuver this next phase of life. I’m happy to be here. Thank you so much in advance for your thoughts.