As a female entrepreneur n in her 60 running a tech company, Catherine Ann brings a unique perspective to women's midlife challenges. Having founded doqit after 30 years in business development, she knows firsthand how important it is to maintain clarity and focus while managing life's transitions.
Her mission is to help women take control of their daily admin, creating space for what matters most. You'll receive your DOQIT discount when you sign up to Eve Biology.
When we talk about perimenopause and menopause, we often focus on the physical symptoms - the hot flushes, the sleep disruption, the mood changes. But there's another challenge that rarely gets mentioned: trying to stay on top of life's demands while your body and brain feel like they're staging a rebellion.
Brain fog is real. And it doesn't arrive at a convenient time. It shows up often when you're in the middle of:
- Managing household renewals
- Coordinating family healthcare
- Supporting aging parents
- Helping young adult children
- Juggling work responsibilities
And let's be honest - women typically carry the mental load of family admin even before hormonal changes make everything feel more challenging.
For many of us, this coincides with life's 'sandwich years' - when we're still supporting our children (whether they're teens or young adults) while increasingly caring for aging parents. Each generation brings its own admin demands, its own paperwork, its own deadlines to remember.
And then there's our own health journey to manage. Medical appointments – smear, mammogram, prescription renewals, insurance documentation - all requiring attention and organisation at a time when our legendary female capacity for multitasking might not be firing on all cylinders.
The irony?
This is exactly when we're told to 'reduce stress' and 'prioritise self-care'. Yet the admin load of daily life doesn't pause for hormonal transitions. Bills still need paying, renewals still need tracking, important documents still need finding.
Understanding this challenge is the first step. This isn't about 'dropping the ball' or 'losing your edge' - it's about navigating a significant life transition while the world keeps spinning and demanding your attention.
The Mental Load is REAL!
Research shows that stress can exacerbate perimenopausal symptoms, creating a frustrating cycle: hormonal changes make admin tasks more challenging, which increases stress, which then intensifies symptoms. Add in the responsibility of managing documentation for multiple generations, and it's no wonder many women feel overwhelmed.
Finding Your Way
While we can't eliminate life admin entirely, we can find ways to make it more manageable:
- Acknowledge the challenge; recognition is powerful. Understanding that this is a common experience - not a personal failing - can help reduce the emotional burden.
- Create systems that work for you - Whether it's digital tools, paper systems, or a combination, find what helps you feel most in control. The best system is the one that works for your brain and lifestyle.
- Share the load. Have conversations with family members about redistributing some admin responsibilities. This isn't about failing - it's about adapting to changing needs.
- Build in buffer time. Brain fog and memory changes are real. Give yourself extra time for admin tasks and try to handle complex paperwork during your peak mental clarity hours.
- Practice self-compassion. Know some days will be better than others. That's normal. Being kind to yourself isn't just nice - it's necessary for navigating this transition.
Looking Forward
This phase of life brings changes, yes. But it also brings wisdom, perspective, and often a clearer sense of what really matters.
Perhaps it's time to view our relationship with life admin differently - not as a measure of our competence, but as just one aspect of life that deserves to be managed in a way that supports our wellbeing.
Remember:
- You're not alone in this experience
- It's okay to seek support and solutions
- Your worth isn't measured by your admin prowess
- Taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's essential
- Because while the paperwork will always be there, this is also a time for growth, transformation, and perhaps finding new ways to manage life's admin load that better serves who we're becoming.
My Midlfie
Have you picked up any new interests or hobbies lately?
Baking! Lately, I’ve been carving out more time for it. My daughter, Chloe, loves afternoon tea, and there’s nothing quite like the smell (and taste!) of freshly baked scones and cakes. It’s also one of those hobbies that fits easily into a busy schedule - and everyone gets to enjoy the results!
Looking back, is there any advice you’ve found helpful that you wish you’d known earlier?
Life is short. It honestly feels like I was 28 just last year. I don’t have regrets; I’ve packed a lot into my life, but time really does fly. So my advice? Don’t hold on to things or people that don’t bring you joy. Make space for what truly matters.
What’s something that brings you a lot of joy these days?
Spending time with my husband and daughter. Whether we’re off on an adventure or just relaxing together watching TV, I feel happiest in our little bubble. It’s simple, but it’s everything.
Are there any goals or ideas you’ve revisited recently?
Yes - my ongoing goals to read more and get fitter! They’re always on the list, and I keep circling back to them. I’ll keep you posted on how that’s going!😂
What do you think is one of the best-kept secrets about this stage of life?
You’re old enough to know better… and young enough not to care. It’s a brilliant sweet spot.
Have your priorities or values shifted over time?
They have, in some ways. I’ve always been very values-driven, but as I’ve grown older, those values have become even clearer, and stronger. I’m far less likely to spend time with people who aren’t aligned with them.
How has your idea of success or happiness evolved over the years?
So much. I used to think success was about status and money. Now, it’s about having a healthy, happy mind, a loving family, and a positive outlook. That’s real success to me.
You want to treat yourself - what do you do?
A solo day at Nirvana Spa. It’s my ultimate treat - a complete escape into rest and relaxation.
