These women map out a fulfilling post-work future

This week continues the conversation about virtual “renewment” roundtables for career women. Renewment is a word my colleague and I made up. It is a cross between retirement and renewal. The term “retirement” suggests nothing about the future, but “renewal” does, so we combined the two words.

Renewment is a forum and platform that supports career women through transition and change — for a lifetime. Note this is the first time in history that so many women are retiring from their primary careers — in most cases, careers that not only provided them with income but also personal satisfaction and purpose. Meeting since the beginning of the pandemic, our virtual roundtables consist of conversations with career women from across the country, most retired, some working parttime and several working full-time, all looking ahead to their next chapter in life. See renewment.org for more information.

Here are just two topics we addressed.

THE WOMEN’S MOVEMENT >> Every woman had a story to tell. In many cases, it was what happened to them before the movement.

Here are some comments:

“I should have been an engineer, but no one ever suggested I could be one. It still bothers me,” said one woman. Another indicated that she achieved one of the top scores in her SAT exam and was given two choices: become a teacher or a nurse. She became a nurse; these limited choices still bother her.

One woman saw her mother as a role model because she went back to school to get her doctorate and then enter the workforce. The daughter was so inspired by her mother’s example that she formed a chapter of NOW (the National Organization for Women) with a few friends, and she became a teacher, showing her students images of women who had jobs and did things outside the kitchen.

And yet another woman indicated that some friends left her because they resented her involvement in the women’s movement and for not marrying and having children. They all returned to her after divorces and empty nests.

Another said she was inspired by Gloria Steinem. Others recall trying unsuccessfully to get a credit card in their own name only, but were denied because the card required the signature of one’s husband. In some cases, women paid a price for asserting their personhood. One woman wanted to better understand her family’s financial situation, took a course on finance and became quite savvy, which was one element leading to a divorce. Another’s return to school at age 35 after having three children placed an added strain on an already difficult marriage. However, all indicated their careers benefited from the movement. As one woman said, “The women’s movement changed my life.” All agreed we still have a way to go.

THE MESSAGE >> Change takes time. It is the creative and courageous ones who take a risk for their own betterment and for those around them. We have many unsung heroines, one by one, helping us to achieve the goal of equality.

PURPOSE >> Having a sense of purpose was reported as particularly difficult during the height of the pandemic. Some found that rituals provided relief, such as making your bed every morning, learning to play chess, doing a jigsaw puzzle or accomplishing a set number of things a day. Some felt a sense of loss. A retired midwife loved nothing more than delivering babies. Her purpose was clear, which is not the case today.

The pandemic gave these women time to rethink their purpose. One decided not to apply for a job that she previously thought was her dream position with a nonprofit organization. Another reflected on how others perceived her purpose and “looked at me as though I was crazy.” “I was busy with hospice, was in the Peace Corps twice, in the Ukraine three times and started a mentorship program for 7,500 Peace Corps members returning from the Ukraine with no jobs in the U.S.,” she added.

Another noted how purpose changes with time and events. Her shifts came as a breast cancer survivor and then with her husband’s heart attack.

The proper English mother of one participant, described as a woman of quiet wisdom, defined purpose as achieving three important things in life: Someone to care about; something to do and something to look forward to.

THE MESSAGE >> One’s purpose may change depending on circumstances. It may take some effort to reassess priorities and muster the courage and resourcefulness to shift if needed.

So, dear readers, here are just two examples of discussions that focus on transition and change at our virtual renewment roundtables. The stories are bold and messages important.

THE GOAL >> Connect and learn from each other to help create and live a life of meaning and fulfillment with a growing capacity to contribute to society.

P.S. We also like each other!

Stay safe and well.

Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging, employment and the new retirement, with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulagingCommunity