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Gen X Goes Digital: My Journey Creating a Website at 45

As a proud member of Generation X, I’ve witnessed the digital revolution unfold before my eyes. Yet, despite being surrounded by technology, I always thought creating a website was beyond my capabilities. At 45, I decided to challenge that belief and embark on a journey to build my first-ever website. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I had imagined!

 

My goal was to create an online shop featuring print-on-demand products and a blog. After some research, I chose to use PowerPress on Bluehost, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

The process was surprisingly straightforward. Bluehost offers a variety of website templates to choose from, making it easy to find a design that suits your needs. I opted for a simple layout, breaking my site down into key sections: shop, blog, featured products, and videos from my YouTube channels:

 

Moreover, the has its own YouTube channel (@LollyByOlivia)  where l plan to describe how l made my website, videos of my products and general experience with my shop and blog.

One of the standout features of my Bluehost experience has been their exceptional customer support. Whenever I encountered an issue, help was just a chat away, with response times typically under a minute. This level of support was invaluable for a newbie like me, providing the confidence to overcome any obstacles.

For those of you who, like me, might be hesitant about creating a website later in life, I’m here to tell you it’s absolutely achievable. The tools available today make the process more accessible than ever. Plus, the satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life online is truly rewarding.

If you’re inspired to start your own website journey, I’m happy to share that you can get 75% off at Bluehost using my referral link. It’s a great way to dip your toes into web development without breaking the bank.

Remember, it’s never too late to learn new skills and embrace the digital world. If this Gen X-er can do it, so can you!

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blogging

Discovering Blogging as a Gen X

 

Foto: Creative Fabrica

Hello, dear readers! My name is Roxana, and I am delighted to welcome you to my corner of the internet. Born and raised in the picturesque country of Romania, I am 45 years old and have recently embarked on an exhilarating new journey: blogging. Allow me to share a bit about my life, my passions, and how I discovered this wonderful world of digital storytelling.

In my early forties, I made a significant life change by moving to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education. It was a bold step that brought new challenges and exciting opportunities. By the age of 42, I had proudly obtained both a Master of Science and a PhD in Chemistry. These accomplishments marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Today, I have the privilege of working at a university, where I engage in research and teaching. However, despite the fulfilment I find in my career, I was yearning for a hobby to occupy my after-work hours, something that would ignite my creativity and offer a sense of relaxation.

Having discovered computers and the internet in my twenties, my experience with technology has been quite different from that of today’s digital natives. Growing up, the internet wasn’t a ubiquitous presence in our lives; it was a novel and somewhat mysterious tool that we gradually learned to navigate. Kids nowadays seem to be born with an innate understanding of the internet, effortlessly swiping and tapping their way through devices as if it were second nature. They grow up immersed in a digital world, with access to information and entertainment at their fingertips from a very young age.

Foto: Creative Fabrica

In contrast, my early encounters with technology were filled with curiosity and a sense of wonder. I remember the excitement of booting up my first computer, the sound of the dial-up modem connecting to the internet, and the thrill of exploring the vast, uncharted territory of the World Wide Web. However, my journey with technology was often interrupted by life’s responsibilities and the demands of my academic and professional pursuits. There simply wasn’t enough time to delve deeply into the endless possibilities that the digital world had to offer.

It wasn’t until recently that I found myself with the freedom to truly immerse myself in technology. With my academic achievements behind me and a stable career in place, I finally had the opportunity to explore the internet and its myriad tools at my own pace. This newfound exploration has been nothing short of exhilarating. From creating digital art with Midjourney to designing graphics with Canva, I’ve discovered a whole new realm of creativity. Engaging with ChatGPT has opened up fascinating conversations and provided insights that I never thought possible.

Foto: Creative Fabrica

While today’s children may take their digital proficiency for granted, my late-blooming journey into the tech world has been deeply fulfilling. Each new tool and platform I discover feels like uncovering a hidden gem, sparking joy and excitement. This exploration has rekindled my passion for learning and has shown me that it’s never too late to embrace new technologies and hobbies.

While others might head to the gym or the pub to unwind, I relish coming home to dive into learning something new and expanding my digital skills. One of my proudest achievements has been creating my very own website, a project that seemed daunting at first but was made possible thanks to the incredible tools and customer support provided by Bluehost. I never thought I could accomplish something like this, but here I am, with my very own online shop and blog.

Blogging has quickly become a favorite pastime, offering me a platform to share slices of life with my sister Olivia as we navigate the world as Romanian siblings. Through my blog, I get to express my love for shopping, discovering new web tools, and sharing tips and stories that make my blogging journey even more enjoyable. Each post is a piece of our lives, a snapshot of our adventures, and a testament to the joy of lifelong learning and discovery.

Stay tuned, dear readers, as there are amazing updates and exciting news coming soon. This space is just the beginning of an incredible adventure, and I can’t wait to share more with you all. Whether you are a seasoned blogger, a fellow Gen X exploring the digital world, or simply someone looking for inspiration, I hope my story resonates with you and encourages you to embrace new passions and hobbies at any stage of life.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here’s to discovering new horizons, one blog post at a time!

Foto: Creative Fabrica