When I was younger. I used to hear the phrase “Life begins at 40”. I recall wondering why that might be true. As someone who even felt a little ‘down’ at reaching thirty, this was an interesting idea. I hoped that it was true. Now that I am actually looking back at my forties, I can see that some of that was in fact true. I got married. I discovered a newfound passion for running. I travelled more. I also lived in four different countries during that decade.
But now, having entered the fifties. I’m kind of finding my ‘mojo’. Or at least I’m convincing myself that I am.
For teachers like myself, the age of fifty can mark a significant turning point in their careers and personal lives. Or it could be a less-than-inspiring time if you let it become so.
Here are some reasons why this time of your life could be great, followed by an alternative possibility.
1. Experience: By the time a teacher reaches fifty, they have likely accumulated a wealth of experience in the classroom and beyond. They have a deep understanding of their subject matter and have developed a range of teaching strategies and techniques that work well for them. They can draw on this experience to inspire and motivate their students and to guide and mentor other teachers.
Or ….. they could be burnt out, cynical and a pain in the butt for all around them. I hope I’m the former.
2. Financial stability: After years of hard work and dedication, many teachers are in a good position financially by the time they reach fifty. They may have paid off their mortgage, have savings in the bank, and be looking towards retirement with a sense of security. This financial stability can allow them to take risks and pursue new opportunities without worrying about the financial consequences.
Or ….. they are realising too late that they face a miserable future worried that they may outlive their meagre savings that were all spent on impulsive overseas jaunts and flat screen tvs.
3. Work-life balance: Many teachers find that as they get older, they become more focused on achieving a better work-life balance. This can involve reducing their workload, taking time off to travel or pursue hobbies, or seeking out new professional opportunities that offer more flexibility. For international teachers, this might mean seeking out teaching opportunities in different parts of the world, or even taking a break from teaching altogether to explore other interests.
Or …… they have become stuck in a rut of doing the same old things and struggle to get their job done as well as before due to declining mental competency and burnout.
4. Personal growth: Life after 50 can be a time of personal growth and self-discovery. For many teachers, this may involve taking on new challenges, learning new skills, or pursuing lifelong interests. This can lead to a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that can help them to feel more energized and engaged in their teaching.
Or … not so much so as they count down the years to retirement and a life of sipping cocktails and relaxing by the pool.
5. Impact: By the time they reach 50, many international teachers have made a significant impact on the lives of their students and on the schools and communities in which they have worked. Knowing that they have made a positive difference in the world can be a source of great pride and satisfaction.
Or ….. ( I will not add a negative possibility here as I am sure that all teachers would at least feel a sense of pride that they have helped and impacted on the live of their many students)
When I turned 50 I decided to celebrate the milestone by getting my one and only tattoo. It is on my wrist as a reminder that we can always keep getting better each year despite time marching on. It is a simple character that in Japanese says Kaizen: ‘continuous improvement’ and in Chinese is Gaishan which basically means the same thing but my Singaporean students explained it to me as ‘good change’.
Turning 50 can be a milestone that causes some people to feel anxious about aging, but it’s important to remember that life can feel like it’s just getting started. I like to now think that 50 is the new 40. There are many reasons why life begins at 50, and here are my top 10 of them. Some are slight repeats from the teacher-focused ones above.
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- Wisdom: By the time we reach 50, we have accumulated a lot of knowledge and experience. We’ve had successes and failures, and we’ve learned valuable lessons along the way. This wisdom can be applied to all areas of our lives, from work to relationships, and can help us make better decisions. If only young people would realise this and seek this out a little more then this wisdom would be even more valuable.
- Financial Stability: Many people have worked hard for decades by the time they reach 50, they may be in a good position financially. They may have paid off their mortgage, have savings in the bank, and be looking towards retirement with a sense of security.
- New Opportunities: Life after 50 can be full of new opportunities. This can include travel, new hobbies, or even a new career path. Having the experience and financial stability to pursue these opportunities can make them even more fulfilling. Once the kids are grown up and supporting themselves, this can bring on a new lease of life.
- Confidence: By the time we reach 50, we’ve overcome many challenges and have learned to trust our instincts. We know who we are and what we want, which can give us the confidence to take on new challenges and pursue our goals.
- Health: While our bodies may not be as spry as they were in our 20s, many people find that they become more health-conscious as they get older. This can lead to healthier habits, better nutrition, and regular exercise, which can all contribute to a healthier and happier life. I ran my first marathon at 42 and though I don’t run as much these days, I feel that another one would be possible. I’ve also started swimming regularly for the first time in my life.
- Freedom: With children grown and out of the house, many people find that they have more time and freedom to pursue their own interests. This can include travel, hobbies, or just enjoying some quiet time at home.
- Emotional Maturity: By the time we reach 50, we’ve had many experiences that have taught us how to deal with difficult emotions. We’ve learned how to manage stress, how to communicate effectively, and how to build meaningful relationships.
- Fulfillment: Life after 50 can be incredibly fulfilling. Many people find that they have a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to give back to their community. They may volunteer, mentor younger people, or pursue other activities that make a positive impact on the world.
- Perspective: As we get older, we tend to develop a broader perspective on life. We understand that there are bigger issues in the world than our own problems, and we’re able to see the world with a more compassionate and empathetic lens.
- Creativity: Finally, many people find that their creativity flourishes after 50. They may take up a new hobby or discover a passion for art, music, or writing. This creativity can lead to a sense of fulfilment and joy that can’t be found in other areas of life.
So, I reckon life truly can begin at 50! With wisdom, financial stability, new opportunities, confidence, health, freedom, emotional maturity, fulfilment, perspective, and creativity, there’s so much to look forward to in the second half of our lives. So, embrace this new chapter with open arms, and enjoy all that life has to offer!