starting over at 55.
A very scary things to do, but here I am.
35 years of horse training. 8 years of real estate. Divorced after over 20 years of marriage.
One of the things I learned is to deal with harsh realities and the truth.
I’m done with the heartbreak of thinking I have a income coming only to find out nope, that is not the case.
I actually don’t remember where I learned about Salesforce. It might have been the Degree-Free Podcast. Or from a TikTok post. I came across is again late in 2024 and thought this looks very promising as a career that does not involve heavy physical activity in all-weather every day or dealing with the whims of people and how their choices affect my income. It is something that can be done from home. It is tech oriented which I have really come to enjoy and find I’m actually good at, much to my own amazement. It is a career I can do 20 years from now if need be.
The idea of working from home, as one of my client’s does, and bringing in a 6 figure salary is extremely appealing. If she could do it, and get a job after 5 years of unemployment, I could too!
I looked into it around Christmas and thought it was something I could MAYBE do. It took a couple of more months for me to take action, but I did complete the Admin Trail on Trailhead in late spring, although it took longer than I thought.
Then life intervened. I had to get a part time job to help with expenses. My daughter was graduating high school and preparing to leave for college. I spent the spring doing needed repairs around the house getting it ready for her big graduation party. I spent the summer spending time with her before she left. I signed up for Dave Massey’s Udemy course and listened to that in the car driving every day. I finished his course a couple of weeks ago but will listen to episodes as a refresher.
Now it’s Fall and I am picking up where I left off. Shaking of the rust and remembering terms and concepts. This is not easy but I am gaining more understanding as each day goes by. My goal is to take the exam before Thanksgiving and HOPEFULLY have a job by the end of the year.
I have gained many skills over all my decades that will serve me well in the Salesforce world. I am good at organizing and cleaning up messes. I like things to run smoothly. I enjoy problem solving. I enjoy learning about new ideas and technology. I’m excellent at communicating. All of these attributes will serve me well in the Salesforce world!
I know I will make an Awesome Admin. I just need a little luck to land that first job!
My goal is to be able to have another horse and be out the competing once again!
I know I’ve got this! But a little support and help from you goes a long way and is always appreciated!
Responses
Great post! (And beautiful photo). I can really relate. I’m starting over at 49. Even tried real estate for a couple years. Talk about being at the whim of others for your income! Best of luck on your journey. Hope you land that first job very soon and on your way to more horse competitions.
Thank Christine! You as well
Hi Christina, You have a nice post and photo. You are a good writer. Way to grind it out and keep pushing. I’m going to be watching to see your progress. I’m impressed with what you have been dealt with and how you have handled it.
I joined in early Dec. and had a nice option to invest money with guidance that went well. I made a choice at the end of that that didn’t go well. Needless to say I am back here and studying Salesforce. I think it’s a little quiet on the forum but most all of the tools are available to work. Let’s keep after it! I don’t even have a picture yet (chuckles)
Hi Cason,
Thanks! Keep up the grind! We got this!
Hi Christina –
I just read your post, and wow – thank you for sharing your journey so openly. I can *definitely* relate. I’m 55, just getting started with Salesforce myself, and some days it feels like I’m learning to walk again in a totally new world.
But that’s also the beauty of it, isn’t it? Every day brings fresh puzzles, new terminology, and a chance to stretch our brains in ways we might’ve never imagined. It’s exciting and humbling all at once. There’s something deeply satisfying about wrestling with a challenge, solving it, and realizing, “Hey – I just taught myself something new.”
Yes, you *can* teach an old dog new tricks. (In fact, I’m proof of it!) It might take more patience, more reps, more asking “dumb” questions, but the progress still adds up. I’m cheering you on as you push through the rust, take the exam, land that first job, and eventually get back to what you love (horses included!).
You’ve already done the hardest part – making the decision to start over. The rest is just showing up, one step at a time. I’m glad you shared your story – it gives me strength for my own path.
Freddie
Hi Freddie,
Thanks for the words of encouragement! The hardest part for me is time! I feel pulled in a million directions and prioritizing this needs to always be #2 (after my kids lol). Looking forward to your progress as well
Great to meet you, Christina! Thank you for sharing your journey – and the nice horse photos! (I fell off a horse once in college and never really went back lol.) Best of luck!
Hi Lori,
Keep up the great work!
Hey Christine, I started over at 55 too, Now at 60 I’m starting my own SF consultancy. Keep going, you’ll get there.
Great writing.
I am sure you will do great. I have switched career 3 times myself.