It’s common to see lists of successful people who achieved great things while they were young. Think 40 under 40, 30 under 30, and the like.
Celebrating the achievements of people who are so young is great, but it can make older people feel insecure if they haven’t achieved greatness yet. Some people even start feeling they’re too old to succeed if they didn’t do so before age 30 or 40.
That’s why Melissa Hunter, a TV producer, and writer, asked her Twitter followers to share stories about people who reached success later in life.
At the end of 2020, instead of 30 Under 30 and NextGen lists, please profile middle-aged people who just got their big breaks. I want to read about a mother of 2 who published her first novel, a director who released their first studio feature at 47, THAT'S THE LIST WE WANT.
— Melissa Hunter (@himelissahunter) January 7, 2020
They say if you ask for something, you’ll get it! Twitter went above and beyond to share stories about the successes the reached in their late 30s, 40s, 50s, and later on. You’re never too late!
10. First Book at 45
I am a mother of four, I released my first full-length book at 45, and started law school this year—at 47—with four teenagers in the house. Some of us are late bloomers, but wow, when we figure it out…🔥
— Tracy M ⚖️ (@dandelionmama) January 7, 2020
9. Drummer at 49
Bought my first drum set at 49, published my first novel at 52. Waiting to get over my stage fright to join a band. 🥁🤘🤓📚
— Linda Smolkin (@lindasmolkin) January 8, 2020
8. Back to Grad School at 46
Mother of 2 near-adults, was waiting tables and dreaming of a real career and chance to make art. Decided to go to grad school at 46. Now 52, I’m a professional playwright & tv writer on #htgawm.
— Inda Craig-Galván (@IndaCraigGalvan) January 12, 2020
7. Novelist at 62
Melissa, former single mom here. Middle-aged if I get to live to 120. I’m 62. Random House will release my debut novel, “The Daughters of Erietown,” June 9. I dedicated it to my seven grandchildren. Here we go.
— Connie Schultz (@ConnieSchultz) January 12, 2020
6. Expert Dog Trainer at 55
https://twitter.com/kikimon981/status/1215472779451142144
5. Interior Designer in Her 40s
I was a stay at home Mum for years. In my late 40’s I discovered a passion for interior design & won a national TV design show challenge. I now have incredible clients & projects, contribute to national radio, and write a popular magazine column. I’m 60 this year, and on fire! pic.twitter.com/3mjGRrnidv
— Anne Tuohy (@roomjunkieanne) January 9, 2020
4. Saw Victoria Falls at 47
I didn’t publish anything, I’m just a regular human, but I went to Zimbabwe and volunteered at a wildlife refuge at 47, saw Victoria Falls. Life doesn’t just peter out after 30. My friend Elsa is 96 and went on an archaeological dig at 75. I want to be like her. pic.twitter.com/LAu8Pbhe7z
— Kate Grand (@KateGrand) January 8, 2020
3. A Math Whiz at 60+
https://twitter.com/greekfromidaho/status/1214767456771805184
2. MFA at 38
https://twitter.com/thepoetmendez/status/1216187187013869568
1. Filmmaker at 65
At age 65 I ditched my corporate job to become a filmmaker…my first film, Beyond Sixty Project, is completed and we just finished a year of film festivals nationwide. It has been an exhilarating experience. There are so many stories of “older women” taking the leap!
— Melissa Davey (@DaveyLissa) January 8, 2020
The entire thread is inspiring to read and is still garnering a few replies.
Is there anything you achieved after a given age that you’d like to share?
The comments section is all yours!
