Career Kuel Thought Leader: Gayle Petrillo
Considering a career transition for women over 50 can feel daunting; but it may be the boldest, most freeing move you’ll make this year.
Let It Go To Let It Begin
It’s close to our third quarter closing out; one quarter of the year is still ahead for us. Maybe it’s time to consider where you are in your career.
- Are you fulfilled?
- Are your contributions appreciated?
Considering A Career Transition For Women Over 50?
Maybe you are contemplating a transition… Change doesn’t always mean climbing. It can mean aligning, more closely with your values, your energy, your goals.
A new role within your current company or at a new one; entrepreneurship; taking on more responsibility; a leadership role, or stepping back. Even if you’re unsure of the next step, gathering with like-minded women can be the spark that helps you move forward with more clarity.
And if you’re considering a shift, professional networking for women over 50 can be a powerful part of that process.
Know Your Worth:
Some things to consider when looking to move up, lateral or even back.
Know you worth. To know your worth, you need self-confidence. This means understanding your strengths; and recognizing your limitations. It also means defining your ‘why’. If your “why” has changed over the years (and it often does), honor that.
You may start by asking a few people you trust for their thoughts. Be prepared to receive their feedback. You may be surprised at who they see when they look at and speak with you. Often, others see us far more clearly than we see ourselves.
Have an open mind when considering their responses. Their perspective is important; yet it doesn’t define you. Receiving honest feedback can be challenging. The surprise(s) can be extremely helpful, but you have to be ready to hear and potentially react.
Their insights may confirm things you’ve suspected, or reveal strengths you’ve underestimated. Either way, their input doesn’t define you, but it can help shape how you move forward with intention.
Feedback As Fuel:
Feedback I’ve received over the years, both in my career and personal lives, provided me with many opportunities to advance and pivot. A few times when I took a lateral or back step, I was better prepared for stepping up the next time.
Some comments such as “speak up”, and “drive the bus” helped me see what I needed to work on prior to taking that next step and when I was ready to move into the next role, especially as I moved from corporate life to entrepreneurship and now more recently as an author, speaker, and thought leader.
Letting Go; The Key to Career Renewal for Women Over 50:
Letting go is often painted as weakness. I see it as wisdom. Knowing what no longer serves you, or fits who you’re becoming, is an act of strength.
Letting go makes space,for insight, for momentum, for new beginnings.
So here’s the question I’ll leave you with:
What are you holding on to that’s keeping you from beginning again?
Whatever your answer is… it might be time to let it go.
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About the Author:
Gayle Petrillo is President of First Impressions, Image Consulting. Gayle is an image consultant working with both businesses and individuals. Her services include: customer service training; team building skills; secret shopper services; gossip avoidance techniques; closet analysis; wardrobe transformations, personal shopping; employment coaching; and presentation skills.
