Let's be honest, ladies. This hormonal sh1t show we call menopause brings more than just hot flashes and brain fog. It can completely shake our financial stability right when we think life should be getting easier.
Think about it - most managerial roles are attained post-40, right when menopause symptoms typically begin. Then there's the caregiving responsibilities that inevitably fall on our shoulders - whether it's looking after grandkids, elderly parents, or partners. It's usually us females picking up that slack, which can make careers more complex to handle or even force us to step back altogether.
And here's a startling trend: more women over 50 are finding themselves on their own for the first time. In Australia, there's actually a growing community of women over 50 embracing the van life, not just for adventure, but because of circumstance changes during this time of life.
So yes, menopause and midlife can totally derail your financial security.
The Midlife Expectations vs. Reality Gap
By the time we reach our 50s, the expectation is that everything's supposed to be secure. We should be able to take our feet off the brakes and coast into our golden years.
Then along comes menopause.
Along comes midlife.
And those curveballs start flying, one after another after another.
Your finances might go askew. Relationships might falter. You might even find yourself without a permanent place to call home.
These changes can severely impact your confidence and self-esteem, especially when society expects you to have it all sorted by now.
Your Hidden Superpowers: Resilience and Skills
Before you spiral into worry, let's take a moment to acknowledge something important: you've got this far. You might have had support, or you might have done it alone, but you're still here.
If you're a Boomer or Gen X woman, we've been through a lot, haven't we? We've shown incredible resilience. We were there at the inception of the World Wide Web. We've gone from phones attached to walls (remember those curly cords that let you walk upstairs?) to carrying powerful computers in our pockets.
We've mastered so much change, and we're still mastering it.
We have an enormous skill set that we often take for granted. And let's be honest - most of us like the finer things in life. We want to keep having our holidays, driving nice cars, and being able to turn the heating on without worrying about the bill.
Rediscovering Your Passions and Skills
When you're looking at where you are now and where you could go, consider your passions - including those you might have forgotten about.
Some of you might be thinking, "I don't have that many skills." Believe me, you do!
If you've raised children, you've got a tremendous skill set. You can:
Put out fires at the drop of a hat
Time manage like a pro
Organise chaos into order
Meal plan and meal prep
If your kids are still alive, you've done pretty well!
Don't focus on the fact that things are going a bit wibbly-wobbly. Focus instead on what you have to offer.
Turning Skills into Financial Security
So what can you actually do with these skills you've accumulated over the years?
Could you freelance?
Could you do consulting work?
Could you proofread?
Could you produce a digital product?
Could you offer solutions to people facing similar challenges?
As Boomers and Gen Xers, we grew up with package holidays becoming the norm. We got quite used to our little getaways, didn't we? So when things go a bit pear-shaped financially, but you still want your holidays, why not combine them with earning an income?
The Digital Nomad Revolution Isn't Just for the Young
We're not tied to one place anymore. This wonderful interweb can open up so many avenues for us.
Think about:
What you want to do
How much time you want to give to it
How you can help others while helping yourself
If you're already happy to sit and scroll through your phone watching videos, why not utilise that time to tell people about what you could do for them instead?
It's all a bit of a mindset shift.
Embracing Imperfection and Taking Action
We don't have to be perfect to get started.
Think about the memberships you currently pay for - Netflix, Amazon Prime. How much actual support do you get from them? You pay for them, you get your product, but that's about it.
A Solution That Supports Your Lifestyle
What if there was a membership that gives you:
Genuine support when you need it
Products you can share with others and use yourself
The means to take yourself on those little trips you love
Money back off your future travels
A membership that lets you travel, take your friends along, and earn at the same time.
This isn't about replacing your career or forcing you into something that doesn't fit. It's about adding another dimension to your life that provides both enjoyment and financial security during a time when both might feel shaky.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Remember that we have the tools at our fingertips - literally. The internet isn't just for the young; it's for anyone with the wisdom to use it effectively.
We've weathered so many changes already in our lives. This is just another one, and we have everything we need to not just survive it but thrive through it.
If you're interested in learning more about creating financial security while still enjoying life's pleasures during the menopause transition, drop me a message below.
Continuation of Your Menopause Success Journey:
So there you have it—hot flashes, cold cash, and everything in between. If you want to dive deeper into these topics, join me in my Facebook group Menopause Midlife and all the ****. We’re a supportive community of women going through the same thing, and we’re here to help each other through it. The menopause journey is a continuum. From perimenopause and on through into postmenopause, having people who understand and support you is essential. It's not the end of your life's journey; it's a phase, and having the right community can make all the difference.
I make it my mission to support women with their transition along the menopause journey and to signpost to the best financial opportunities for their circumstances. To talk further please use this link to book a call and discuss further support.
If you would like to join a supportive community, please drop me a line here. I love hearing from midlife women going through the menopausal transition.
Pssst, you can also check out my Menopause Midlife and all the ****. It includes a community of women at the same life stage as you.
Click here to take a look at our membership to make every day just that little bit easier.
For More on This Topic Try Here:
Mid-Life Magic Map: The First Steps to Rediscovering Purpose After 45
