So, I did a thing.
Earlier this year, I was presented with a job opportunity in a communications department at a prestigious Chicago hospital. It was a full-time role—mostly hybrid—doing the kind of writing I’ve been doing for the last 15 years. With only Jimmy home and him getting his driver’s license next month, I thought…what the heck? Why not go for this? It’s a chance to contribute financially to my family while doing really meaningful work.
After a month of interviews and writing assignments, I found out last Friday that they decided to go with someone else. I didn’t get the job. But rather than feeling rejected, I’m really proud of how I went about this whole process.
When I was interviewing for jobs in my 20s, I felt like I had to contort myself into what the employer was looking for, always crossing my fingers that we would both be happy with the end result. But now interviewing for a job in my 50s, I was completely confident in putting all of my cards on the table. I wanted them to know exactly who they were talking to and what I was offering. When I didn’t get the offer last week, I knew I wasn’t the right fit—that this door had to close for another to open. I’m meant for something else. I find great peace in that.
I only share this humbling moment because it felt great to put myself out there. And truthfully, the only thing I was nervous about was how I would survive in an office where the dress code is no denim! 😳 I know I have so many friends that are staring at the reality of an empty house and a whole lot of “what’s next” thoughts. I’m here to say that we’re not too old and we have a whole lot left to offer—we just have to find the right thing. And you know what? We’re not going to unless we take a few chances. Let’s take those chances! 💪🏻❤️
xo,
My cute PJs are from Printfresh. (I’m wearing a small.) You can enter AnnMarie at checkout for 15% off.
