Living Your Best Encore: Melissa Davey

What is or was your prior job/career, and how many years have you spent there? Are you willing to share your age? 

I am a 74-year-old documentary filmmaker making films about older women's life stories and continued relevance as they age.  For more than two decades prior to becoming a filmmaker, I was a corporate vice president running a division of a large national managed care company.

What inspired you to pursue your current path (whether actively working, retired, or starting a second act), and how did you arrive at that decision? 

At 65, I was contemplating my more than two decades at my previous job, with no pressure from the company to leave. I was acutely aware of my age and wondered if this was it. I started making lists of everything I wish I had tried, and film rose to the top. While I was thinking about my potential options, I had a fortuitous day on the set (wildly out of the blue) with M. Night Shyamalan. He asked me what I did for work. I explained, and he quizzically asked me, "What do you really want to do?”  I answered immediately, “I want your job!”  His response was, "Well, you better hurry up.” 

So, I did.

I gave a year's notice and began making my first film, Beyond Sixty. It was distributed in 2021. My second film, Climbing into Life, is now on the film festival circuit and winning awards along the way.  I made the jump because I did not want to die at my desk. I wanted to continue to work and create, but on my own terms and in a way that I felt would be inspirational to others.

What achievement or milestone are you most proud of, looking back on your life? 

I am proud that I remained curious throughout my life and that I took risks to be where I am today. All of my experiences, including my failures, led me to where I am. I am proud of the work I did for decades with my last company, and I am very proud that with no film experience, I was able to create two films that are impactful to others and cathartic for me!

What lesson did you learn later in life that you wish you had known earlier? 

I wish I had known that sweating the small stuff wasn't worth it.

Reflecting on your life journey, what are you most grateful for...

I am grateful for all the people who have supported me as I took all the detours in my life, especially my husband, who has been very supportive of my seemingly crazy jump into the unknown at age 65 when many people are hanging up. That and my health. I am grateful that I am healthy and enjoying life today!

If you could turn back the clock to relive a particular age, which would you choose and why? 

I would choose my age today: 74. I don't believe there is any point in looking back and yearning to be at another stage or age in life. That has passed, and I am grateful for all the experiences and learnings I gained throughout the years, which have given me the confidence and curiosity to move forward in a new direction.