I am in my early 60's after 20 years in one of the major technology companies and you are singing my song. It was a soul sucking experience and all I can say is better late than never. Here is to flying off a cliff into freedom. I have a friend in Europe in the exact same situation...maybe that is my community. Learning how to fly no matter how old you are :)
Apr 13, 2023·edited Apr 13, 2023Liked by Tim Denning
This really hits home Tim. I find myself 56 years old in a high paying but toxic job that makes me mentally sick and has me on multiple meds for anxiety & stress. I sorta talked my way into it and probably wasn’t fully qualified for this level but I am doing a good job but my boss rules out of fear and I have major imposter syndrome. I know my time is limited as I don’t think I will hit the aggressive goals they have. I keep thinking it will get easier and to just hold on… don’t quit, make them fire you. It has me wondering if it is me being weak or is it the job? Not in a good place and in constant fear which is giving me daily panic attacks. If I had to do it over agin, I would tell my younger self to not chase the money, title, things that make you “appear” successful to others… but truly devote your energy into things that energize you. I feel trapped, exhausted and afraid to change but know I need to or I will not survive and thrive. The fear of not being ok for retirement is terrible. I should do something simple like being a handyman - so I can do and not think so much.
Love what you say about forgiveness. We forgive not for someone else's sake but our own.
And of course forgiving doesn't mean we forget.
I think most people don't adopt the solo preneur way of life- because- let's face it. They are scared of success. They are scared of what they will do with all that extra time on their hands. It's easier to just pretend to friends that we are too busy to join them for a drink or pretend to our children that we are too busy to spend time with them. The alternative may mean facing demons.
Kapow! Take that! Love that Jung quote. AI will certainly tell people who they are if they don't develop critical thinking skills to navigate the new world.
Getting fired from two jobs of almost 20 years each was a hell of a long “learning” process. Being at the top of your game has advantages until a new “boss” come in 😆!
Covid was the best thing to happen to me. I got fired, rode out unemployment and retired early for the “social security” benefits.
I am 63 and free!
Maybe I’ll try some of these things out.
What the hell, all I can do is what I want to and maybe even make enough to pay for the next cruise!
Top performers aren’t easily humbled but in both circumstances it was the best thing to happen to me at the time. I was too reluctant to move on from an excellent career to try something new!
“The world will ask you who you are, and if you don't know, the world will tell you."
100%. This is especially true for women, I think. So much low self-esteem and willingness to let men define them. Generally I think it’s easier for men to grab life by the pussy and be who they are.
This was eye opening, gut punches on every section. Thank you for this, it really puts in perspective what we all know but in simple words that slaps you in the face to wake you the hell up. Brilliant...thank you.
I am in my early 60's after 20 years in one of the major technology companies and you are singing my song. It was a soul sucking experience and all I can say is better late than never. Here is to flying off a cliff into freedom. I have a friend in Europe in the exact same situation...maybe that is my community. Learning how to fly no matter how old you are :)
Age doesn't matter Janet. It's only too late when we're dead.
This really hits home Tim. I find myself 56 years old in a high paying but toxic job that makes me mentally sick and has me on multiple meds for anxiety & stress. I sorta talked my way into it and probably wasn’t fully qualified for this level but I am doing a good job but my boss rules out of fear and I have major imposter syndrome. I know my time is limited as I don’t think I will hit the aggressive goals they have. I keep thinking it will get easier and to just hold on… don’t quit, make them fire you. It has me wondering if it is me being weak or is it the job? Not in a good place and in constant fear which is giving me daily panic attacks. If I had to do it over agin, I would tell my younger self to not chase the money, title, things that make you “appear” successful to others… but truly devote your energy into things that energize you. I feel trapped, exhausted and afraid to change but know I need to or I will not survive and thrive. The fear of not being ok for retirement is terrible. I should do something simple like being a handyman - so I can do and not think so much.
One of the best stories I've heard today. Thanks for sharing Tricko.
Love what you say about forgiveness. We forgive not for someone else's sake but our own.
And of course forgiving doesn't mean we forget.
I think most people don't adopt the solo preneur way of life- because- let's face it. They are scared of success. They are scared of what they will do with all that extra time on their hands. It's easier to just pretend to friends that we are too busy to join them for a drink or pretend to our children that we are too busy to spend time with them. The alternative may mean facing demons.
Zarine once you let go of fear everything starts to happen for you.
True that Tim. Thanks.
Beautiful read to begin my day, and really try it more. After all, the best things in (my) life came after I took a little risk. Thanks!
Risks are where we find our potential.
Kapow! Take that! Love that Jung quote. AI will certainly tell people who they are if they don't develop critical thinking skills to navigate the new world.
Yep, be a free thinker our outsource your mind to AI and become mindless Robyn.
This is very good advice, Tim 🥰🥰.... I'm so glad I read this 🙏
Much love Bookie :)
Thanks, Tim 😀
One of the most honest, no bullish!t, pieces of writing I’ve ever read.
That was the aim Michael.
Excellent read! We all need such straightforward and honest advice!
Glad you think so Suzette
Perfect addition to my morning coffee!
Cheers Jan
Fantastic read, now I just need to implement this into my life. One way or another, I will be free
Action is key Adrian.
Getting fired from two jobs of almost 20 years each was a hell of a long “learning” process. Being at the top of your game has advantages until a new “boss” come in 😆!
Covid was the best thing to happen to me. I got fired, rode out unemployment and retired early for the “social security” benefits.
I am 63 and free!
Maybe I’ll try some of these things out.
What the hell, all I can do is what I want to and maybe even make enough to pay for the next cruise!
This is badass Karl. Getting fired is better than an MBA. Humbles you right up.
Top performers aren’t easily humbled but in both circumstances it was the best thing to happen to me at the time. I was too reluctant to move on from an excellent career to try something new!
Especially when it is because you stand for your principles and not for some new bull$hit idea they come up with that isn’t in the employee handbook 😂
This newsletter is cool.
Appreciate it Chinedu.
“The world will ask you who you are, and if you don't know, the world will tell you."
100%. This is especially true for women, I think. So much low self-esteem and willingness to let men define them. Generally I think it’s easier for men to grab life by the pussy and be who they are.
Michael Mohr
‘Sincere American Writing’
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
Plugging your Substack in this way is amateur Michael. Just saying. You're better than that.
Always professional informative and worthy of second 📚
Means a lot Barry.
This was eye opening, gut punches on every section. Thank you for this, it really puts in perspective what we all know but in simple words that slaps you in the face to wake you the hell up. Brilliant...thank you.
I spent 63 long boring years as a public accountant/CPA. Worrying about OPP's ( Other People's Problems)Now I'm learning to do my own thing