Reinvention Is The Mother Of Invention

I’ve always been a little resistant to change. This includes not only takeout dinner orders (cashew chicken, thank you) but also my career. My approach was always: pick something reliable, consistent, and satisfying. Figure out what works and get into a comfortable rhythm.

Conventional thinking says loyalty gets rewarded. You’ll have a fruitful career, retire with money in the bank, and celebrate with cake and a cash bar. As we all know, thanks to the pandemic nothing is guaranteed. Jobs aren’t secure, and organizations don’t necessarily value loyalty and reliability. And let’s face it: among those descriptive adjectives, you don’t see the words exciting… challenging… or deeply rewarding.

I realized I craved that. And I realized it’s never too late.

So, I created the job and the life I wanted.

As a recent (almost three years, yahoo!) entrepreneur, I’ve reflected on my career trajectory, my evolution, if you will. My invention and reinvention. Can any of you relate?

Version 1: Video Store Manager (Late Teens/Early 20s)

I’m totally dating myself here leading in a completely obsolete industry. I’m kind of glad I didn’t put all my eggs in that VHS basket. I learned to manage peers, deal with customers, and keep a straight face while checking out selections from the Adult Movie section. Maybe I should have pursued acting, my poker face was Oscar-worthy.

Version 2: Temp Work (Various Industries)

One memorable gig was at a company that sold electrical parts. I was the office manager. Most work was done by 10 a.m., leaving me plenty of time to organize, shred, or read magazines. Not particularly challenging, but they thought I was amazing and wanted to hire me full time.

At precisely 5:01 p.m. every day, the Big Boss would emerge, open a Miller Lite, and hand them out while everyone else continued working. He offered me a beer every day. I declined, convinced it was a trap. That place? High probability of developing an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, not my scene.

Another fun temp job? Picture a second-floor apartment doubling as an office. Two men, twice my age, smoked cigarettes all day. Coffee flowed constantly, always scorched. The boss was the owner’s 20-year-old son. I had no idea what the company sold or produced. My duties? File papers and watch the clock. I quit when the child-boss showed me his stash of Playboys. Bye-bye.

Version 3: Insurance Industry (Entry-Level to Management)

I knew less than nothing about insurance, which proved to me that people skills matter more than technical knowledge. Within six months, I was in management, completed FMLA, took a Franklin Covey course, and worked in a cube complete with a company bowling league and embroidered shirts. High score 195, last-place team, first-place outfits.

Version 4: Fitness Professional

While working full time, I pursued a Fitness Instructor Certificate and NASM personal training certification at a local community college. I fell in love with fitness. Over the years, I earned multiple certifications—AFAA, ACE, Cancer Exercise Specialist, and more. Leadership courses? Crucial Conversations, StrengthsFinder, Kolbe Assessment—you name it. It took years to become a great leader and instructor, but I got there. I’m still teaching today, confident in my skills.

Version 5: Entrepreneur – Professional Wing Woman

My favorite evolution so far, because I created it. I became a business development specialist, strategist, communication expert, and collaboration maven for online business owners. I proved I could reinvent myself. I take courses on Coursera and Udemy, attend webinars, explore specialty courses, and dive into assessments like Enneagram, DISC, and Working Genius. Best part? Working with clients aligned with my values and, of course, no more pantyhose.

There’s been more shifting than I often give myself credit for. I sailed into this latest version crossing into my 50s: shifting hormones, children on the brink of adulthood, caring for an aging mom. Anyone relate? I see you.

I gave up a relatively stable fitness job that I loved. Why? No more growth, no more learning, no more excitement. I hit the ceiling—not my ceiling, someone else’s. Promotions above me? Out of reach. Twenty years of loyalty? Didn’t matter.

But guess what? I mattered.

I knew, deep in my gut, that I wasn’t done. Reinvention was possible, even if I’d rarely seen examples in my personal life. I wanted to be braver. Bolder. And I wanted to help others achieve the same.

So, a career as a Professional Wing Woman was born.

I’m not suggesting anyone walk away from a stable job that serves them well. It’s not for everyone, and we all make choices.

What I am suggesting is that possibility exists. Your dream might become a hobby that earns income, a creative effort others value, a book, or even stepping onto a stage.

What’s your reinvention edge? Where might your next version show up?

I cannot wait to find out. Go get ‘em.