When the Doors Stay Closed
After decades in corporate leadership, I expected finding my next role to be straightforward. Instead, I found silence. This is a reflection on age, invisibility, resilience, and what it means to keep going when doors don’t open.
When Experience Becomes Invisible
In the last few months, I’ve been searching for a new role. I thought it would be straightforward—after all, I’ve spent 30 years in corporate life, the last 15 in SaaS, eCommerce, and leadership. I’ve led teams, built processes, and helped businesses grow.
But here’s what I’ve discovered: at my age, I’m invisible.
Applications go out. Connections are contacted. And yet—silence. Not even a call back. And these aren’t just strangers behind a screen. Many of these roles are with companies where I know people. People I’ve worked with. People who know exactly what I can do.
Still, nothing.
The Silence Feels Personal
It’s hard not to take that personally. It feels like my years of experience, my successes, my ability to build and lead—have all been reduced to one quiet label: too old.
As if suddenly my brain doesn’t work.
As if my ideas don’t matter.
As if I can’t keep up.
But here’s the truth: I can. I do.
I’ve been running my own businesses for more than 25 years—often while holding down full-time leadership roles. I’m not out of touch. I’m not behind. And I’m certainly not finished.
Missing the Work, Not the Title
Still, I miss it.
I miss having colleagues to bounce ideas off of. I miss the energy—the shared problem-solving, the momentum, the feeling of walking into a room and building something bigger than myself.
That absence weighs heavy.
It’s not about a title. It’s about purpose. Contribution. Belonging.
Building My Own Door
So, what now?
The answer I’ve landed on is this: I’m pouring myself back into my own businesses.
If no one will give me a seat at the table, then I’ll build my own.
It’s not the same. It’s harder. Lonelier. Sometimes less exciting. There’s no built-in team, no applause, no corporate safety net.
But it’s also mine.
It’s work I believe in. Work that challenges me. Work that keeps my mind sharp and my heart invested.
A Better Ending (Strong, Honest, Forward)
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hurt by the silence. I am. Being overlooked leaves a mark.
But I’m also not giving up.
I’ve survived tougher things than unanswered emails and closed doors. I’ve rebuilt before—and I know how to do it again. Experience doesn’t disappear with age. If anything, it sharpens.
And if the right door doesn’t open for me?
I’ll make one.
And I’ll walk through it anyway.
Staying Connected
If this resonated with you, thank you for being here.
This season of my life is about building, learning, and continuing to show up — even when the path isn’t clear. If you’d like to stay connected, you’re always welcome to follow along, read more, or support the work I’m building.
Sometimes that looks like thoughtful conversations.
Sometimes it looks like small businesses and big ideas.
And sometimes it’s as simple as finding something meaningful in my shop.
No expectations — just appreciation for sharing a few minutes of your time with me.
