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Are there any groups designed for people 60+ in the Phila. area to explore possibilities for the future re: paid work (part or full-time) and volunteer opportutnities?This could be a series of sessions in a counseling or support group or even a class discussion format, but as a group. Thank you, Carolyn

— Carolyn Schneider

Thanks so much for writing to our site. You have asked an excellent question - one that I am sure will interest many other visitors to Work in Retirement.  Read More...

Answered by Sam Cohen


I am a retired high school English teacher NJ and I loved teaching...any suggestons for jobs? I am on 2 boards (school district and day care, so I really can't work nights... katherine santamore (My husband is a Temple employee and two of my kids are grads. Grjeat place!! And this is a terrific site... ) Thank you, Katherine

— Katherine Santamore

Dear Katherine,
 
I am sure there are numerous jobs you could do - the ultimate question is what job would be best for you?  Start first by deciding what kind of work would provide meaning and joy for your life.  What did you love about teaching?  (Did you like interaction with students,  teaching students how to communicate effectively,  sharing great works of literature?) 
 
What activities have created meaning and purpose for you in the past?  What skills do you have that you want to use?  Are there any dreams you have put "on hold?"   What kinds of jobs interest you?  If you could create your "dream job," what would it be? 
 
Once you identify what things you would like to do you can start exploring various opportunities and plan your job search.  Don't forget to talk with as many people as possible about the kind of job you would enjoy to generate information and ideas!<  Read More...

Answered by Chris Robertson


Hi - I live in Plymouth Meeting and my mother is staying with me and is lonely during the day. I am interested to find out if there are any local senior centers that she can go to during the day for a few hours to socialize. Can you send me some addresses so that I may check them out for her? Also, is there a transportation service that I could use to get her there as well. Thank you so much for your help. Sincerely, Lynn

— Lynn DT

Thanks for your inquiry.  For the dozen senior centers in Montgomery County, please check out the list that the Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services  offers on-line.  Another resource is Pennsylvania Senior Centers. Take a look at the Centers by County listing at the top left of their home page.<  Read More...

Answered by Dick Goldberg


I just turned 54 yesterday. I am single and sometimes find it challenging to be my age in the world that I am in. I work full-time as a massage therapist because I need the health benefits. I am taking courses at two schools working on getting a degree that is not so physical and that is more rewarding. I just started towards my bachelor's degree at a very unique school where you design your own program and take none of the regular math, English etc. My concern is financial. I hope to go far enough to get a Ph. D. I was wondering if you knew of any grants for people over 50 just starting college. Thank you so much.

— Eager for Education

Dear Kathleen,
 
A belated Happy Birthday!  Your question concerning educational grants for people over age 50 just starting college is an interesting one.  While I do not know of any specific grants, I suggest you conduct some research into funding sources.  The Internet is a good place to start.
 
I assume you have talked with the Financial Aid Department of the school you are attending to see if they have awards for students with special needs.  They have a “vested interest” in providing information concerning government grants and other funding sources. 
 
Next, I would think about various “categories” that might describe you – mature woman, income level, field of study, etc.  It may be that you can apply for a number of scholarships and combine them.  Most likely, you will have to consider a combination of funding sources including grants, scholarships, awards, and loans. 
 
Finally, having recently completed a distance-learning, non-traditional Ph.D.  Read More...

Answered by Chris Robertson


I have been a retired Marketing Promotions Graphic Designer for 6 years now. I don't believe I can handle the fast-pace of a competitive workplace. Do you think there are any volunteer opportunities where I can be useful? I would certainly love to be useful. Thanks. Sincerely, Leigh Gresham

— Leigh Gresham

Dear Leigh,
 
There are probably many small companies who would be delighted to have access to marketing services on a project basis and would be willing to pay you a fee.  Providing marketing services as a consultant would enable you to set your own pace. 
 
If you want to explore volunteer opportunities, I suggest you consider SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives) WWW.SCORE.ORG .  This organization serves as "counselors to America's small businesses."  Visit the site to explore volunteer possibilities and find an office in your area. 
 
I would also network to find possibilities to help not-for-profit organizations.  I am sure there are many organizations who do not have a marketing budget.  If you let people know you are interested in volunteering your services, I am sure you will find organizations who are interested.  Good luck!<  Read More...

Answered by Chris Robertson


I'm 53 years old and having difficulty finding jobs that will accommodate my age. What can I do to find new opportunities?

— PHYLLIS

Phyllis,

 

 

Possibly in past generations 53 would have been considered “old.”   Today, in most instances, a person age 53 is no longer thought to be old.  Admittedly, I’m not sure at what age a person is considered to be “old.” In my opinion age is a relative term.<  Read More...

Answered by John P. Creveling


I need the name of a personal life coach for pre-retirement counseling and/or therapist who specializes in this topic. I am not looking for a financial counselor. I do not drive but could see someone in the Western Montgomery County area or Center City area. Thank You.

— Unlisted

Selection of a life coach is a very personal decision.   You may want to interview several coaches asking specific questions of particular interest to you.   Questions about experience, expertise, possible assessment instruments used, (if needed) etc. may be of importance to you as well.  I suggest having a preliminary telephone conversation to assess compatibility with a prospective coach before agreeing to services.   You may also want to visit the Web site of the Association for Career Professionals International (www.iacmp.org) to find a career professional in your area.  If you need more information please feel free to call one of the guides.<  Read More...

Answered by John P. Creveling


I'd like to do lots of different things in my "retirement." Any advice on ways to make sure I can do it all, keep it balanced, and enjoy this time in my life?

— Curious in Chestnut Hill

Lucky you!  It's great to have many options!!  I would suggest identifying those things that are most important to you.  For example, what resonates with you most?  What do you want to do while having fun?  Have you identified your values?  Since we have only 24 hours in a day I find by answering some of these questions up front it helps me to prioritize.   You might want to visit Your 75th Birthday Party to answer specific questions.

 

Good Luck!  Read More...

Answered by John P. Creveling


Ever since I was a kid, I have been told I test well. I figure now that I'm about to phase out of my work life, there must be tests that I can take to help me plan what I would find satisfying and meaningful. What do you recommend?

— Tests Well

Dear "Tests Well,"
 
It is possible tests you may have done "well" on since childhood were aptitude, achievement or knowledge tests.  There are many "interest" inventories and exercises one can take to explore preferences, values, likes and dislikes.  They are not "tests" in the sense that there are no "right" or "wrong" answers - they are just tools to help you explore what you already know about yourself.  In other words,  you have the "knowledge" and the "answers" to questions that ask you to consider who you are and what you want at this stage in your life. 
 
One interest inventory that relates interests to occupation areas is the Strong Inventory; another is the Self-Directed Search.  Some instruments are self scoring while others you have to pay to have scored.  There are a number of sites on the Internet that offer various instruments.  Some are free while others offer instruments for a fee.  If you believe taking a battery of interest/personality/value/career instruments could be helpful, you might try the career center of community colleges in your area.  Sometimes colleges offer assessment programs to residents at reasonable rates.
 
Completing an assessment of who you are at this point can be very helpful if you have some guidance on what the instruments mean, what the results suggest, and how you might proceed.  Sometimes a career counselor or a course can provide valuable assistance, focus, and guide you in a self-exploration process.<  Read More...

Answered by Chris Robertson


My parents planned only their financial retirements. Why is Coming of Age recommending "life planning?"

— Bemused in Bensalem

Today’s older Americans are the healthiest, most active, and best educated in our history. Many also have the precious gift of time.  Recent research indicates that large numbers of Americans 55+ are looking for a retirement that emphasizes new challenges and engages them in activities that make them feel vital, connected, and valued.  Read More...

Answered by Dick Goldberg