I keep sitting with this thought.

So what is next?

I have started 2026 with loss, and many unexpected decisions, along with walking into my 60th year of living…and I find myself asking…so what’s next, Annette?

What are you (Annette) setting yourself up to do?

I realize that with all that I have accomplished, motherhood, law degree, 3 published books, podcast, produced black box play, I still feel so unseen.

It’s a weird feeling, and I know that I can put my finger on it, and it makes me sad. The value of a middle-aged woman is minus zero. We’re viewed as “old” and “non-viable.” When I’ve gone out for job interviews, the person conducting the interview is my oldest son’s age, and I am sure these young folks see me as aged out. We are often alone and isolated and not included, and if you were a stay-at-home mom like I was, your value is attached to your spouse’s worth, and that is where the rub lies with me.

I realized I made decisions that didn’t complement my spirit.

I realized that I am an incredibly independent woman with very strong opinions and dreams. I realized that at this age, I feel unfulfilled because I placed the needs of my husband, children, and home before my own. I realized that, as much as I may have “done”, it doesn’t produce enough financial fluency to create a sense of financial autonomy that is respected in our society.

No matter how much I may accomplish, the reference will be that her spouse was the breadwinner, and that is why she was able to get all that she got done….done.

Hey, and guess what! That is 100 percent accurate. I am in no way, shape, or form complaining. I am actually honored and thankful that I had the privilege of staying home and raising my sons, and living on one income because his income was more than enough. But that doesn’t create “self-sufficiency” for a spouse. As women, we need financial empowerment so that we can be seen and respected by society.

So when we are invited to sit at a table, we can bring our own chair!

So what is next? I have NO idea, and Lord knows I have been sitting with this question for a minute. I have applied for jobs that have repeatedly turned me down, “overqualified/underqualified.” No strong employment history, no experience…blah, blah, blah…

I will have to make decisions that may be a bit more drastic, and I may have to pivot to something I may have never thought I would do. Whatever it is, I am looking for a third act, and it’s been challenging.

This blog is not for any sympathy, but more about transparency. Showing up in this stage of life is a privilege that I don’t take lightly.

I am just curious – What’s next?

That’s all.