Starting Over at 45 - Last Shot or Not

Another Life at 40s  by Sio

Ten years ago, I became a travel writer after roaming the world. At 35, desperate and broke, it felt like my last shot. I poured everything into social media until algorithms sucked the life out of it, and I it quit all.

Luckily, I met a partner who led me into international real estate. At 38, with limited time, it was my true last shot. I worked hard and built success - Until pandemic left my partner stuck in Japan and me in Macau’s three-year lockdown.

Then I realised the world had raced ahead while I’d wasted three years — business stalled, love blurred, life stuck in place. Anxiety sank my sales, and I lost all will to keep selling.

But at 43, I couldn’t take a regular job or back to creative — no last shot left!

Then my partner said, “Come to Japan.” My gut said no. I’d lost my dreams, fire, goals. How’d I start over?

Staying put would be the real loss. With nothing left to lose, I packed my fears and flew to Osaka.

Confidence grows slowly through living. By starting from zero in Japan, I would regain it bit by bit.

So I began writing again, of how I reset life at 45. From anxiety to acceptance, each story pieced my soul and life back together.

The toughest part of starting over isn’t age, it’s losing faith in yourself.

I still lose my way sometimes. But I no longer fear midlife or the passing of time. If I could start over in Japan in my 40s, I can take any “last shot” anytime.

Sio

Resetting life in Osaka after years in the UK, France, Spain, Canada & Argentina. Seeing people and cultures from many sides.

Follow @anotherlifeclub and restart Another Life with me.