NOTE FROM TRISH

‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’  

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Remember that question? The one we got asked repeatedly in those exact words until we didn’t. When was the last time someone asked you what want to be? Present or future tense. Not past tense. When was the last time you asked yourself that question? Is there a shelf life for dreams?

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LEANING OUT’s mission is to prepare and inspire late-career women for post-career success and purpose. And what’s more inspiring than stories from women, undaunted by age, realizing their long-held dreams?

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This issue’s blog author, Robin Reif, is one of those inspirational women. With a successful career behind her, she is once again turning to her dream of becoming a writer. But where Robin’s story takes a dramatic departure from the not uncommon writer reverie, is the zeal, discipline and courage she summoned to be better at her craft. She applies to, and gets accepted at, some of the world’s best MFA writing programs. Robin reveals how she recaptured her dream and shares six principles for beginning anew.

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And getting that college acceptance letter in your 60’s? Proof that dreams are not just for kids anymore.

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Enjoy Robin’s—very well told—story.

P.S. Check out the SPOTLIGHT section for survey results on what activities our followers told us they would most like to pursue post-career.

Pursuing my passions and hobbies

75.00%

Self-improvement and well-being

71.18%

More family time

53.13%

Volunteering

53.13%

An encore career

34.38%

Working in a non-profit

34.38%

Starting my own business 

31.25%

Other 

15.63%