When we were approached by a team of experienced media entrepreneurs about an alliance that would give 2young2retire facilitators another way to reach their audience of 50 and older people, we didn’t waste a lot of time deciding the answer was ‘yes.’  So, 2Young2Retire is delighted to announce its alliance with the just-launched website called WhatsNext.com, that aims to help men and women change careers, find more fulfilling work, improve their work-life balance and achieve financial security. The site features a broad array of resources, including inspiring stories of people who have engineered satisfying career changes, advice for would-be career changers and those in need of financial and retirement planning, blogs by people currently in the middle of career transitions, and a directory of financial advisors, career coaches and life coaches.  Right up your alley, whether you are seeking this kind of help or are trained to provide it. 

This directory will give advisors and coaches a chance to develop an in-depth profile of themselves and their practices. Users can search by name, location, certifications, areas of expertise and other criteria. In addition, What’s Next will attempt to verify all professional credentials claimed by listers, providing whenever it can a stamp of verification—visible on listings—to give users a level of confidence regarding the listers’ background and professionalism.

WhatsNext.com hopes to become the destination site for people thinking about career change and better life balance. It will grow traffic in part through a web of strategic partnerships: In addition to 2Young2Retire, it has partnerships with nearly a dozen organizations such as Civic Ventures, Bridgestar (helping people find nonprofit jobs), More magazine and the Kinder Institute of Life Planning.

All 2Young2Retire-trained facilitators will be invited to list in the What’s Next Advisor Directory. For more information, please contact President Mark Gleason: mgleason at whatsnext dot com.

Authors among us …

Here we showcase 2young2retire facilitators who are also authors.  Except where noted, these books are available at the usual online outlets. 

SPENT: Break the Buying Obsession and Discover Your True Worth, Sally Palaian, Hazelden 2009.  Sally Palaian, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of addictive behaviors. She has spoken about the treatment of financial disorders for various therapy associations and has served as an expert in the media on mental disorders and spending, most recently for MSN Money.

ALL TOGETHER NOW; Records, Instructions and Wishes For Those You Love, Elaine Todd.  Available directly from Blazing Star Press at 1-888-237-7827,  www.pathtopossibilities.com and www.amazon.com

Women Who Could... and Did: Lives of 26 Exemplary Artists and Scientists, Karma Kitaj.  Huckle Hill Press, 2002. www.HuckleHillPress.com and www.amazon.com  The book is based on interviews with passionate working women between ages 65-95.  Kitaj is a life coach, psychotherapist and motivational speaker.  Her blog is: http://www.lifespringcoaching.com/

Business Plans that Work, Joan Gillman.  Adams Media, 2001.  Joan Gillman is Director, Special Industry Programs, University of Wisconsin-Madison

The PJ Party Retreat Book, Hold Me – A More Than Coloring Book by Minx Boren and Marsha Lehman only available on website: www.authenticwoman.com
Feeling My Way - 99 Poetic Journeys by Minx Boren, 2008 
Ripe - A Collection of Passionate Poetry and Pears, 2005

Soul Notes, 2000, and Soul Notes Too, 2003 
Poet Minx Boren is also a master coach and speaker. 

Also noted …

The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50, Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot.  Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009.  See Bill Moyers interview with Lawrence-Lightfoot http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/05082009/watch2.html

Success story!

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, One Year Later.  In March, 2008, David Steinhart, Leadership, Development and Training at Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, became a 2young2retire Certified Facilitator. One year later, 60 mature workers have completed the program. Ongoing classes are with 14 or 15 folks. All the classes so far have been 4 sessions of 90 minutes each.  Here are some comments from graduates of the 2young2retire course:

Whether or not one is ready for retirement, I found it well worth the effort to devote 4 lunch sessions and explore the multi-faceted concept of retirement. For me retirement won't be too soon, even though I'm getting close to 55. I'm not ready yet. But, the course helped me to understand when the best time might be to retire. And it's not just a financial discussion either; other aspects such as health, avocations (retiree), social interaction, etc. are considered. The class is also about people sharing their retirement plans and expectations. The book 2Young2Retire is a valuable tool and you did a great job in tying together a number of online resources into the course material.  Thanks for a very positive experience.

The 2young 2Retire program was a very relaxing, informal way to discuss a very important step in our lives. The workshop prompted us to ponder the reality of, in some of our cases, imminent retirement and what, exactly, we may need to do to prepare for it as we envision it.

A sensible learning, hassle free group meetings that inspire you on:  “What to do and not to do when you retire.”

“Delightful new twists on opportunities from working hard and working for fun and still get paid.”

“No more excuses:  “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves!”

If I had not joined your retirement focus group, I would have missed some truly amazing diversity of thought and the varied motivations for retirement.

Additionally, I benefited from you and the group when we explored an important concept, namely the distinction between a dilemma and a problem.

Other Life Changing Options

If you’re over 50 and wondering how to make the most of the next 20 0r 30 years, consider this invitation from Fred Mandell, Ph.D, and Nancy Fernandez-Mills, to The Life Change Studio, a weekend workshop at the Point Lookout retreat center in Maine, June 19-21.  It will introduce you to a unique Four-Dimensional Personal Transformational Model^TM and the Seven Core Creative Skills^TM.  You’ll participate in rewarding creative activities including collage, drawing, and sculpture. Plus, explore mind/body exercises like yoga, breath work, and visualization.  Dr. Mandell is an innovative business leader, author and award-winning artist.  Fernandez-Mills is a yoga teacher, massage therapist, writer, and broadcast journalist specializing in the life transitions of the baby boom generation. For more information:  http://visitpointlookout.com/resort/lifechangestudio.asp

Your Turn (reader comments)

I have always enjoyed reading what you have to say.  There is much wisdom there--which should be a hallmark of growing older (I think).  Anyway, I am moved to tell Marika how much we have in common.  I have been a yogi for maybe 30 yrs. and swear by its efficacy.  Within the last 6 months, I have offered my skill to individuals and very small groups.  It is very enjoyable and brings in needed income.  Moreover, I have made pin money from beaded jewelry I create for the past 8 yrs.  It has gotten me somewhat of a reputation in my community.  I very much enjoy seeing friends and acquaintances wearing my pieces.  Thought you would enjoy knowing there is someone quite like you out there (and there must be many of us).  -- Freyda

Marika and Howard Stone