Embarking on a New Comedy Career at 68

Having spent over four decades working in IT, I decided to take a detour during my retirement not to the beaches of Portugal or pickleball courts, but to the dimly lit corners of comedy clubs.

Although mastering the comedic craft is challenging, my enthusiasm fuels my efforts.

A recent unexpected downpour halted the Metro North train, causing me to miss a rare 'Ladies Night' open mic — an evening I had invested five hours commuting for just five minutes on stage, ultimately spending my small fee on a satisfying coffee at Grand Central.

Transitioning from IT to Comedy

My career in Information Technology remained a mystery to everyone outside the field, including my late parents. It provided financial stability, allowing me to marry, purchase a home, and raise children, yet my love for humor persisted, scribbling comedic essays and staging unnoticed performances for personal satisfaction.

While peers savor leisurely afternoons, I immerse myself in honing comedic skills with diverse groups that include former lawyers, students, and retirees in forgotten bar back rooms.

A Childhood Filled with Laughter

As the jovial middle child among five, humor was my key to being noticed. My family adored my performances, even when the stage was simply the local community center.

On the side, I pursued a variety of serious roles including technical writing and project management, while crafting spoof songs during spare moments.

Balancing Comedy and Career

Friends often wonder why I didn't dive into comedy earlier. The truth is, I enjoyed the comfort of regular income, and an office job afforded me the luxury of culinary delights and retail therapy.

Injecting Humor into Everyday Life

Even corporate environments couldn't suppress my wit. My early career was marked by a toxic cubicle atmosphere, yet my sardonic remarks made such an impact that a colleague documented them. That colleague became my husband, and that notebook is a cherished souvenir.

My house is littered with comedic notes — compiled over a lifetime lest I forget a potential gem — occasionally appearing in unexpected places.

Why Now?

Post-menopause, surviving a pandemic, and having my financial future secure enough to potentially reach my 90s, I've finally let go of the nine-to-five grunt.

Unlike some retirees who effortlessly adopt modern pastimes, I'm acutely aware that mastering comedy takes extensive dedication — it's arduous to reach excellence.

Perfecting comedy involves endless iteration, with many failed jokes left on the editing room floor, yet even crafted sets require ongoing refinement and adaptability.

Finding Companionship in Comedy

Many settle for mere laughs, but I persevere despite my bodily aches, featuring them humorously in my routines. My advancing age and experiences provide rich material.

To my surprise, I'm not always the eldest comic around. I've found a network of others like me pursuing this eccentric dream, discovering universal truths through laughter.

Joining this comedic exploration feels like striking gold. As I continue this journey, I savor each moment of comedic discovery.