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.