My Story: From Lost Time to a Life Reboot!

Turning 50 wasn’t a magical milestone for me. Yes, I’m grateful for the gift of time — but I couldn’t ignore the nagging truth: I was nowhere near where I wanted to be. That reflection was heavy. But it also lit a fire. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt behind in life,this story is for you.

A Missed Opportunity at 19

Right out of high school, I was too exhausted to think about college. I landed a job as an office manager for an Allstate agent — a blessing at the time. I was only 19 and running the show. He even offered to sponsor me to get my insurance license, but I declined. I thought it was temporary. I thought I had time. I didn’t. That door never reopened.

I worked hard, managing nearly every aspect of the office. Unfortunately, I was also working for someone who had no integrity. He would leave me to handle everything while he took his favorite client — a woman — out to lunch, often disappearing for the rest of the day. His wife knew. I knew. It was uncomfortable, and it shaped my early views of power, trust, and betrayal.

A Relationship That Cost Me My Youth

At the same age, I fell for a man 20 years older. He was a bus driver. He changed his route just to be near me — and at 19, that felt like the kind of love you see in movies. I didn’t know yet that attention isn’t the same as affection, and effort isn’t always love.

He lied — about his situation, about his intentions, and about the mother of his children. But I stayed. I was naive and starved for the kind of validation I didn’t know I needed to give myself.

At 24, something in me clicked. I started seeing my worth. I pulled away. He didn’t like it. That’s when he suddenly offered to father my child — something he’d always said he didn’t want again. It was a trap disguised as affection. I didn’t fall for him again, but I did have his child.

The final blow? Watching him treat our son differently than his other children. That was the moment any leftover love died. Being a hands-on father would’ve been the sexiest thing he could’ve done — but he failed us both.

From Success to Struggle — and Back Again

By the time my son was born, I had moved into a high-paying sales job. I was doing well — thriving, even — as a single mom. Until the dot-com bubble burst. Just like that, I lost my job, and the opportunities dried up.

Without steady income or affordable childcare, I had to depend on government assistance and Section 8 housing. That was a humbling chapter. I was doing what I had to do to survive. I took fast food jobs alongside teenagers, some not much older than my son. It broke my pride, but not my spirit.

Eventually, I found my way back into the corporate world — landing at an incredible tech company that reminded me I still had so much to offer. It felt like coming home.

Why I’m Telling You This

I haven’t checked off every box on my list. But I’ve learned that being behind is just a starting point — not a death sentence. I’m rebuilding my life after 50, and I want to bring you along for the journey.

Whether you’re feeling lost in your 50s or trying to avoid regrets in your 30s — I see you. I’ve been you. You’re not too late. And you’re not alone.

Welcome to Over 50 & Thriving — real talk, real glow-ups, and real life after 50.

I truly hope you’ll stay a while; it would mean so much to me! ❤️💕