Why I Went Back to School in My 40s
(and Why It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself)
You know that cliché about “finding yourself”? For me, that's happened a few times. The first time was in the high school darkroom. The second was when I fell in love with my role as a Montessori infant/toddler teacher. The most recent time? In a community college classroom for design. I found myself (both literally and figuratively) in that classroom because, at forty-something, I realized I was ready to start over. Not because I had failed at my current career, but because I had more to give.
We grow up believing our career path should be linear:
Pick your major at 18.
Land a steady job.
Climb the ladder.
Retire.
That story leaves no room for pivots, detours, or the quiet whisper that says, “this isn’t it anymore.”
Truth: Reinvention is not proof of failure, it’s evidence you’re paying attention.
So, I went back to school for Graphic Design and UX/UI Design. Stepping into a (virtual) classroom of twenty-somethings, I felt like a time traveler with more wrinkles and a lot more life experience. But the truth? What I lacked in youth, I made up for in perspective. I didn’t need to be the “cool kid”; I just needed to be committed.
Reinvention doesn’t erase your past; it braids it into your present.
From my years in childcare, I carried patience and the ability to see potential in growth. From my photography studio, I carried an obsession with emotion and storytelling. From design, I discovered the puzzle pieces that turn ideas into connection. These careers weren’t random; they were threads weaving the same tapestry.
If you’re a therapist or small business owner sitting on the fence about putting yourself out there, trust me: you don’t need to “wait until you know it all.” Because the truth is, you never will. Your journey matters. Websites, brands, and businesses evolve just like people do. It’s never too late to start.
Reinvention isn’t a midlife crisis; it’s midlife clarity.
Curious about weaving your own story into your brand? Let’s chat about design for your small business.