WORK, AND WHERE TO LOOK FOR IT LATER IN LIFE

Okay, so you need to keep working either to support yourself adequately, or to supplement your income to make it possible to live the kind of life that you want to have, or because you just want something to do that is interesting. When thinking about what you could do for job at this point in your life, start by considering how much time you realistically can spend at work on a daily or weekly basis.

Do you have health and energy conditions that necessitate a particular kind of daily routine? If you must eat at a particular time each day, or take medications at specific times, or nap, exercise, or go to physical therapy at certain times, what kind of work schedule would best accommodate your needs? Can you fit these routines into a day that includes going to a job full time or part time?

When you think about what kind of work you want to do consider the work you have already done in your life. Is there anything in your work experience that you would now wish to pursue further, or to develop in some way? If you could be a part time worker doing a job you previously had full time, would you like to do that? Can you think of a job type that is related to a field about which you are knowledgeable that might interest you? Or maybe you can think of one that you once thought would be helpful to a position you once held?

Would you want to work doing something that engages skills you already have, or would you like to learn new skills? Have you engaged in learning new skills lately, and how are you at doing so? Is there a part of you that would enjoy doing something different or entirely out of character for you, maybe something that engages you emotionally rather than intellectually?

Have you tried doing some volunteering that you felt was both worthwhile and enriching, and might you now pursue employment in this arena? Perhaps you have managed, or done hands on care, for a relative with a health condition, and think you might do so for others? Maybe you would enjoy being employed by a family with two working parents that require help with childcare? Or possibly you could do bookkeeping part time for a family, or organizing and event planning for a non profit?

Obviously this is a time in which it helps to think creatively, and then to use any connections you might have to realize your goals, or whatever good ideas you come up with. You may have to start kind of slowly to develop something new but if you can do so it may well turn out to be a most exciting endeavor.