An Open Letter to Women of a Certain Age
Dear Women in Their Second Act,
There’s a whole generation of us standing at the edge of something new.
We’ve spent decades taking care of everyone else—children, partners, aging parents, students, clients, teams. Some of us stepped away from careers entirely, others tried to juggle it all, and many quietly put our own ambitions on pause.
Now? The kids are mostly grown. The partner (if he’s still in the picture) is capable of reheating leftovers. And we are still here.
Still curious. Still creative. Still brimming with life and stories and skills that were never fully seen.
And the world? It’s shifted again. The tech age has exploded, and it can feel like we missed the boat. But here's the truth I want you to hear loud and clear:
AI offers us a flat playing field. And it’s not too late—you’re right on time.
I say this from experience.
I was out of the business world for years. Decades, even. I wasn’t learning software or pitching clients. I was caregiving, homemaking, managing chaos, and often surviving. Re-entry felt impossible. But AI opened a door I didn’t know existed—a creative, intuitive path forward that doesn’t ask you to be anyone but yourself.
Today, I create digital artwork and short films using AI. I teach other women, especially those re-entering or reinventing, how to start small, stay playful, and build something meaningful.
We don’t need to become coders or tech bros. We need to stay open, stay curious, and trust that we bring something essential to the future of technology: wisdom, humor, perspective, and a hell of a lot of resilience.
What I wish someone had told me sooner:
You don’t have to “catch up.” You just have to begin.
The tools are simpler than you think.
Financial independence is still possible—and necessary.
Your life experience is not a liability. It’s your edge.
If you’ve ever wondered if your creative spark could translate into something more—or if you’ve just wanted to learn how to make your ideas move—I’d love to share what I’ve learned.
There’s room here for all of us. Because the second act isn’t about starting over—it’s about finally taking center stage.
With you,
Lynda Cathcart
AI Artist & Animator | Creative Educator | Second Act Advocate
https://lyndacathcart.com
