19 Comments
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elizabeth baum's avatar

As someone who went to grad school and changed careers in their 30s I will add this to that convo - don’t think of it as starting over. You’re not. So many things that had happened in my life before career change boosted me up and helped me on my way. Also if you get tripped up thinking about the sacrifice of going back to school or getting more education, I think about it like this — is it worth it to trade 2 years to work 20-30 years at a job that’s more fulfilling?

Kaitlyn Teer's avatar

I love this perspective!! Thank you, Elizabeth!!

Ashley Dargai's avatar

YES! I always say that everything I've done has led me to this point. I utilize skills from my old career (teaching) into my new career (chaplaincy) all the time! Also, I felt like I was way more invested in my graduate degree as a second-career person. I came into my new career with a lot of hard-won wisdom!

Christen L's avatar

Is anyone else here also reading Strangers by Belle Burden? I can’t put it down, and am absolutely floored by her grace and vulnerability (and also wishing I could scream at her ex).

Joanna Goddard's avatar

just got a copy!! cannot wait.

Christen L's avatar

Buckle up, it’s a wild ride!

Afoma Umesi's avatar

I just finished it and have never been so enraged by a person as I was by her ex-husband!

Kaitlin Tarconish's avatar

Read it within 24 hours. Literally couldn’t put it down. An incredible book.

Amelia Wilson's avatar

yes yes yes - read it over the weekend and couldn't put it down. it made me want to read another book dissecting the ex and what goes on inside his head and heart. and I hope those three children turn out well and are able to have rewarding relationships: their father's example is so damaging.

Rachel's avatar

YES!! I need a book club so badly for this and have already gone down multiple reddit holes trying to satisfy my hunger to discuss with someone. She is such a fantastic writer and brave soul and I feel so proud of her for working to break the cycle of women swallowing men's bad behavior. What an ultimate F you to the husband (albeit a graceful, dignified one) that her book is on the NYT bestseller list and wildly successful . I listened to her interview with Zibby on Totally Booked and she seemed to imply that for legal reasons she had to be very careful about what she put in the book and what she left out...I wonder what was omitted!

Christen L's avatar

I also dove deep into a few Reddit holes and still have so many unanswered questions! I just can’t believe how much forgiveness, acceptance and grace she showed him in the end, it was more than he deserved.

Rachel G's avatar

Reading it right this second!

Laurel's avatar

Cup of Jo is always a bright spot in my day. Sending love to everyone right now.

Barbara Jasionek's avatar

I'm with Samantha, also injecting Heated Rivalry into my veins. The yearning! The beautiful men! The supportive women in their lives! The soundtrack! The sex! I'm all over it! It is some wonderful drug that can reset my brain to happiness. I can focus on it, deeply, and give myself a break from parenting while the world falls apart, and feel recharged to do it all over again.

Derm Views's avatar

YES to azelaic acid! One of my faves for hormonal acne/sensitive skin!

Jeanne's avatar

CoJ has been such an emotional life-saver this week. The immense support for MN and Jo's breakup feels like warm blanket and has kept me from sliding into a dark hole.

Joanna Goddard's avatar

I'm so glad Jeanne. sending love xoxoxoxo

Catherine's avatar

Cannot wait to read about dating app realizations. I have a feeling I’ll be nodding along as I read them.

I truly believe we’re at a huge turning point for women, particularly if you are 40+, and financially and emotionally secure.