Hello, I just discovered this site and it's quite wonderful. Discovering is an exciting part of life, except when one feels like they've run completly out of things to discover. I've been living in So. California--northern Los Angeles County--since 2004, following my daughter after she injured her back (subsequent back surgery) and to help her with my grandaughter. Now, she's doing fine but I feel stuck in a deadend job during hard economic times.

I hold 2 degress (both earned as a non traditional student) but my current job doesn't require any degree. The other day I was searching for a new place to land (affordable) and came across the "Lost Coast" in Northern California. I could relate to that place, although getting there might be tough -- there are no roads. I have 8 years before I can retire (although I doubt that I will ever retire), but I do need to start again, somewhere more affordable. So, I'm coming to this website in need of some serious motivation. I also have done many things in my life so I hope I have something to offer as well.

Hey SandyRose,

Glad you found us!

Sounds like you have the seed of a dream. What kind of motivation can we offer to you?

What do you need most right now to take a step towards your dream?

If you have a specific question for one of our experts, please let me know and we'll put it out there!

Don't know if this is of interest to you, but I recently read a book The Alchemist by Paula Coelho. It's a fable about searching for your 'personal treasure' and I found it full of inspiration for midlife reinvention. Just a thought!

In the meantime, hang in there!

Allison

Thank you for telling me about Paula Coelho's book. I will try and find it.

I hold an MA in English (Boise State University) and taught English (writing) for 4 years (up until May 2004). I love to write creative non fiction, photography, anything creative or artsy. Sitting in front of a computer data base all day long (technical work) is extremely redundant for me. I've got to get up the courage again and relocate. California is paved with out-of-work teachers and therefore not a great place to be looking for work in the education field.

Mid-lifers are being laid off at the corporation where I work. The self-effacing comments just put me over the edge: "who would want an old duffer like me or are you kidding, no one is going to hire someone my age....." All very irritating and yet we all see newer, younger faces around the company. The company calls it restructuring -- isn't it really just eliminating positions that senior staff have held for many many years?

I need to build a solid cv, along with a solid cover letter. I have to get myself mentally and emotionally ready to get out there, take a risk, perhaps even become a self-employed free lancer.

Thanks for listening.

You are welcome first of all.
Wow, I really relate to your interest in non-fiction, photography. and the arts. I am trying to get my act together with audition tapes etc. But I have been home with kids for 10 years so I have that added element to deal with. Please tell me how it is going.

Aitch

Sandyrose,

I'm afraid that is an all too uncommon story, boomers being laid off. It is a fact that older workers tend to be laid off at higher raters than younger workers.

But there are things you can do. We have several REALLY good articles on this in the Job section under Articles. There are a couple on resume writing, job search process, and how to be competitive in appearance and energy levels with the younger bunch.

I encourage you to read some of them, and do some homework on your skill sets etc. There are some wonderful exercises in What Color Is My Parachute? to help you get a handle on your transferable skills. It's really important these days to do that so you know your VALUE to an organization rather than the job title you're looking for.

And, this advice may not be relevant in your case, but I know a woman who worked for Social Security for 35 years and recently retired in her early 60s. She got an updated new haircut and new makeup and she looks as energetic and vibrant as she can be. It really makes all the difference.

Good luck and let me know if I can help further!
Allison

AitchCS,

Thanks for chiming in! Parachute and some of those articles might be helpful for you too. I'd be glad to help any way!

Allison

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