Writer, Interrupted

Iris Apfel

The one thing about life that always amazes me is how fast things can change. You think your career is developing successfully in one direction and all of a sudden you’re presented with an opportunity that you need to grab with enthusiasm. You thought you were busy before, tired before, but you are about to test your endurance and resilience. Again.

I had been looking for a part-time job for months to supplement the money I’ve been making on my book sales. My goal was to take the earnings and use it toward more promotion and to tune up my blog. I’ve had a job since I was thirteen years old. I wanted my own money again and Christmas was approaching.

Do you have any idea how difficult it is for a fifty-year-old woman to get a job? It is downright insulting that businesses aren’t interested in a mature, responsible woman with a great resume.

After sending out tons of resumes I was hired by Pandora to sell jewelry. Thankfully, I was also immediately presented with the opportunity to work for Nordstrom in the jewelry and watch department. I jumped at the chance.

I have always loved jewelry—what woman doesn’t—and the thought of working in a department full of beautiful products was exciting. I’ve read Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar since I was a teenager, and although I don’t dress in Valentino and Chanel I can tell you quite a lot about them.

The holiday season was an incredible challenge. I worked over two hundred hours, on my feet, in December. I learned how to size watches and talk to customers about jewelry. I was able to do one of my favorite things—help women choose the perfect earrings or necklace to go with a dress. Love that.

What has suffered in all of this delightful craziness is the current work in progress, the third mystery. There are only so many hours in a day. My manager asked if I would stay after Christmas and I agreed. So, now I must be super organized and incredibly stingy with my time. Gabbing on social media will be restricted to my days off. Yoga and tennis must fit in this limited free time as well. I need to carve out that hour early in the morning to write. I must push past the distractions and keep on with my pirates.

My message to all of you ladies who have reached a certain age is simple: You can do whatever you want at any age. A number is only a number, and we should never let anyone else limit our ability to reinvent ourselves. The New Year has just begun, and it is packed with possibilities for you and me. Go kick some butt.