This is the presentation I did at the Lone Star Technology Conference on October 21, 2011. The topic was finding career opportunities during the different stages of our lives.
2. Where are you today?
Who are you today?
Nobody knows what the next 40+ years will
bring
◦ Economically
◦ Technologically
◦ Personally
◦ …
We will all age … hopefully …
3.
4. Statistics on number of job changes in an
average life: 11
Statistics on number of career changes in an
average life: 4 – 7
What is a career change?
What do those statistics even mean?
Did you make a mistake with the first career
choice?
◦ Few decisions in life are so big and encompassing
that you cannot change your mind and do
something else.
5. “Prepare for your next job on the first day
of this job.”
“Prepare for your next career during this
career.”
“Prepare for your last career during your
first career.”
Focus on the work and building skills
… and less on the job title.
6. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over
again and expecting different results.
Look at career/life disruptions as unique
opportunities to redefine yourselves.
It’s up to you. Nobody is going to pull you
through it.
Start new … refresh your networks, embrace new
ideas and concepts.
Filter through advice.
Go with your heart.
You’re never too old or too young to make
changes happen.
7. Where are you now?
Where do you plan to be in 10, 20, 30, 40 …
years
There’s logical and obvious choices.
The logical and less obvious.
The “big risk” – become an entrepreneur and
start your own company.
Be an entrepreneur within your current job.
8. Your most important career goal
is developing yourself…
9.
10.
11. If you’re in your 20s and 30s, start thinking
about the timeline of your career and life.
If you’re in the redefinition mode, find like-
minded people for support.
Don’t take anything personally, BUT
Demand the respect you deserve in your
career.
Jean Bartik
12. “Fear is what makes us old …”
Emmy Cleaves
80-something Bikram Yoga Instructor
13. Finding New Technology Opportunities in a
Changing Economy for Women of a Certain Age
Published in the ACM Women in Computing
Newsletter, Summer 2011.
Available:
http://women.acm.org/archives/newsletter/news
letter_v0302.pdf
