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Hi, Jerry ~

I don't think many Boomers planned on spending their golden years re-inventing themselves, but it's practically become a necessity. Who is better equipped for the job, though, right? We're fearless. I didn't have much success pulling up the Encore site, but I love your "Memory Writers Network" site. I'm trying to help my brother get his books published and it's a chore. I saw a few links on your site that might help me fight my way through the maze. Keep sharing with us on EONS!

Candy

Hi Candy,

Hmm. That's an interesting point about most boomers not planning to reinvent themselves. That makes sense - most of the time, new stages just hit you in the eyes when you are in them. That's one of the benefits of memoir writing - you start to get an overview of your journey, and perhaps help you anticipate how to deal with the next step.

And thanks for checking out my blog. I'm glad you find it helpful.

I'm an Eons newbie. Is there a lot of Boomer activity on Eons? I don't know my way around here very well.

Jerry
view link

How do you reinvent yourself? I worked as a State Eligibility Consultant for 15+ years when I left last November (2008) to move to Florida with my new husband. Almost 8 months later I am still unemployed. Most state governments are struggling to pass a budget. I am also at a disadvantage in that I don't speak Spanish and South Florida, the majority of the population is of some kind of hispanic origin. I think I need to reinvent myself into the private sector somehow in a recession economy. I don't have a social network here. Any ideas, suggestions, etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks.

oops, I forgot to mention I left employment with the state of Indiana above.

Hmm. That's a great question, dragonfly1229. I never thought of trying to describe how to do it, but now that you mention it, it's an important question.

When I think of what it means to me, it's mostly about learning. When I was 50 and went back to school for a Master's Degree in Counseling. I've been to Toastmasters to learn to speak to an audience. Been to writing groups to help me write. Volunteer at writing groups to teach me leadership skills. My wife and I even take Spanish lessons. It is a real low key class for children. I'll probably never learn to speak it, but it's a fun way to expand my horizons.

So I guess reinventing means following along lines of skill and interest and then learning and growing. As you can probably tell, I'm a little nutty about lifelong learning, so maybe when I say "reinvent yourself" it's another way to say "try and learn new things."

Jerry
Memory Writers Network, view link

Dragonfly, I understand what you are going through. First remember the job market is tight for everyone due to the economy. So it is taking longer on the average to find a job. It is being reported 19 months. One thing that makes Florida unique is the fact it is very Spanish friendly because of its Spanish speaking population. As a counselor you communicate a lot. I am sure if you took a couple of months and a few CDs on How to Speak Spanish your job search will be over. You don't have to be perfect to start but will get better as you go. Spanish is a very easy language to learn as it is very close to English. I am having to learn new things myself. I went to a vocational counselor, testing etc the whole nine yards. I am glad I did. Scary to make changes but at least I have a plan now. Goood Luck!!

I re-invented myself starting 25 years ago, when I quit the military cold-turkey - No retirement or severance pay.

First I converted back to being a civilian, and at the same time, became an entrepreneur/business person.

Commission-only sales took quite a bit to adjust to, but we felt the rewards would be there in the long run - We were right. My wife was able to be the Stay-at-home-Mom and now Stay-at-home-Nana, not having a steady job outside the home since we started our family.

She does work in the home office, but that is flexible, and allows her time for home cooking, decorating, light carpentry, painting, gardening/landscaping, interior decorating, etc. With the priority on being Mom to our three children.

Being self-employed, retirement doesn't have the same attraction for me that it does for employees. My plan is to retire selectively at my 97th birthday party - if I get there. If not, I'll continue selling until I drop.

One important factor in 're-inventing' ourselves is taking the time and effort to educate ourselves in whatever subjects are necessary to give us the ability to run a business and compete in the marketplace.

And if the educating stops to early, the retirement may not be optional.

Dennis

As many of the readers on this group know, I, too, have not only reinvented myself, but have been helping many, many Boomers and 50 plussers figure out how to take next steps. Dennis has been a great contributor to this group, AND a wonderful example of how to take control of your own life and career.

Not everyone is cut out to run a business, but for those who can, it is a very different type of stress when you are building your own business, rather than the stress of wondering when you'll be laid off or if the company you work for will go under.

Jerry, I think you'll find this is a pretty robust group and you'll get good feedback. Eons has many, many groups and it can be a bit daunting, so focus on the ones that capture your interest, where you get feedback, and remember which groups they are!!

Welcome!!

Janet