Margaret Murphy has sculpted an amazing life path that touches three continents and five generations. Born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, she has navigated the complexities of family life, education, and personal aspirations while remaining devoted to her husband, Peter, despite living on separate continents. Now, at 60 years young, Murphy was ready to write the next chapter of her story, a big break away from her established identity and goals.
Murphy’s formative years in the ’90s in Brisbane, Australia revolved around her work and the world of care. Having grown up with two siblings who experienced life-limiting illness, Rachel and her mother learned how to care for and support their family. This upbringing created within her a spirit of toughness and flexibility. She later reflected on these experiences, stating, “I’ve learned to be resilient and overcome hardships, and to look for solutions.”
As an adult, Murphy wore many hats. There, she worked as a midwife and became mother to four children, all the while advancing her own education up to and including the university level. She balanced an array of commitments, alongside other occasional TEFL contract work. On top of all that, this balancing act happened in the midst of her daughters’ formative, younger years. Her dedication to her family and the field of education set the stage for her long-lasting career in the field.
At 25 years old, Murphy’s life changed drastically when she had a chance encounter with—and later fell in love with—the artist Peter at a friend’s party. The two hit it off right away, and were married the next year. Not long after, Murphy had the joy of welcoming her first child. She gracefully juggled the demands of being a mother with the demands of graduate education. In her late 40s she started a master’s degree, soon after a PhD in linguistics.
In 2007, at the age of 56, Murphy made the bold decision to travel alone to the United Kingdom, where she knew no one. Widely known as the turning point in her life, this experience propelled her forward into new opportunities and a newfound independence. Murphy articulated her motivations for this journey: “I wanted to see the world before I got too old, and have adventures.”
Though Murphy and Peter now live separately, they continue to enjoy a close, supportive martial connection. In the process, she’s created her own niche in this developing relationship landscape. She argues that this setup is a “21st century marriage” in action. “It’s a freer, more modern way to look at married life for older couples when all their domestic responsibilities have been taken care of,” she explained.
It was only at the age of 60 that Murphy stepped fully into her first full-time position. She proved her desire to pursue her career goals later in life. This radical promise is the perfect embodiment of her faith in the power of ongoing growth and self-discovery. She remarked on the balance she constantly strives for: “I do feel that tension: wifely duties as opposed to doing something I want to do in later life.”
Murphy’s journey has radically changed Murphy’s life, and in the process, changed her understanding of herself and her needs when it comes to relationships and independence. She recognizes the importance of self-sufficiency, stating, “I can deal with life on my own. And I have come to be more tolerant of other people.” Her story is an inspiration to all those who want to find rewarding careers outside of the kitchen.