Dianne Michels, 81, balances working at Trader Joe's with building a consulting and coaching business to pay off $70,000 in debt. She reflects on her early career choices, marital challenges, and her involvement in politics after her divorce. Michels emphasizes a desire to remain relevant and not be treated as an 'old person.' Although she made financial mistakes, she has fewer regrets about her life choices and is focused on creating a lasting legacy through her business endeavors.
Part of me never wants anybody to know how old I am because I don't want them to treat me like I'm an old person. The way people in retirement are treated is like they're no longer relevant.
I started my career at a telephone company in Fargo when I was 19. I went to college but dropped out because I didn't want to be a nurse or a teacher, and it seemed like those were the only options for women back then.
I got married at 20, and we had two children. I supported my husband financially through his last two years of college, which was a common thing in those days.
After my divorce, I became active in politics. I worked at the State Attorney's office and volunteered for a congressional campaign.
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