Welcome back to Project Second Half… an interview series exploring how people of all ages are thinking about the second half of their lives. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Jade Wong, a writer and marketing professional based in New York.
Name: Stephanie Jade Wong
Age: 34
Location: NY
Relationship status: In a serious, long-term relationship after meeting on a dating app a few years ago. We don’t live together, but you may say it’s “long distance” since we live in different boroughs.
Hobbies: Reading and trying new group fitness classes.
Personal or side projects: Reminding myself to journal more, trying to be more proactive about submitting creative writing.
Kids: As a child of divorce, when I was a teenager, I told myself I didn’t want children if I was going to be a single mom or if I got married and it ended in divorce. But the older I became, the more I realized how that original thought came from a place of hurt. I didn’t want to be disappointed or alone. Now, if the opportunity presented itself in the future, I’d be honored to have the chance to bring a life into the world and help shape their experiences with the type of care and love I wish I received.
Who are you, and what should we know about you right off the bat?
I’ve got a journalism background and currently work in marketing. I’m trying to find my way in the world and better communicate my emotions to those around me.
Is there a part of yourself that you’re hoping to rediscover in your second half of life?
I’d like to feel the freedom of sharing my true emotions and feelings in a way where I’m not afraid of others’ reactions or the outcomes. I’d like to be more brave and bold.
What do you care less about now than you did 10 to 20 years ago?
Having the same opinions as others to fit in.
What do you care more about now than you did 10 to 20 years ago?
True and meaningful friendships.
When you imagine a good life at 50, 60, 70, or 80, what does it look and feel like?
I’m active, eat nutritiously, don’t feel pain, and have genuine relationships in my life.
Have any major losses, disappointments, or life transitions changed how you think about your second half?
Time is short, and there’s no time to waste when it comes to living as you’d like.
What are you no longer willing to postpone?
I’m no longer willing to postpone my happiness to benefit others.
What role do work, achievement, or ambition play in your life today compared to earlier chapters?
I don’t need to be the top dog, but I’d like to be happy doing what I do on a daily basis. Some say it’s difficult to actually have your job be your passion, but it would be a different world for me if writing weren’t my main job. I always thought I’d want to climb that corporate ladder to be the one in charge, but I’ve realized it’s more about enjoying my work than anything. If I don’t believe in it, I can’t write about it.
What have you learned about happiness that your younger self wouldn’t have understood?
Happiness isn’t winning the trophy or getting the award. Happiness is the journey, the friends, and the realizations you discover in your daily life.
If the second half of life has a theme or guiding principle for you, what would it be?
Joy
What does growing older mean to you now?
Cultivating meaningful relationships not only with the people around me, but also with myself.
What are you still trying to figure out?
If I had grown up learning how to speak about my emotions and trusting others with ease, would I be able to do that better as an adult?
What belief about life have you changed your mind about?
Mother doesn’t always know best.
What are you trying to say “yes” to more these days?
Doing things with my friends that I wouldn’t do on my own, but I’m participating because my friend is interested and I want to support them.
What are you trying to say “no” to more these days?
To helping when my cup is too full.
What are you learning to let go of?
Judgment from others.
What feels more urgent now than it did ten years ago?
Cultivating meaningful relationships.
What would make you look back and think, “I used my time well”?
Feeling accomplished and good about the choices I made in life. I want to feel confident in my decisions, learn from mistakes, and have no regrets. Instead of always moving quickly to achieve as much as possible, I want to be able to reflect on the experiences I had and remember that life is about enjoyment as much as achievement.
What do you hope people remember about you when you’re gone?
That I was a great writer and that my thoughts and opinions didn’t just mirror others’, but that they were unique and that they mattered.
Big thanks to Stephanie for taking the time to answer my questions, and as always, thanks for reading! Leave a comment or question for her below. 💬
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Project Second Half explores how people of all ages are thinking about the second half of their lives. If you’d like to participate in the series, fill out this form. The more the merrier! You can also answer it anonymously if you prefer.
In case you missed it, I’m raising money for Hilarity for Charity, a nonprofit that supports families affected by Alzheimer’s. My goal is to raise $1000 by January 1st, 2027. I’m currently at around $100 (thanks, Dad!). If you’d like to help, visit my fundraising page to donate. Thanks so much.