Starting Over Summary

So, as we continue to examine why baby boomers want to start new careers late in life, I will highlight some seniors who have made the leap, next up Bernita Clark – From Medical Technologist to Computer Systems Analyst

Bernita Clark spent decades working quietly and skillfully behind the scenes in a hospital lab. As a medical technologist, she was part of the essential workforce that supported physicians and patients with accurate diagnostics. But when the healthcare system began to shift and job security became less certain, Bernita found herself facing an uncertain future.

Financial instability wasn’t something she expected in midlife, but it became a wake-up call. Rather than panic, Bernita made a bold choice: she decided to retrain for a new career in computer science, a field she had always been curious about but had never pursued.

Starting over wasn’t easy. It meant going back to school, keeping up with younger classmates, and pushing through doubts. But Bernita persevered. Her determination paid off when she secured a position as a computer systems analyst with a stable company and a solid pension plan.

What’s remarkable about Bernita’s journey isn’t just her career switch, it’s the confidence she gained along the way. Today, she’s not only financially secure, but she also enjoys part-time consulting and remains active in her community, mentoring others who are considering their own career pivots.

Bernita's story is a reminder that reinvention can be both practical and empowering. It shows that we are never too old to learn, adapt, and thrive. By trusting her instincts and investing in herself, she turned uncertainty into a foundation for new growth. Source:

Starting Over 8

 Bernita Clark – From Medical Technologist to Computer Systems Analyst

In a quiet laboratory in a bustling hospital, Bernita Clark spent the early years of her career focused on precise numbers, delicate instruments, and diagnostic accuracy. As a medical technologist, she played a crucial role behind the scenes, processing lab tests, ensuring quality control, and helping doctors make life-saving decisions. It was work she found meaningful, even noble. But over time, something shifted.

Bernita loved the science. She loved the challenge. But she began to notice another fascination growing in the corners of her work, computers. When new laboratory software systems were introduced, many groaned. Bernita leaned in. She found herself staying after hours, not out of obligation but out of curiosity. She’d ask the IT staff questions, poke around in the system, and volunteer to test new updates. While others were troubleshooting with frustration, Bernita was troubleshooting with excitement.

Still, making a midlife career change wasn’t something she took lightly. She’d built a solid career in health care. She had respect, security, and a rhythm to her life. But the idea of moving from the clinical world into technology kept calling her. It was the 1980s, and computing was just beginning to redefine every industry. Bernita saw the future, and she wanted to be part of shaping it.

So, in her forties, she made the leap. She returned to school, taking computer science courses while continuing to work part-time in the lab. It wasn’t easy. She was often the oldest person in the classroom, juggling professional responsibilities with new learning curves. But she was determined, resourceful, and open to change.

Eventually, her persistence paid off. Bernita transitioned into a role as a computer systems analyst, first within the medical field and later expanding into broader corporate IT environments. In this new role, she became a translator between people and machines, helping organizations understand how to implement new systems, training staff, and making sure technology worked for people, not the other way around.

Her unique background made her invaluable. She knew how hospitals operated from the inside, which made her a brilliant bridge between software developers and healthcare professionals. She could explain technical solutions in plain language and was known for her patience, clarity, and collaborative spirit. In time, Bernita became not only a tech expert but a mentor to others, especially women and mid-career professionals considering similar pivots.

Looking back, Bernita describes her reinvention not as a rejection of her past, but an evolution of it. “Being a technologist taught me to look closely at the small details,” she says. “That attention to detail helped me succeed in systems analysis. Nothing I did before was wasted, it all led to this.”

Now in retirement, Bernita hasn’t slowed down much. She continues to learn about new technologies, volunteers with community programs teaching seniors digital literacy, and encourages others to embrace lifelong learning. For her, reinvention wasn’t just about changing jobs, it was about honoring curiosity, trusting her instincts, and staying flexible in the face of change.

Bernita’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to follow a new path, even one that might seem completely different from where you started. She didn’t abandon her skills; she expanded them. She didn’t wait for permission; she pursued possibility.

Her message is clear: Don’t let age or tradition keep you from trying something new. Whether you’re drawn to technology, art, writing, entrepreneurship, or an entirely different field, the key is to start. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing to learn.

In the spirit of rock and roll, bold, transformative, and unafraid, Bernita Clark’s journey shows us that midlife isn’t the end of discovery. It’s a perfect time to remix the track, turn up the volume, and reinvent the beat.

Starting Over 7

 oan Ruff – Reinventing Leadership and Legacy in Retirement

Not everyone finds their calling in youth or even midlife. For Joan Ruff, reinvention began as many careers were winding down. Her story is a testament to the power of later-in-life purpose, and how the desire to contribute, grow, and lead never really fades.

Joan’s path began traditionally enough. She built a successful career in corporate law and human resources, guiding others, solving complex problems, and breaking through glass ceilings in boardrooms that didn’t always welcome women. She was smart, capable, and determined. But even as her professional résumé flourished, Joan felt a pull toward something more deeply rooted in service and community, something that would matter not just to organizations, but to individuals.

By the time she reached her early 60s, many of her peers were talking about golf, travel, or simply enjoying “a well-earned rest.” But Joan wasn’t ready to slow down. Instead, she began listening more closely to that persistent inner voice nudging her toward a different kind of leadership.

In 2015, Joan stepped into a role that would not only change her life, but also give voice to millions of older Americans. She became Chair of AARP’s Board of Directors, the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.

It wasn’t just an honorary role, Joan brought decades of experience, strategic thinking, and a steady hand to a challenging and evolving organization. Under her leadership, AARP tackled major issues: age discrimination in the workplace, health equity, caregiving support, financial resilience, and housing options for older adults. But what made Joan truly stand out was her belief that aging should be celebrated, not hidden or managed quietly.

She often spoke of aging as “a dynamic process,” full of opportunity and potential. In interviews and public talks, Joan emphasized that older adults were not a burden to society, but rather a vital, experienced, and often overlooked asset. Her mission wasn’t just about advocacy. It was about changing the narrative.

Joan’s own reinvention, from private-sector executive to public-sector advocate, brought her face to face with what it meant to age on purpose. She saw retirement not as an ending, but as a pivot point. And she encouraged others to see it that way too.

“Think about what’s next,” she would often say. “What are you passionate about? What change do you still want to make?”

Her message resonated far beyond AARP’s membership. Older adults from all walks of life saw in Joan a reflection of their own aspirations, the desire to stay relevant, to lead, to contribute, and to belong.

And like so many reinventions, Joan’s wasn’t just about work. It was also personal. She began exploring new interests, strengthening relationships, and mentoring others. She spent time with emerging leaders who reminded her of herself decades ago, full of questions, energy, and quiet dreams they weren’t yet ready to share. She helped them believe they could lead too, no matter their age, background, or path.

Joan’s story is a reminder that leadership doesn’t retire. It evolves.

She didn’t find a second act in a sudden moment of inspiration or dramatic career shift. Instead, she built it steadily, shaped by decades of experience and guided by a renewed sense of purpose. Her later years became a time of deeper clarity, broader impact, and lasting legacy.

What makes Joan Ruff’s journey so compelling isn’t just what she achieved, it’s how she approached it. With humility, wisdom, and a refusal to settle for a quiet ending, she showed us all that midlife and beyond can be the most powerful chapters of all.

So what can we learn from Joan?

That it’s never too late to lead.
That service and success are not mutually exclusive.
That aging with intention is the real triumph.

And that your legacy doesn’t start when you stop, it begins when you decide to make your next years your best years.

Joan’s reinvention wasn’t about stepping into the spotlight. It was about turning that light outward, illuminating issues that matter, people who inspire, and possibilities too often left unexplored.

In her own words: “The question isn’t ‘What do I do now that I’m older?’ The question is ‘What do I want to do, now that I can?’”

That’s a question we can all ask ourselves.

Starting Over 6

 Stories remind us that reinvention is not about age, it’s about courage, clarity, and commitment. Whether you’re considering a new hobby, a second career, or a personal project, the most important step is simply beginning just like Michael H. Posner – From Government Lawyer to Human Rights Educator

Michael H. Posner had already built a formidable career by the time he began to consider what might come next. As a seasoned government lawyer and former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor under the Obama administration, Posner was no stranger to the complexities of global affairs. He had spent decades working at the intersection of law, diplomacy, and advocacy, championing human rights and pressing for accountability in some of the most challenging corners of the world.

But after years navigating the political and legal arenas, he faced a question that many of us encounter in midlife or later: What now? Was there a way to build on his experience while finding new meaning and impact in a different phase of life?

Unlike some reinvention stories sparked by burnout or dissatisfaction, Michael’s transition wasn’t driven by frustration. Instead, it was guided by a quiet curiosity and a persistent sense that he had more to offer, just in a different way. He wasn’t ready to retire or slow down. He was ready to shift gears.

What called to him was the world of education. Not just teaching in the traditional sense, but creating something new, something that blended his years of practical experience with a bold vision for the future. He wanted to bring his knowledge to a new audience: young people preparing to lead in an increasingly complex world where business, politics, and human rights collide.

That vision became reality when he accepted a position at NYU’s Stern School of Business, one of the top institutions for future business leaders. There, he co-founded the Center for Business and Human Rights, the first center of its kind at a business school. It was a move that surprised some, but made perfect sense to Posner. He understood that in the 21st century, the private sector plays a central role in shaping society, often with more power and reach than governments. If human rights were to be truly respected, companies needed to be part of the solution.

At the Center, he began helping students and companies understand how supply chains, digital platforms, and corporate decision-making affect real people around the globe. Whether addressing labor rights in the garment industry or the spread of misinformation on social media, Posner’s work brought ethics and empathy into boardroom discussions.

What made the transition especially fulfilling for him was the opportunity to mentor. After years working on global stages, he found deep satisfaction in the classroom, engaging with students who were eager to learn, challenge assumptions, and explore how to build a more just world through business. These weren’t idealistic novices, they were future CEOs, entrepreneurs, and policy influencers. And Michael saw it as his mission to equip them with the tools, and the conscience, to lead responsibly.

Reinvention didn’t mean walking away from his past. Instead, it meant bringing everything he had learned into a new context, one where he could shape change in a more foundational way. It also meant letting go of the identity tied to his previous roles and embracing the unknowns of academic life. But Posner approached this shift not as a loss, but as a chance to amplify his impact in a way that was more personal and long-lasting.

What keeps him energized today isn’t just the intellectual stimulation or professional recognition. It’s knowing that he’s contributing to a generational shift, one where business leaders are trained to consider not just profits, but people. And that’s no small thing. His reinvention has helped plant seeds of empathy, responsibility, and purpose in the minds of young professionals who will shape the global economy for decades to come.

Michael’s journey is a reminder that reinvention doesn’t always mean turning away from a career; sometimes it means reimagining how your knowledge can serve a new audience. It’s about staying connected to your core values while expressing them in new, creative ways.

For those of us considering a second act, or even a third, his story offers powerful lessons. First, that your experience is a valuable resource. Second, that education and mentorship can be a profound way to give back. And third, that it’s never too late to build something new and meaningful.

Today, Michael H. Posner stands as both a scholar and a guide, a former diplomat turned educator, bridging the worlds of power and principle. His legacy is no longer only in the policies he helped shape, but in the minds of the students he inspires every day.

And perhaps that’s the real beauty of midlife reinvention, not just what we accomplish, but how we choose to pass it on.

Starting Over 5

 So, as we continue to examine why baby boomers want to start new careers late in life I will highlight some seniors who have made the leap, next up John Tarnoff – From Film Producer to Reinvention Coach

When we think of Hollywood, we often imagine red carpets, movie sets, and a fast-paced lifestyle that doesn’t slow down. For John Tarnoff, that world was home. As a successful film producer and tech startup co-founder, he built a career in an industry known for its constant reinvention. But when the dot-com bubble burst, so did his career trajectory.

Like many of us facing unexpected changes in midlife, John could have seen this setback as a door closing. Instead, he saw it as a chance to rewrite his story.

John returned to school to earn a master’s degree in spiritual psychology, a field that helped him understand both himself and others more deeply. He channeled his experience, creativity, and resilience into a new path: helping others navigate their own career transitions. Today, he’s a reinvention career coach specializing in guiding midlife and late-career professionals toward meaningful second (or third) acts.

What makes John’s journey so powerful isn’t just the pivot, it’s the purpose. He found fulfillment not in chasing the spotlight, but in helping others find clarity and confidence during uncertain times. His message is one of empowerment: setbacks aren’t endings. They’re invitations to grow, explore, and thrive.

John is living proof that it’s never too late to redefine success. His career may look different now, but his passion and drive remain just as strong, perhaps even stronger. By turning change into opportunity, he reminds us of all that reinvention can be one of the most rewarding chapters of our lives.

Whether you’re considering a new venture, rethinking retirement, or rediscovering a long-lost dream, take heart in John’s story. You’re not starting over, you’re starting fresh, with all the wisdom you’ve gained. Source Wikipedia

Starting Over Part 3

So, you have to wonder what about baby boomers makes them want to start new careers late in life over the next few posts I will highlight some seniors who have made the leap, next up Claire Cook.  These stories illustrate that it's never too late to pursue new passions or careers. Each individual faced unique challenges and motivations but found renewed purpose and satisfaction in their later years.

At midlife, many of us find ourselves wondering what’s next? For Claire Cook, that question came with a whisper from a long-held dream: to become a writer.

For years, Claire was a devoted school teacher, juggling the demands of motherhood and career. But somewhere between lesson plans and lunchboxes, she held onto a quiet passion, the dream of writing a novel. Like many of us, she had put that dream on the back burner, waiting for the "right time."

Then one day, sitting poolside during her daughter’s swim practice, she decided that someday had finally arrived. At age 45, Claire wrote her first novel in the front seat of her minivan, pen to paper, page by page. It was a bold move, done not in a writer’s retreat or quiet cabin, but in the real-world chaos of everyday life.

And it paid off.

Her breakout book, Must Love Dogs, struck a chord with readers across the country, and even caught the eye of Hollywood, becoming a feature film starring Diane Lane and John Cusack. Suddenly, Claire Cook wasn’t just a schoolteacher with a story, she was a bestselling author living her dream.

But Claire didn’t stop there. She kept writing, kept publishing, and eventually launched her own publishing imprint to help other women reinvent their lives through storytelling. Her work has empowered countless readers and aspiring writers to believe that it’s never too late to follow your passion.

Today, Claire Cook is thriving, not just because she achieved success, but because she created a life that aligns with her deepest calling. She turned a dream into a career, a minivan into a creative studio, and midlife into a launching pad.

Her message is clear and powerful: you don’t have to wait for permission to reinvent yourself. Start where you are. Use what you have. And write the next chapter, literally or figuratively, your way.

If you've ever wondered whether it’s too late to chase a dream, let Claire’s story be your nudge. The only deadline is the one you give yourself. Source: Wikipedia

Starting Over Part 2

 These stories illustrate that it's never too late to pursue new passions or careers. Each individual faced unique challenges and motivations but found renewed purpose and satisfaction in their later years.

The phenomenon of a worker who may have been in the work force for 40 years suddenly starting a new career at 50 or over is a trend that is exploding as baby boomers hit that age bracket. There has always been a phenomenon of older workers trying something new, but the trend has hit such a new high in the baby boomer retirement picture. So, you have to wonder what about baby boomers makes them want to start new careers late in life over the next few posts I will highlight some seniors who have made the leap, next up Gail Becker: From Corporate Boardrooms to the Frozen Aisle

For years, Gail Becker was a powerhouse in the corporate world. With a successful career spanning media, public relations, and executive leadership, she climbed the ladder and made her mark in high-stakes boardrooms. But despite her achievements, a sense of longing persisted, something deeper, more personal, was calling her. That call came from her own kitchen.

Gail’s two sons were diagnosed with celiac disease, and navigating the grocery store aisles for healthy, gluten-free options quickly became a frustrating ordeal. Over and over, she encountered foods that were overly processed, lacking in nutrition, and unsatisfying in taste. She didn’t just see a gap in the market; she felt it every day as a mother trying to nourish her children.

At 57, when many consider slowing down, Gail chose to pivot. She left the security of her corporate life and took a risk: she founded Caulipower, a company built around one simple, brilliant idea, transforming cauliflower into a tasty, gluten-free pizza crust. It was a gamble fueled by love and necessity, and it turned out to be a game-changer.

What started as a homemade solution for her family quickly turned into a booming brand. Gail wasn’t just selling a product; she was solving a problem for millions of families like hers. Caulipower struck a chord with a health-conscious public and became one of the fastest-growing food companies in the U.S.

But Gail’s true reward wasn’t just financial. She discovered a new kind of success, one rooted in passion, purpose, and authenticity. She had taken a deeply personal challenge and turned it into a force for good. And in doing so, she found renewed joy and meaning in her life.

Gail Becker’s story is a powerful reminder that midlife isn’t an ending, it can be a launchpad. Reinvention doesn’t have to mean abandoning your past; it can mean transforming your experience into something fresh, needed, and exciting. For anyone wondering if it’s “too late” to try something new, Gail proves it’s never too late to bet on yourself. Source: The Middle Girls