Girl Gone Sane

How almost losing my mind changed my life

Gretta Krane is a writer, columnist, and public speaker on the topic of trauma and recovery. See full bio

June 9, 2009, Happiness

Sally O Malley's got Nothin on Me!

Don't Count Us Out Cause We're 50!

I used to love watching SNL's Sally O' Malley who was proud to be 50 years old and still able to compete in a young woman's profession. Although my aspiration isn't to be a stripper for a mafia owned strip club, and my resume doesn't included kicking, stretching and kicking some more, like Sally's does-I can relate to her desire to be seen as valuable, talented and with just as much to offer as the younger "broads."

I'm turning 50 this year, and like Sally O' Malley I'm figuring out how to stand out in the crowd amidst lots of younger and spunkier competitors. Many 50 year olds are no longer winding down and preparing for retirement. Instead we're recreating ourselves and for many different reasons. We may not have financial security in our jobs, 401k's or pension plans, or we may be separating from a relationship that offered financial security or maybe we're hungry for passion in every area of our life, including our careers.

As for me, I need a job but I've chosen to follow my passion-a profession I have no degree in, no education in, and no prior experience. Some think I should be more practical and pursue a job that I have experience in, or that I majored in, like teaching. They think I should be "reasonable" and not take chances and definitely not take the risk of failing at a new career, especially at my age. And yet, I feel compelled, even driven, to pursue a writing and speaking career. Instead of giving into logic I've decided to pursue that which I love.

Maybe I'm more willing to push logic aside because I've never followed my career passion before-I've always been told to be "sensible." I became a teacher because that was one of the few professions my father thought suitable for a woman. I never enjoyed it though, and it soon became just a means to paying my bills.

I've grown up thinking I'm supposed to sacrifice what I want and what makes me happy for what's "practical." And it's kind of shocking and really exciting that I'm not willing to do that anymore-especially at my age.

Writing is an inspiring, creative process for me. It's as though I am shut off from the outside world and fully present with what's in front of me. I feel completely connected. It's a spiritual experience I've never felt in any job I've ever had before.

So, like Sally O' Malley, what I have to offer is resolve, fearlessness and the passion and thrill of doing what I love. I hope that's enough to set me above the rest, even without the bouffant and red spandex.