People often ask me why I left the job of editing Glamour. The answer is simple: along with most of my team back then in October 2017, I was made redundant. It was not my choice to go. No, the more interesting question is: Why did I stay in that one job for 17 years? It’s a complicated answer that morphed from one reason to another over time.
“It is distinctly possible to stay to long at the fair”. Joan Didion
I had a similar experience as a Surgeon. Left a job after 18 years and no one seemed to care. Just left a position after four years and you would think the world ended. In that last job I felt I was professionally dying. So at 62 I found a new one. You can stay to long
Well written Jo. This also speaks to me as a self employed business owner. I have run my own show for nearly three decades now and it has had its fair share of ups and downs, with the last two years being arguably one of the most challenging periods. I find myself back in a place of 'rollercoaster business' which, as a younger woman, I used to thrive on and now find frankly terrifying (although God knows why as financially it doesn't matter so much anymore but maybe that's the point, it's as much about self worth as it is about the money). However, you're right, we need to turn that fear into exploration and opportunity. I was in a bit of a professional rut but 2020 put paid to that so here's to the next adventure - we're too young to slide gracefully into retirement quite yet ; ) I am sure that your phone will never stop ringing!
This resonates - the magazine world, the ‘certain age’ thing, the new direction. I have an MA in media studies, worked in it for years, and come September will present myself as an undergrad at art school in a foreign country. Excited for you and look forward to following your new gig!
I love that you’re so frank about that inner self doubt. In fact, I found it transformative when you said so on a podcast a few years ago. A very successful woman who I really admire ALSO feels like she’s making it all up as she’s going along?! Holy sh*t! As I’ve risen through the ranks at work, I’ve made sure to tell as many people as possible that they’re not the only one with imposter syndrome. It feels like a gospel that NEEDS to be shared - especially among women. And you’re the example that started that off. Very excited to see what you do next Jo. Thanks for so many years of great reading at Glamour!
Thanks Jo. I’ve landed here because I love your writing but I’m new to this platform which I’m happy to pay for but could you recommend writers here that you like to follow? And good luck x
Amazing piece Jo, I love it! We've just had Farrah on a Roxhill webinar talking all about Substack. Will you come on and talk to us about your Substack and how PRs can work with you? x
“It is distinctly possible to stay to long at the fair”. Joan Didion
I had a similar experience as a Surgeon. Left a job after 18 years and no one seemed to care. Just left a position after four years and you would think the world ended. In that last job I felt I was professionally dying. So at 62 I found a new one. You can stay to long
Brilliant piece - bravo!
Welcome to women over 50 doing their own thing. May your phone continue to ring!
Such a great and honest read. Congratulations Jo x
Fabulous piece that so perfectly captures the end of magazines
Well written Jo. This also speaks to me as a self employed business owner. I have run my own show for nearly three decades now and it has had its fair share of ups and downs, with the last two years being arguably one of the most challenging periods. I find myself back in a place of 'rollercoaster business' which, as a younger woman, I used to thrive on and now find frankly terrifying (although God knows why as financially it doesn't matter so much anymore but maybe that's the point, it's as much about self worth as it is about the money). However, you're right, we need to turn that fear into exploration and opportunity. I was in a bit of a professional rut but 2020 put paid to that so here's to the next adventure - we're too young to slide gracefully into retirement quite yet ; ) I am sure that your phone will never stop ringing!
So true and so familiar. Bloodybrilliant
Bravo for sharing this So been there until very recently.
The fear is so really and then one day you have control over it
Looking forward to reading more Jo 👍👏
This resonates - the magazine world, the ‘certain age’ thing, the new direction. I have an MA in media studies, worked in it for years, and come September will present myself as an undergrad at art school in a foreign country. Excited for you and look forward to following your new gig!
I love that you’re so frank about that inner self doubt. In fact, I found it transformative when you said so on a podcast a few years ago. A very successful woman who I really admire ALSO feels like she’s making it all up as she’s going along?! Holy sh*t! As I’ve risen through the ranks at work, I’ve made sure to tell as many people as possible that they’re not the only one with imposter syndrome. It feels like a gospel that NEEDS to be shared - especially among women. And you’re the example that started that off. Very excited to see what you do next Jo. Thanks for so many years of great reading at Glamour!
I needed to read this today. Thank you!
Thanks Jo. I’ve landed here because I love your writing but I’m new to this platform which I’m happy to pay for but could you recommend writers here that you like to follow? And good luck x
Fabulous, honest, thought provoking piece - can’t wait to read more ! 👏
Great piece, jo
Amazing piece Jo, I love it! We've just had Farrah on a Roxhill webinar talking all about Substack. Will you come on and talk to us about your Substack and how PRs can work with you? x
This sounds very familiar! Well done Jo ⭐️