By Max Greenberg
E-mail Max Greenberg
About this blog: I developed a special interest in helping seniors with their challenges and transitions when my dad had a stroke and I helped him through all the various stages of downsizing, packing, moving and finding an assisted living communi...
(More)About this blog: I developed a special interest in helping seniors with their challenges and transitions when my dad had a stroke and I helped him through all the various stages of downsizing, packing, moving and finding an assisted living community. I live in Palo Alto with my wife and we have three grown children, one still in college. I have been in the Bay Area since 1977 (except for seven years in Newton MA — just missed all that snow too much.) I've worked in sales and marketing in retirement communities for seven years, and have hired and managed home care workers for family members, and have a pretty good idea of how aging in place, or shopping for and selecting the right retirement community works. I now run my own business, Palo Alto Senior Living, providing real estate and senior transition services. This blog is designed to share my experiences, insight and knowledge with seniors and their baby boomer kids and provide useful information to help develop a roadmap for smooth transitions or aging in place. I welcome readers to share their experiences, both good and not-so-good, in the hope that we all can benefit from each other.
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As we age and consider “retirement”, there are actually many opportunities if you want (or need) to keep working that can provide a satisfying new vocation and work situation. Working in a field that includes an interest that you either pursued as a hobby during your work career, or never quite got to but love all the same, can be just the thing to do once you’ve decided you are retiring from your career position.
A friend of mine who had been a commercial Realtor and loan officer for the bulk of his career decided to retire at the age of 64. He was an amateur guitar player for virtually his entire life and loved everything guitar and music related. So he got a 3 day a week job selling guitars and amps at a local music shop. Selling the joy of making your own music is a very satisfying thing to do. His well-honed work habits, personality, people skills, and love of music were a real draw to the hiring manager at the store. Of course my friend's paycheck is nowhere near what he was making before, but he wouldn't trade it for anything
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So maybe you love painting or drawing. Why not work at an art supply store. Or you are a crafter-type. Check out a place like Michael’s or Joanne Fabrics. Love tools and problem solving, try Home Depot, or better yet, your local hardware store if that exists. Combining a passion with your work is not a bad way to go. Even if you are just starting out at the beginning of your work life, or choosing a major in college to immerse yourself in.
