That was the question I was asked recently.

Being right in that demographic, I didn’t have to spend long thinking. The answers poured out of me. Unedited, here’s exactly what I replied. And yes, these words dumped right out of me because I’m living much of this; if I’m not, my girlfriends are.

Daycare, corporate cultures that are toxic to self-care and family focus, wanting to stay home to raise children, paying for college, being able to retire, trying to care for or arrange care for failing parents (who may live near or far), watching their failing parents and realizing that someday they’ll likely be making their way through life as a widow. A really impossible-feeling age range to be in, the women of the sandwich generation.

Raw reply to “What do you think is the biggest financial worry for women aged 35-50?”

This isn’t what I want for myself, for my friends, for my own children, for my community. I want a world that’s less conflicted, more aligned with providing the social-emotional support we crave as humans, in addition to providing for our physical needs.

If describes you too, I’m sorry. I wish you better. And I don’t just mean by out-aging this window, out-surviving your parents and launching your children; I mean actual better, today, tomorrow, in a future that feels attainable.

What are your biggest worries? How would you like your life to change?