When a woman got her first job at 23, she was nervous but full of excitement.
Fresh out of university, she wore her best blazer (a hand-me-down from her mom), brought a plastic folder of printed Resume’s, and practiced her “good morning” smile in the mirror.
She had zero experience (well not really zero, because she already had internship experience at several companies before while she was still in college).
But she had something else:
Hunger. Hope. And the energy to prove herself.
The company hired her not because she was ready, but because she was willing to grow. They saw potential — and that was enough.
Fast forward 35 years later.
The woman is now 58+. At the age of 53 during the pandemic, the company where she used to work offered her early retirement. At that time, her position was Head of Department, overseeing several staff at the headquarters and branch offices. She’s led teams, managed campaigns, mentored dozens of people and grow her own departments.
But now, when she decided to apply again — after taking a career break to care for her small business — she felt something she hadn’t felt in years:
Insecurity.
Was she too old?
Too experienced?
Would companies still see her as *relevant — or replaceable?*
She updated her resume, polished her LinkedIn, added new courses she took during her break — even refreshed her photo using AI to look professional and approachable.
She was hired as Head of Marketing in a company 90% filled with Millennials and Gen Zs.
On her first day, a young friend of her asked,
*“Bu, nervous nggak balik kerja lagi di usia segini?”*
She smiled and answered,
*“Dulu saya diterima karena saya siap belajar.
Sekarang saya diterima karena saya masih terus belajar — dan bisa bantu tim ini tumbuh.”*
✨ *Some jobs mark your beginning*
Others mark your comeback.
Both matter.*
No matter your age — if you can stay curious, adapt, and stay true to your value — there’s always a place for you.
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