“Change begins at the end of your comfort zone.” ~Roy T. Bennett
Ageism and the 50+ Female Software Engineer
By C. Clark & ChatGPT(AI)
There’s a quiet power rising in midlife—and it’s time we start talking about it out loud.
As an African American woman over 50, I am navigating a deeply personal shift: leaving a long-time career, facing age-related bias, or simply wondering, What’s next for me. Having worked in IT (corporate life) for decades, I now feel a tug toward reinvention, if not re-evaluation (to stay in the IT field, as an IT Manager, or not).
What I am finding out is that: My voice, as an African American Woman, is needed more than ever.
Despite the wealth of life experience, insight, and resilience, the online space still lacks consistent, authentic stories from African American women 50+ who are:
- Changing careers.
- Starting over.
- Grieving lost roles.
- Or stepping into completely new territory.
The Competition? Not Stiff - The Space is Wide Open.
Most, not all, existing blogs or career-focused platforms are either:
- Run by younger influencers,
- White-led with very different life experiences,
- Or centered on retirement, not reinvention.
What’s missing? Real-time storytelling.
What’s missing? Our perspective.
There’s a growing hunger for authenticity—not glossy, curated success, but the real journey of finding purpose after 50. I am going to try and be vulnerable, honest and brave enough to share as I go (not just when I “make it”). I am hoping to find my new career path and at the same time maybe be a guiding light for others.
I’m Not Behind. I’m Right On Time.
First off, I’m not too old. I’m not too late. In fact, my lived experience makes me uniquely qualified and excited to go on this journey. I am going to try all avenues… starting a blog, launching a podcast, or sharing short-form updates on Instagram (maybe even TikTok).
Because when one woman speaks her truth, she gives others permission to do the same.
I’m excited to go on this journey and look forward to where it leads me.
Photos from Unsplash