This is a general question / speculation about age and career progression… I would love to hear inspirational stories.
I am F46 and very insecure deep down, classic imposter. My job title is Head of in a large corporate, income over £100k. Not exactly a high flyer but climbed from the bottom, an immigrant single mother. Since this last promotion, I have assumed that I have peaked professionally.
But it’s a long way to retirement and I am not sure what happens next…
After being to a few industry events - everyone around seems younger, more confident, more ambitious. I have never felt like this as I was a sole provider for DD since age 21, so natural insecurity was reinforced by fear of losing income and having no local family support, so I was very risk-averse and slow in my career progress. I have completed a relevant degree in my 30s and have consistently attended any available training.
I now need to be more strategic to make the most of the last 20 years. My weakest skill is networking - I am shy, introverted, do not like public speaking and just freeze for the fear of saying something stupid, especially when talking to more than one person. Not sure how to fix this but typically go for exposure therapy 😂. Also, sometimes, I feel insignificant - like talking on a group of two men, one reports to me, and the other one from the industry looks at “my” man more, even though I am his boss, standing right there. Like two mates and the new girlfriend. i do not seek to be preferred but at least feel equal. It’s a male dominated industry, to the point that my former boss once said that it helps to be a woman because people will remember you. That made me even more uncomfortable, I love working with both men and women internally, everyone is different as a person, not a gender group.
I just shut that stinging feeling of resentment down because it’s not constructive but also think - is it my fault that I am invisible? I do not have enough presence / charisma / competence/ conversation skills?
Do women my age and older still get promoted? What are more important new skills if you already have plenty of job experience and good industry knowledge? Do you inevitably wind down and what age or has anyone worked in a high level job right until statutory retirement age? Does what you look like and dress matters?
I just want someone to tell me there is more to work life in the next 20 plus years. This is the first time I feel free to explore my options but not sure if I am still visible.
Sorry about me, me, me long post - no one to have this conversation with IRL. Thank you.