Life just before 60

When I started work in the 80's, the retirement age for women was 60. It seemed an eternity.

60 for me is now just around the corner - retirement age isn't. I dealt with 40 ok, 50 was a breeze, but 60? If I'm honest I feel a bit lost.....

Running your own business doesn't really accommodate age, it's yours for life, no presentation of a clock on retirement, no meal with your boss to thank you for your hard work. It just keeps going. I'm ok with that and enjoying doing what I'm doing. The problem is how people start to treat you.

Example - "I think younger people see work differently"

Translation - "You are getting old and not in touch"

When I set up Strategi, it was a celebration to leave your well paid job and go it alone. Over the past 10 years I've worked harder, sacrificed more and given as much as I can to other people to help them along the way. So why do I suddenly feel that I'm becoming irrelevant?

Maybe it's me or is it that you walk through an invisible line that says don't include me in your planning, don't ask me my opinion or treat me like I know nothing.

When men get grey hair, they're asked to become NED's, sit on boards and utilise their "knowledge and experience" to help other businesses, for handsome rates. I don't see many 60-70 year old women sitting on boards - is this unseen gender AND age discrimination? Do women's brains evaporate with the sweat of the menopause?

I'm sure my 60th year will come and go without incident in my business (although I'm sure there will be cake involved at some point). For someone who hasn't really suffered from self limiting beliefs - I am constantly having to remind myself that my career is in my hands and not anyone else's.

For women my age who thought they'd be saying goodbye to corporate life in 2025, keep going - I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on your next chapter. In the meantime - Nil Barstardum Carborundum

PS - the photo is AI generated - I asked for a woman aged 60.