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Fun at 40?

September is always an exciting time, but this year it’s an especially BIG month for me.

My kids start school tomorrow. Our 12th fall season of Women For Hire career expos kicks off in a few weeks. And I’m turning 40 next week. FORTY!

My 30s were great. I grew this company, which I started at an Ikea desk in my bedroom, into a multi-million dollar business. Women For Hire has a national presence on the career field and we’ve helped thousands of women launch and advance their careers.

I joined Good Morning America, where my ongoing workplace segments focus on helping people land jobs, get ahead and make their work lives as satisfying as possible. I became a New York Times bestselling author with Will Work From Home.

This year, I introduced an entirely new service for a growing segment of our population: current and aspiring women entrepreneurs. I am so excited about our new venture and convinced that at these fun-filled retreats we can seriously help many women launch or ramp up their small businesses.

Some days I worry that the best is behind me – that it’ll be impossible to top what I’ve so proudly achieved. Then I’m reminded of something Gayle King once told us in our Audio Inspiration series, another highlight of my 30s. She said even though she loves her big, full, incredible life, she always stops short of saying, “This is as good as it gets.” She believes doing better is always possible.

It’s the limitless possibilities of the future that excite me about turning the big 4-0 next week. I’m moving into this decade with more than just a great foundation- thanks to YOU. My dreams of the last 10 years focused on how to best serve YOU – the women who visit our websites, attend our events, subscribe to our newsletters, and candidly share their challenges and triumphs. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You inspire me every day.

Several people have told me that 40 is when the fun really begins. (They’re all over 40, so they’re speaking from experience!) I hope they’re right. I hope the 30s were just practice for the good stuff that’s really in store.

Cheers to YOU this September!

Comments

  1. Ursula Harrington

    I just wanted to leave a message to say happy birthday. You’ve accomplished so much in your life but as long as there is a women out there looking to become her own boss and take control of her life there will always be a need for Tory Johnson. You have been such an inspiration to me. I know you were something special when I attended a Women for Hire job fair. I left excited and hopeful and hadn’t applied for one job…then I attended Spark and Hustle in Atlanta met some great people that I still talk to and see. We help keep each other accountable. I accepted a great job while still building my brand. I will be starting a new line of candles, lotions, body butters before Christmas! I owe it to you! I wish you the best birthday ever and many many many more!!

  2. Bianca

    An early “Happy Birthday” and yes, the fun will begin.
    As for my goals? To get my life in order by finding work, a new home, overcoming my deamons, and trust that all will work out for me and those I love.
    Bianca

  3. Kara

    Happy pre-Birthday! If you liked your 30s, you’re gonna love your 40s!

    My goal for September is simple- go outside. It has been so hot and humid in Georgia this summer, that it’s wonderful to have cooler weather in September.

  4. Diane W

    Tory,
    40 is the new 30 as they say but honestly I believe it is when you really begin to see things in a different light and bring more meaning to what you have been and done up until this point.

    Congratulations, Happy Birthday and I am sure everyone is looking forward to what is next. I will be 55 on the 17th. Virgo’s are strong, independent, organized and deliberate as we know you are.

    My business is picking up and moving forward with my energy being in the things I am very passionate about and where I believe I can make a difference. I am also networking with other women which is something I have not done in the past but believe now it is going to work well. I am seeing a different type of woman entrepreneur and it is exciting.

    I am raising my glass to the next 12 years of great stuff.

  5. Debbie

    Have a wonderful birthday. My goal this month is to hire a professional coach to help me lay the groundwork for my next steps, be more accountable and hopefully provide some insight on what is possible for me. You’re an inspiration.

  6. Happy Early Birthday and may you enjoy the fruits of your labor in all aspects of your life, dear Tory. You accomplished more in your 39.9 years of life than have most women your age on any continent, yet you still reach out to others and help them grow. To me, that is an earmark of a well-accomplished woman – someone who reaches down and brings others up with her! Thank you for everything you do.
    My goal for September is to define my brand, push out a business plan and land two clients.

  7. Lois

    Tory,

    Happy, Happy Birthday!!! Enjoy your special day and be present in the moment. As I’ve aged and passed 40 by almost twenty years, I have realized that right now is my best moment. This moment, this body, this life– friends, family, the work I can create in the depths of a recession — I have no control over the past or future so why not be happy for what is here now!?

    Best,
    Lois

  8. Claudia Rumford

    Happy Birthday Tory,Have a Great One! I myself just turned 39 this month. My goal for this month long time coming is to start my own wireless cell phone company from home. Wish me Luck!

    Have A Great Week!

    Take Care.

  9. Gretchen Gunn

    Tory:

    40 was 4 years ago and it was my best birthday ever. Gone were the days of job and personal insecurities. I knew who I was and I was looking forward to what was yet to come. I’ve never felt as confident and beautiful as I did on that day. Here’s to you feeling the same on your birthday… Since it’s a big one – give yourself a birthweek of celebrations!

    Happy Birthday!

    g2

  10. Happy Birthday to you!!! What an AMAZING woman you are! Wishing you the best-est birthday EVER and praying that each year will top the previous one.

    My website WILL go live this month and I am moving my “home office” to Starbucks (after vacation) to increase my visibility and seize on-the-spot opportunities (business/networking/collaborations). The sky truly is the limit!

    God Bless!!

  11. Gail

    HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! and many, many more! I am a “newbie” at this but with your inspiration I hope I can survive. I just turned 58, divorced and scared to death. You have given me hope. Have a great year and life to come.

  12. Kathleen R

    Happy Birthday, Tory! I am also turning 40 next week (on the 17th) and I’m so not looking forward to it. It is good to see someone else who IS. I am in the process of building my hobby into my business and I’m loving it! Thanks for all you do.

  13. Tory,
    Happy 40th Birthday!!Today is my birthday and I am setting goals to find a full time job with great benefits.

    Be Blessed!
    Janice S.

  14. Happy 40th Birthday, Tory! You have the look of YOUTH,blessings of a fabulous FAMILY, FINANCIAL SUCCESS and WISDOM of the ages! You truly ROCK! and…
    Thanks to you, the 60’s aren’t lookin’ so bad for me !

  15. Happy pre-birthday, Tory. I’m in my 60’s now–and still in business–but I remember my 40’s as my best decade: business doing great, relationship very loving, no kids but 2 great dogs! I wish you your own version!
    Judi Lansky

  16. MC

    Happy Birthday. When I reached me 40’s, it was great. I didn’t feel any different then as I do now at 58 years of age.
    My greatest goal is to secure a job as a assistant computer literacy coach for adults with disabilities. I hope to be doing that very soon after the Jewish New Year.

    Again happy birthday and enjoy.

  17. Barbara

    Happy Birthday Tory! Congratulations on all your success! I have turned my friends on to your website! I think you are doing women a GREAT SERVICE! Your work from home info has helped me alot. I have struggled since my travel job of 17 years went under. Im finally on my way. Just signed up to be an Independent Silpada Designs Representative (you featured them in your work from home info.) Keep up the GREAT work and enjoy your 40s with more success! Thank you for all you do!

  18. Happy pre-birthday! Yes the 40’s is the new 20’s! I will be 43 this year and I am madly enjoying life. My new business of two years have boomed in the last year and we are still looking for “leaders” to develop a six figure income. I am not participating in the claimed “recession”. You are an inspiration to us all.

    God Bless!

    Sondra

  19. Leigh

    Happy Birthday to you!!!!! I turned forty last year and it really has allowed me to think about my goals for this phase of my life. My goal is to return to school and pursue my Ph.D. in linguistics. I know it will happen simply because the blessings that have come my way serve as the “foundation” for my returning to school. I will be teaching TESOL/Linguistics courses to individuals wanting to learn how to teach English domestically and abroad.

  20. Delmar

    Welcome! Tory to the 40 and fabulous group. I found you about 3 years ago watching GMA and I have enjoyed and been inspired by what you do. Turning 40 was almost 4 years ago for me and although it started off a little bumpy for me, it’s a great place to be. You learn not to worry so much about the naysayers but listen to your own voice more. It’s the decade where I stepped out on faith and tried my hand at being an entrepreneur for the first time, and even though I didn’t make a lot of money on the first business venture, it sure was personally satisfying to know that I had what it took in me to try it and I met a lot of great people along the way. Now, I’m at the point of starting a new biz and can’t wait to see how far I can go with it. I look forward to sharing my new adventure with this great community of women that have gathered here at Women for Hire!. CONGRATS! on your success and may it just get better and better. I can’t wait to attend a 2011 Sparkle and Hustle conference.

  21. Monique

    Well, it’s no wonder you ROCK! You are a September baby and we are the best. I wish you a VERY happy birthday. I have no doubt that your best days are yet to come. You have just started to scratch the surface of your brilliance. You will continue to serve as an inspiration and mentor to women entrepreneurs everywhere. Continue to dream big!!

  22. Deborah Shane

    I’m going to post something on 9/14!

  23. Lisa Michelle

    Happy Birthday Tori! I’m 44 and I can honestly say that my life is better now than it’s ever been. The challenges have been huge, but I’ve pulled through them triumphantly–not the way I did in my 20s and 30s. I am more confident, focused and ambitious than ever. You already shine, and your 40s will exemplify that even more. Congrats to you for all that you’ve accomplished thus far!

    My goal for this month is to conduct test marketing for a product I’m launching with my family in November. Keep up the good work, and I’ll see you on the success track!

  24. Jan

    Happy Birthday Tory!!! Congratulations on your success!!
    You have been an inspiration to me as I go on this employment journey. I have finally found what I need for employment and will keep on the path. I have read your book, “Fired to Hired”.
    Keep up the good work!

  25. Mary A.

    Congratulations on your running start! Many more years of success! Glad to see success from helping others! Thank you for all your inspiration and help!
    Mary A.

  26. Happy Birthday Tory ! My prayer for you is that you accomplish all your dreams , enjoy the journey and all the blessings that God has given you.
    Meeting you was one of the highlights of my life , your sound advice and wisdom motivates me everyday.
    My hope is to have my products sold in retails stores soon.
    You are a great woman.Enjoy!

  27. 2gether We Build

    Hey Tory, Happy Birthday! I myself will be turning 48 on the 16th this month.
    I am looking forward to those new innovative moments as I enter into a new part of myself.
    Having been a stay at home mom and thus far unappreciated. Has taught me… love yourself first and everything else will fall in line.
    I purchased your new program to “Make Money @ Home”. Looking forward to the venture.
    Thanks from one Virgo to the other, we must stick together.

  28. RJames

    Tory, Your birthday happens to be the same as my husbands, so of course its a great day. Although, he will be turning 60. I just bought your book, Will Work From Home. I am trying to give him some inspiration. In this economy he doesn’t think he can retire yet, but his job will be ending Nov. 1st. Keep up the good work, you give many of us inspiration.

  29. Want to wish you the best and many more. My forties was great and when you reach fifties,it is even better. You know you have reached over the hill. Thank you for all your advice and inspiration.

  30. Jacqueline

    Hey Tory;
    Happy 40th! Just Remember–Life is not about finding yourself; It’s about Creating Yourself! Have lots of fun for the next 40 doing just that 🙂

  31. Robin K.

    Happy Happy Birthday!! I will be turning a number in the 40’s next week as well..
    You are truly an inspiration of what is possible for women who have the Spark and Hustle. Your passion, honesty and drive to help women be successful is truly a gift. You have accomplished so much and after being a Spark and Hustle attendee it is clear that that your future is limitless. I am so thrilled to be along for the ride. Enjoy your special day. We only turn 40 yrs old once.

  32. Kesia D

    Happy Birthday Tory! I too just turned 40 on September 4th and boy I truly feel that this life is going to get really good. I am working in corporate America but feeling like I am missing doing my own thing. There are so many things that us Virgo girls can get our hands into, so I guess I will have to peruse your site a bit more to find my niche. I hope to hit a Spark & Hustle in the near future. Enjoy your day as much as I did mine! May the next 40 years be even greater!

  33. Georgia

    Happy Birthday from a fellow Virgo! There’s nothing like jumping into your 40s after a solid decade of being successful! For you, turning 40 will literally be a piece of cake! Ice cream, too! (Call Shameeka in Atlanta to put that together!)After what you did in your 30s, you can only build something bigger and better in your 40s!

  34. Jennifer

    Wishing you a very happy birthday!! Forty is an age to embrace. I turned 40 last November and have found it to be true what they say about life begins at 40. And really, it’s just numbers. You’re only as old as you feel 🙂

  35. ann

    Happy Birthday, Tory. Thank you so much for sharing the infomation to get a job and be successful! I turned 65 this year and don’t intend to slow down. I purchased your program Make Money @ home and can’t wait to get started. You are such an inspiration to me. When you said you started out with an office in your bedroom I was so happy. My office is in a room that is my laundry room and computer room. Now I know I can make it work!

  36. Sandy Dumont

    Tory,
    Hope you have a wonderful birthday. Life truly does begin at 40, and as the old saying goes, “You’re not getting older, you’re getting better!”

  37. Dana

    Happy, Happy Birthday, Tori! And, Many More!
    Many blessings to you as you enter the best years of your life!
    Peace and love, Dana

  38. Dinneen

    Happy Birthday!! Personally, I LOVE the 40’s. I know so much more of who I am, and what I want out of life. But probably like so many of us, I often think “if I only knew in my 20’s what I know now…” But it took those mistakes of the 20’s (and 30’s) to really ‘see’ more of who I am. Every decade (hey, every day!) is a learning experience.

    Wisdom truly does come with age and experience. Best wishes for a great year!!

  39. Lori

    Tory,

    Congratulations on all you’ve achieved thus far and a very happy birthday. As you turn 40 remember the best is yet to come. My wish for you is that the next forty will bring you all the success, health, happiness and serenity you so rightly deserve. All the best.

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