Not Done Yet!: How Women Over 50 Regain Their Confidence and Claim Workplace Power

by Bonnie Marcus

For women over fifty, this invaluable guide combines practical advice, and exercises, and no shortage of sass that will inspire readers to beat ageist limitations and own their careers.Despite advances made by women in the workplace, pay inequity and underrepresentation in top positions are still a reality. And, unfortunately, the situation looks worse for older women, who face what acclaimed author, podcast host, and sought-after coach Bonnie Marcus calls “the double whammy of gendered ageism.” As a woman over fifty, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do as you face down diminished responsibilities, decreasing visibility, and the looming specter of being “aged out.”In this revelatory, inspiring, and savvy new book, Marcus is out to convince you that, in fact, you can do a whole lot. You can keep your job, advance your career, do the work you love and need to do—and defy all the ageist assumptions that suggest otherwise.In Not Done Yet! the realities of ageing in the workplace are not sugar-coated. Straight-talking and savvy, Marcus tells it like it is, and doing so, empowers you to navigate the challenges. She begins by laying out the fears and assumptions that hold women back. Then she shares tips and exercises to stop staying small and stay in the game. Finally, she teaches you how to move from being a sadass to a badass, with practical advice about caring for yourself and fueling your confidence to flourish at work.You are a woman over fifty, and you deserve a seat at the table. You have a wealth of wisdom and experience to offer your workplace. It may feel like the odds are stacked against you, but Bonnie Marcus is here to show you how you can overcome the challenges of gendered ageism. You are not done yet! It is up to you to prove it.

Genres: Business

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2021

About the author

Award winning entrepreneur, Forbes contributing writer, and executive coach, Bonnie Marcus, M.Ed., assists professional women to successfully navigate the workplace and position and promote themselves to advance their careers.

With 20+ years of sales and management experience, Bonnie’s extensive business background includes CEO of a ServiceMaster company and VP of Sales at Medical Staffing Network and two others national companies in the healthcare and software industries. She has held executive positions in startup companies and Fortune 500 companies.

Bonnie started her corporate career at an entry-level position and worked her way up to the top of a national company. Her passion is now to help other women embrace their talent and ambition and step into their full potential and workplace power. Bonnie shares her message globally through speaking engagements, live and virtual workshops, blogging, and her popular podcast, Badass Women at Any Age.

Bonnie’s book, The Politics of Promotion: How High Achieving Women Get Ahead and Stay Ahead, provides a roadmap for women to navigate the complexities of the workplace and position themselves for success. Not Done Yet! How Women Over 50 Regain Their Confidence and Claim Their Workplace Power, will be published March 2021.

A certified coach, Bonnie has been honored by Global Gurus as one of the world’s top 30 coaches in 2015-2020. She has been acknowledged as one of the top 100 keynote speakers in 2018 by Databird Research Journal.

Bonnie received a BA from Connecticut College and a M.Ed. from New York University.

Bonnie’s website is www.BonnieMarcusLeadership.com. She can be reached by email at Bonnie@BonnieMarcusLeadership.com and on Twitter and Instagram @selfpromote. Read her articles on Forbes at www.forbes.com/sites/bonniemarcus. Her podcast, Badass Women at Any Age is available on Apple Podcasts.

Reviews

[Sophfronia Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could easily have been a downer full of dire warning, but author Bonnie Marcus takes the tact of "face the facts and get yourself moving!" The pages are invigorated with Marcus's energy from her opening rant declaring her value and the value of all women in the workplace over the age of 50, to her closing determination to her readers that "You got this." It's exactly what this book needs to be because the facts about the "double whammy" of sexism and ageism that Marcus lays out, through thoughtful research and interviews with women currently in the thick of it, are depressing. And we women don't make it any easier on ourselves when we buy into the limiting beliefs placed on us by the marketplace. But Marcus slices through these beliefs and then provides her readers with the tools to build themselves anew, confident in their experience and in the determination that they are "not done yet."

Marcus's tone throughout the book is fresh and energetic while at the same time encouraging and nurturing. It's like spending time with a friend who gives excellent advice. I'd recommend women of all ages read this book because younger women, already grappling with sexism, will want to prepare for the inevitable. Those already in the throes of the double whammy will find Marcus addressing what's going on within themselves and without to help them navigate the tricky terrain. A most necessary and well-written book.

[Lisa Kosak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few months ago, I had a friend that starting looking for a job to escape a toxic work environment. As she searched, she was astounded at the blatant ageism that still exists. She is only 46. In one interview, they asked if she would have a problem working with much younger staff. The company was worried that the younger crowd would be intimidated by her experience and age. Wow! Welcome to reality! Even I was shocked. Unfortunately, this is what so many “experienced” women deal with every day.

Traditionally women have suffered the brunt of both work and family responsibilities. We know the challenges that are thrown at us almost daily. In addition, we “age” more than men and are frequently excluded from promotions, achievements, and opportunities well before men. It is real, it hurts, we have to acknowledge it and reclaim our power. Sound familiar? The new book Not Done Yet! How Women Over 50 Regain Their Confidence & Claim Workplace Power by Bonnie Marcus is a necessary read for women of all ages.

Admittedly, I am a Bonnie Marcus fan. Her first book The Politics of Promotion is a phenomenal road map to guiding women through the perils of all the politics at work that most of us run from. The articles she writes for Forbes speak to me. Bonnie has experienced what so many of us have in the workplace. It is endearing to read what she and so many other women have experienced and continue to go up against as we age. In this book, Bonnie throws out the truth and the obstacles that we face as we age. Her solution? Become a Badass and live it every day to reclaim your confidence, power, recognition, and show them what you’ve got!

Are you ready? A Badass “means owning who you are, owning your experience, your wisdom, your talent, your age”. Sign me up! So many women hold themselves back by beliefs. If we remain positive, our beliefs become our rock. If they are negative, we will never show up, own our talent, or be authentic in everything that we do.

I admire how Bonnie lays it all out for us. The book is divided into three parts. Each chapter gave me chills because I can see myself in every single one. It was also a bit unsettling that I realized how I have just sat back.

1. Assumptions, fears, and all the crap about aging that holds you back
2. Stop playing small, and do what it takes to stay in the game
3. Be your BADASS self

Despite all of the gains women have made in the workplace issues such as pay inequity, lack of promotional opportunities, respect for wisdom, few women at the helm of companies, the situation is worse for women over 50. Bonnie shares all of the fears, assumptions, and reality that hold women back. She then grabs us and shares how we should stop holding ourselves back AND stop those who try to stop us. Bonnie offers strategies, advice, life experiences, and candor with a sense of humor while cheering us on. Don’t have a success journal? Get one. Don’t know how to gracefully push back on age comments? She has us covered. Unsure how to move up in your career despite roadblocks? You can become a tactful bulldozer.

Not Done Yet! is a book that resides next to my bed along with my journal. It will pick me up when I feel defeated. It will inspire me to be authentic and lift other women up. It will be a reminder of how much I still have to give. I will remain in control, visible, relevant, and wise. Join me and pick up Bonnie Marcus’s book Not Done Yet! today.

[Brenda Yoho · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Not Done Yet” is a powerful title to empower women over 50 to remember age is just a number. Our life journey is just what we make it! Bonnie offers a valuable toolbox with her road map to conquer our conflicts. We are not powerless! “The first thing to do is to ditch all of the fears and assumptions that keep you small, that prevent you from living your life to the fullest and thriving in your career.” Now pack your bag with highlighters, post-it notes, pencils, your favorite beverage and a copy of “Not Done Yet” invite friends if you want and let's go! We are not small anymore!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read, with lots of wisdom! Bonnie's approach and her stories are encouraging and supportive for women of all ages.

She calls out ageism and sexism, and the problems they cause in the North American workplace. She offers strong, practical suggestions on how to move forward.

While the target is women over 50, I think the message will resonate with many who are disenfranchised by other discriminatory actions and behaviours.

[Charlotte Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a woman in my early 40s and can already start to see issues with gendered ageism in my life and at work. I loved Bonnie's recommendations for confronting this issue in the workplace and love how she writes like she's an encouraging friend. This is just the motivational pep talk you need to read and get inspired. 

[Judith Saldaña · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was the last third of this book that turned it around and left me feeling inspired. The first two sections seemed a bit contrived and artificial. Perhaps it is just this author’s style and liberal use of curse words, but it wasn’t my cup of tea. However, it was worth sticking with it as the home stretch was very motivating.

[LeAnn Monteiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciate Bonnie’s messages throughout the book. Age should not impact how women especially are perceived in business or life.

[Dr. Byron Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to improve as a leader who works with and serves great women leaders. The insight gained from this book is immediately usable. There have already been many instances where I have been very glad I read the book.