When I decided to retire from a career teaching inner-city kids in Washington DC, I thought that I might look for something that had nothing to do with kids, though the kids were what I loved about teaching. I love to write and sing, and hope to do something with each, but I think that working for Hillary Clinton would be the thing I feel most compelled to do. As a 60-something woman who has seen a time when women couldn't play sports, succeed at politics or do SOOOO many things, I want to see a woman elected president before I die. Hillary, here I come.

I recommend this book entitled "Do What You Are -Discover the perfect career for you through the secrets of personality type." I have never truly known what i wanted to do with my life. I am only 22 now, but I always had a fear of being completely lost, or doing something that other people wanted me to do. After reading this book, I know what fields people with my personality type are successful in, and what kind of work would be truly fulfilling for me. God Bless your search!

Claudia, I can so relate to your question. I am 51 and struggling with the same issues. I figure I have another 15 years (give or take) to put everything I have learned and all my skills to work to make a difference in the world. The question is what should I do?

I am happy to quote Jimmy Buffett with the same philosphy of "I am growing older, but not up" I think that we all were slightly fooled by this notion that we would strike THE chord as some point and know our TRUE purpose. But I have found it is all an evolution, always about the journey, not the destination ( a philosophy I wear on the back of my motorcycle helmet!). Never STOP searching, because that is what it is all about. Have fun!

When I was little, I wanted to be a pediatrician or veterinarian. As a teenager, I wanted to be a model or rock star. Througout college, I struggled with this question. In my early 30's, I decided I wanted to be a social worker, and even when I started that, I still wanted to be a rock star. As a hospice social worker, I can't imagine being anything more. I want to be alive and happy. Through my work, I learn to appreciate life and its blessings. I've also come to realize that there is hope in death...that dying is not hopeless, but that survivors of a dying loved one have hope to carry memories on in each other.

what do you love? I love writing, i love people and the effect they have on each other, and I love making people laugh. At age 43, I started Union Seminary, graduated with an M. Div and now am an ordained civil celebrant on the way to being ordained in the UCC. Before that I was a caterer (I still own the business.) Its been a wild ride, but now I write weddings and marry people, have a wonderful boyfriend who is also a Celebrant, and couldn't enjoy life more...My motto? If not now, when?
Figure out what you love, what you can't NOT do, and find a way to do it. Fifty can be wonderful; so can 60,70, 80 if you start right where you are and look forward, not back.

I am 47 years old. I have survived breast cancer twice in the past 2 1/2 years, and have decided to "take action" in my life. I want to widen my horizons and concentrate on achieving personal and professional goals. Life doesn't have to stay the same, we should change and challenge ourselves in any way that we can find. Think of all the life experiences you can tell future grandchildren. After graduate school in '83, I moved halfway across the states knowing only my employer. I stayed over 5 years. My philosophy is that I don't want to look back and ask myself "Why didn't I do that?" So Claudia, try what your heart tells you, that way you won't regret trying but you might if you don't try.

I've known Claudia personally for many years. She is just as much fun in person as she is in this interview. If you knew her, you would love her. I just wish more of us could get to know some of these politicians personally. There are some wonderful, honest, very conscientious ones out there. I’ve been many things in my life: a professional clown, a commercial artist, a wife and mother of three kids, a certified nurse-midwife and nurse practitioner. I'm looking forward to reinventing myself as an "empty nester". What do I want to be when I grow up? Just like my friend Claudia.

I, too, have spent the last 24 years of my life raising children single-handedly. Though this has been the most challenging and single most difficult thing I have ever done in my life, it too has been the most joyful and rewarding. I am now discovering what I am all about at 50 years of age and love this time in my life. I have never been happier or at peace with myself. Though far, far from being the woman I wished at one time I was, I love so many things about me and can't wait to discover what else awaits me in my life.

I have been dealing and stuggling with my life at this stage with my break-up of 3 years with this younger guy (he is 44 years old) I will be turning 53 in February , dealing with issues from middle school years of my son and having to be a single mom for a while....so you see I am at the point where I say do I want to be making alot of money (which I am not) I chose to be at a point to be taking care of my son (the older one is graduating in Dec. yes!) now I have to deal with the 13 year old. It seems like I never finish...

I told my self 4 years ago after I finally left my last stressful job that I wiull start taking care of myself and being good to me and healthy. Most of all I feel that being in good health and happiness with family and friend is the most important. Not about making alot of money...spending time for oneself and being who you are ..and just living a full, positive, happy and health.

I turned 44 a week ago and though I've yet to reach an age that I regret, in my mind the thought of turning 50 in six years is dreadful...that is until I just read Claudia's article. She speaks so wonderfully of the "50's" that my attitude now will be one of eager anticipation rather than dread!

I loved Claudia's comment about other children calling her "Carrot Top" when she was small. Her reply, "I pointed out that carrot tops are not green" was super! It sounds like Claudia can think on her feet. I agree that being in my 50's is the best time of my life, even though I had breast cancer last year. What Claudia is going through now--trying to decide what she wants to be when she grows up--is where I was when I was 40. I think I would like Claudia if I were to meet her. Thanks for your terrific magazine!

A web designer

I'm impressed that Claudia is willing to tell important things about herself that appear to be true, including really embarassing moments. Not many politicians do that. I'm sure that someone with both the experience of raising five children and managing a large city will be able to turn her considerable skills toward something, not only satisfying but useful as well. She could manage a non-profit or start a business. Or, she could use her negotiating skills learned as a politician to help companies - either start ups or otherwise.

I really liked what Claudia Walters said about valuing her uniqueness. When I was a little girl, I was made fun of not for my appearance, but for my first name, Adena. It was different from everyone else so naturally the other children teased me. At the time, I wanted more than anything to be called "Susan" or "Diane." I especially envied my two best friends whose first names were so common that they both had to use their last initials in class. Now, I'm really proud of my name. It was my great-grandmother's name, so it also makes me feel like I'm keeping my family's history alive.

Claudia's decision will probably be influenced by whether or not she wants to do something for herself - or suffer the idiocies of continuing in politics - doing something for all of society! As young and beautiful as she is - she could do anything in the world she chooses to do. On the other hand, there are not nearly enough good, honest, clear-headed politicians in our world. Best of luck to her!

Claudia's comments really ring true--it seems that the older we get, the more "we want to be when we grow up". The more experiences we excounter make us grow and want to explore those areas too. Also, kids really only change one thing about our lives--everything! I would like a questionnaire; I'm a 32 year old homemaker with two toddlers, who was a school social worker prior to staying home (although many days I use the same skills!). Keep up the great work on Real Simple--best magazine there is!

I really enjoyed Claudia's comments about cats or dogs. Being a dog person myself, I know how hard it is to find petsitters. I can't seem to keep plants alive either, so I am probably better off with pets and then just not leave.

If Claudia decides to stay in politics, my suggestion would be to identify a non profit group or political action group that she would be interested in working with and find a new route for her life.