Sometimes it takes either advanced age or illness to make one acutely aware of how precious the later years in life are. Several recent commencement addresses by famous people, among them Condoleezza Rice, stressed the importance of doing what you love; of making the time and effort to “find your passion.”
Our retirement years can be an opportunity to rediscover a passion or find a new one. Don’t expect that a wonderful, new interest will suddenly materialize. Sometimes it takes real soul-searching and quite a bit of trial and error before you find what can fill your days with never-ending interest and pleasure.
Patricia Santiago of Bridgeport was in her 60s when she was laid off from her job as a forklift operator. She went back to school and got her high school diploma, then also went to Housatonic Community College for an associate’s degree and finally ended up as one of the oldest to graduate from Post College. Santiago has a new, full-time career helping others to get training and new careers.
College towns can be especially good places for seniors to settle, and many new retirement communities are being built in or near well-known colleges such as Cornell in Ithaca, N.Y.; Duke University in Durham, N.C.; and Virginia Commonwealth in Richmond, Va. Towns like these tend to be recession resistant and, like New Haven, offer entertainment, sports and other activities. Here is just a sampling of some possible second careers in these types of towns:
-Athletic Event or Theater Ticket Services: Juggle urgent ticket requests by phone, mail or customer service window. Usher at theatrical events and see all the shows for free.
-Event Planning: Must be detail-oriented. Plan reunions and campus conferences. Schedule speakers, draft programs, register guests, order equipment and hire musicians, entertainers, etc. You can obtain a Certified Meeting Professional credential.
-Career Center Counselor: Give vocational assessment tests, help with resumes and how to dress for and make a good impression in interviews. Rehearse clients and present career workshops.
-University Bookstore: It is the hub of campus life. Need to be organized, able to order books and have sales ability.
-Shuttle bus driver: Flexible hours. Need a commercial driver’s license for which there is a short training period.
Healthcare is a growing field and with the many complex rules and regulations, patient advocates are in great demand. They help to negotiate the medical system, solve billing mistakes, contest insurance coverage rejections and coordinate care. No license is needed, but to receive credentials, contact the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants.
Whatever your interests or talents, there is a way to use them and even profit from them.
To live fully, we need to get out of our comfort zones by:
-Avoiding regrets
-Challenging our brains
-Seeking unique experiences
Life is a wonderful adventure that starts with the discovery of oneself.
Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.
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