2young2retire-MN

What do you want to do when you grow up?

2011-06-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

Boomers have to face the fact that, well, yes, we ARE getting older. BUT, we don't have to grow up--and, we CAN age well!

Since we're likely to want to--or have to--continue to work in some form for a number of years, then why not do something you're passionate about, something you get lost in, something that you would do for free, but have found a way to get paid for?

Rather than think of ourselves as "retiring" (or withdrawing/retreating from the world and life), let's look at the next phase of our lives as a transition to something new and better! Why not make the next phase of your life the very best it can be?

Start by considering what's REALLY important to you. If you prioritize your life to focus on those things that mean the most to you, like relationships, family, friends, helping others, giving back--whatever it is for you--you will be much more content and a happy person. Isn't it time to ensure that your values are reflected in what you do?

Renew your energy and your zest for life. Now isn't the time to sit back and let life pass you by. It's the time to make the most of each and every day we're given. Be around positive people who stimulate you, who embrace change and growth and are willing to support whatever you decide to do.

Don't be afraid to take some risks. I think Mark Twain was exactly right when he said, "Twenty years from now, you'll be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than the ones you did do." I think that's also true of five years from now or ten years from now! Don't have regrets! Grab onto life...and, go for it!

Be open to new possibilities and opportunities. Too often we put ourselves in a box--a box that limits our options and doesn't allow us to see the many opportunities out there for us. Step outside that box! Consider options and opportunities--and don't be afraid to fail. After all, the only way we truly fail is if we don't try or if we give up! I like to say, "Sometimes I win and sometimes I learn." Because after all, if we learn, we take something important away from the experience and that, my friends, is not failure. And isn't that "l" word--learn--a lot better than the word lose?

So...at what age did you give away your dreams...and, is it time now to take them back?

Remember, you're never done growing and there are many possibilities out there for you. You can live your life with passion and zest; you can do those things you thought were in your past; and, yes, you CAN accomplish your goals and dreams.

What do YOU want to do when you grow up?

Reflections...

2011-01-10T12:52:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year when we reflect on the past year--what worked well, what didn't work so well and what we want to differently this year.

It's also a time to think about those individuals who have had an impact in our lives--people who have been friends for a long time and helped us get through many major life events; people who are there to pick us up when we "hit bottom" and need a lift to get back on track; and, new people who have come into our lives and make a difference each and every day. I feel so blessed to have people in all of these categories in my life.

When we start a new year, our thoughts also turn to "what's next?" As we think about dreams we have yet to accomplish and things we want to do, we often aren't sure just what we can--or should--do, or where to start.

First, let me reassure you that you are NEVER done growing. Whether you're 40, 50,
60, 70 or older...it doesn't matter. You are still growing and you can still accomplish those dreams.

Second, I encourage you to DREAM BIG! We are our own worst critics. We sell ourselves short and often don't believe in ourselves nearly as much as others believe in us. If you have a big dream yet to accomplish, go for it! Go ahead and think big, then, take a step back and say, "What's it going to take to make this happen?" That's a great place to start!

At 2Young2retire-MN, we help people answer three questions: Who am I? What matters most to me? And, what do I REALLY want? Through a series of exercises and discussion, we get to the answers to these questions...then, move to the question, "How can I make this happen?" When you complete a workshop session, you are armed with the information you need and the first steps to setting your short-term and longer term goals, and developing a plan to get you where you want to go--and accomplishing your dream!

What's next for YOU?! Make 2011 YOUR YEAR to start accomplishing your dream!!

Don't forget to VOTE!

2010-10-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

This isn't a post about 2Young2Retire-MN and what we do. It's about what's most important--or should be--to each and every one of us. Our freedom...and our right to exercise that freedom by voting.

We all have a lot to be concerned about. With unemployment at more than 9-1/2 percent--about 14.8 million Americans out of work--and more than 6 million unemployed for 27 weeks or MORE. More than 40 million Americans are without health care. And, bank foreclosures are at record numbers. Those are statistics we should all be concerned about.

You may think that your vote won't matter...but, it WILL. Statistically, the odds of YOUR ONE vote being THE deciding vote, are about like your odds of winning the lottery. BUT, what if we all believe that our vote won't matter? Then, it's not one vote, but hundreds, thousands--or more--votes. Voting is YOUR PRIVILEGE! And, by the way, if you happen to be in a swing state, the odds of your vote making a difference are greater than those of winning the lottery! (And, hey, some people have won the lottery more than once!)

If you're a Baby Boomer, you have "voting muscle" just based on the numbers of Boomers as compared to other generations--and, the fact that Boomers DO tend to take their responsibility to vote seriously.

In a recent article, Francis Beckett had this to say about Baby Boomers, "Today, because people are living longer, baby boomers are a much more powerful political force than 55- to 65-year-olds have ever been before. And they are exercising their political muscle on their own behalf...according to research from the think tank Demos." So, apparently, we are voting based on what matters most to us.

What matters most to you? Will you let others decide who makes decisions on your behalf in the coming years? Or, will you let your voice be heard?

Research the issues; research the candidates; know what matters most to you...then, VOTE! Minnesota voters, check out the facts at AARP's web site! http://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-10-2010/get_the_facts_mn.html?cmp=NLC-STO-102710-MN-Nwsltr

NOTE: Here's another opinion from one of the co-hosts of JobTalkAmerica.com, Sam Zeff: http://www.jobtalkamerica.com/apps/blog/.

Your Partner Matters...

2010-10-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

As one partner of a couple goes through a transition from full-time work to part-time work, from working to not working, or just changing positions, both partners are experiencing a transition. Both partners have expectations--spoken and unspoken. And, those expectations can create issues in your relationship!
Both of you are worried, concerned and wondering what's next for you. But, each of you may be experiencing these emotions in a different way.
One of the most important things to remember at this time is to COMMUNICATE! Work together on this. Both of you are going through this transition! And, unspoken expectations and other emotions that are buried inside and not discussed only add to the tension and difficulties you are experiencing at this time!
I'd also ask you to be careful not to lose yourselves during this process. Each partner needs to continue to focus on his/her own needs, passions, goals and actions, and not "get lost" during this process. By exploring who you really are (and reminding each other of that), what matters most to you--to each of you individually and to the two of you as a couple--and what you really want at this time and for what's next, you can be sure you're focusing on what's most important and not trying to hanging on to the past. At this time, more than ever, it's important to really decide what's most important and focus your energy there.
Finally, you really need to share time together as a couple--not just time talking about issues or getting a job or money or the kids--time to strengthen your relationship and set goals and develop actions together that will move you forward--forward to what's next for both of you! Sometimes you find that will get you to the best of what's next...and accomplishing things you never imagined!
For more information on how to work together as a couple during this time, visit JobTalkAmerica. The Oct. 8 segments focus on couples during transition. I was one of the speakers and two others speak about the topic from different perspectives.
(http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/10074857); if the URL doesn't work, go to JobTalkAmerica.com/Past Shows/October/October 8.
If you find yourself struggling with just how to figure out who you are, what matters most and what you really want--and to develop goals, plans and actions to get you there, 2Young2Retire-MN, can help! Our couples session is designed to help you answer those questions and develop individual and couples' goals, plans and actions to help move you forward.
Any couple who contacts me by the end of October and mentions either this blog or the JobTalkAmerica segment will get a free 30-minute consultation and half off the couples workshop. Looking forward to talking with you!

What do you want to do "when you grow up"?

2010-08-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

Yup...that's right, I'm asking you what you want to do when you grow up. If you've heard any of the new AARP advertising, you've seen numerous Baby Boomers making statements about what they want to do when they grow up.

You hear things like, "When I grow up I want to own my own restaurant." "I want to write a novel." "I want to build affordable housing." And, many more options.

Many of us give up on our dreams as we get older. But I maintain, like AARP, that we are never done growing--and that we CAN accomplish our dreams no matter what the number is on your birthday cake!

Remember what Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now, you'll be much more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the things that you did do." (I believe that will be just as true five or ten years from now.)

I'm a living and breathing example of a Baby Boomer accomplishing a version of her dream. In high school, my dream was to be a teacher. I began college studying business education and English with the goal of teaching. But, life happened. And, at age 19, I got married and quit college after two years. I did go back and finish my degree several years later. But, by that time, I was working in the corporate world and business education became business administration. English became business communication. However, now, although I'm not working in a classroom teaching young people, I most certainly am doing many of those very things that drew me to the teaching profession. I'm coaching, training, mentoring and working with others to help them achieve their goals--and their dreams. If I can do it, so can you!

"At what age did you give up on your dreams? Is it time now to take them back?" What DO you want to do when you grown up?

I'd love to hear from Baby Boomers who are accomplishing their long-held dreams--or who would like to explore options and opportunities that might allow them to do just that! Please comment and let me know if you've taken back your dreams and are now living your passion.

At 2Young2Retire-MN, we help people 50+ reinvent themselves, reignite their passions, reposition themselves and focus on what's most important to them. They explore options and opportunities--and realize that the skills, knowledge and experience they bring to the table are unique and special--and begin to really believe in themselves and what they can accomplish! And, that gives them the attitude they need to do incredible things in the next phase of their lives!

Contact us at lindam@2young2retire-mn.com or call 952-895-1013.

It's all about your attitude!

2010-07-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

According to Thomas Jefferson, "Nothing can stop the man (or woman) with the right mental attitude from achieving his (or her) goal; nothing on earth can help the man (or woman) with the wrong mental attitude."

How's your attitude? Have you ever realized the impact your attitude can have on what you do and what you can accomplish? If you're having "one of those days" when everything that can go wrong is going wrong--and, you aren't feeling very good about yourself, things just seem to get worse. Then there are those days when you're on top of the world--and everything seems to be going just as planned. How you feel and your attitude really does affect what happens in your life.

If you think and act old, that's how those around you will treat you! However, if you believe that age is just a number and want to make the most of each and every day, then that's how you'll be perceived by others! Then, you CAN and WILL achieve your dreams--you will realize you can reinvent and reposition yourself--and reinvigorate your life--no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake!

Your mind is a remarkable thing...if you believe you can't do something, you can't do it! However, the reverse is also true, if you believe in yourself--and believe that you can and WILL do something, in all likelihood, you will find a way to make that happen.

Without a clear mindset, you cannot achieve what you want! You really need to get out of your own way! We are often our own biggest obstacle. Many experts say that mindset is 90% of the "game"--and, everything else is 10%! So, even if you're a true expert at what you're doing, if you don't have the right mindset, you are unlikely to be successful or accomplish what you want!

You've heard that we can't control what happens to us, we can only control how we react to it...our attitude! I completely agree with Charles Swindoll who said, "The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it."

Even if everything else around you is going wrong, how you react to your circumstances and what you do about it will speak volumes to those around you! You need to take control. And, you are in charge of your attitude.

At 2Young2Retire-MN, we help people 50+ reinvent themselves, reignite their passions, reposition themselves and focus on what's most important to them. They explore options and opportunities--and realize that the skills, knowledge and experience they bring to the table are unique and special--and begin to really believe in themselves and what they can accomplish! And, that gives them the attitude they need to do incredible things in the next phase of their lives!

What's Next For You?

2010-06-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

New information from the Social Security Administration and recent reports from ENCORE Work that matters in the second half or life and MetLife indicate that the average longevity for someone who is 65 today is 83; 1 in 4 of those individuals will live to age 90; 1 in 10 will live to age 95; and three million Baby Boomers will live to age 100!

WOW...if you're a Baby Boomer, that means you have a lot of living yet to do. So what will you do with those bonus years? 20 or 30 (or more) years is a very long time to just "let life happen." You plan for all the other parts of your life--you go to school, train for a career, keep your skills current and do continuous improvement and education throughout your career. You plan your personal life; you make sure that your children's needs are met and they get to their activities; and as your parents age, you also ensure they are well taken care of, help with decisions around their next phase of life and that all their needs are met. But, what about you? What are you doing to take care of YOU?

As you look to the next phase of your life, what's next? What is your vision for your next phase of life? Will you work? Volunteer? Some of each? How much of each and where? Travel? Do you still have dreams you want to achieve?

If you've seen the new AARP advertising, you've heard Baby Boomers saying, "When I grow up, I want to_________," each filling in the blank with his/her vision for the future. For example, I want to work with kids; I want to be in a band; I want to build affordable housing, etc. Then, the AARP voice over says, "At AARP we believe you're never done growing. Together we can find the best of what's next."

That's exactly what we believe at 2Young2Retire-MN. You are never done growing. Each day you should look for a new experience, meet new people, ask new questions, look at something in a different way...and, you'll grow in ways you never expected. We also believe that working together we can find the best of what's next for each individual.

At this time in your life, you have a blank slate. You don't need to be confined by a job title or specific roles you've had in the past. You have the opportunity to start with a blank slate and find new ways to use the knowledge, skills and experience you've gained over the years to do incredible things in your next phase.

Contact us at lindam@2young2retire-mn.com to start learning more about yourself, what matters most to you and what you really want--and, designing your "what's next."

Who are you and what do you REALLY want?

2010-03-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

Those are questions everyone needs to answer, but particularly those of us who are looking at "our next phase of life."

Many people are being hit hard by the economy; however, reports indicate those of us 45 and over and being hit even harder. If you're in transition--by your choice or not--what should you do?

First and foremost, get to know yourself. Know how you've changed, what you will and will not compromise on, what is most important to you, what your passions are. Did you give up on your dreams somewhere along the way? Maybe now is the time to revisit those dreams. Maybe, just maybe, you CAN achieve some or all of those dreams. It's never too late!

We all put ourselves in boxes--we limit ourselves by what we've done for many years. But, think about all the knowledge, skills and experience you've gained over the years. What else can you do with that tremendous wealth of experience? According to a recent MetLife survey, one of the biggest barriers for us is "putting ourselves in a box." It's important to step outside that box and explore options. What do you want your "encore career" to be like? W

Have you seen the new AARP advertisements? They feature mature adults talking about what they want to do "when they grow up." The bottom line is, they're basically saying we don't really ever "grow up"; they end by saying, "Together we can find the best of what's next." We should always be looking for what's next in our lives; asking how can we continue to make a difference. That's really what the
2Young2Retire program is all about...working together to help each individual figure out what's next and how to make the next phase of your life the very best it can be. Learning more about yourself, considering how you want to spend time in your next phase, exploring your passions and values--and understanding what you will and will NOT compromise on.

Dream big...then, don't stop! Dream...find your passions...set goals...develop a plan AND take action! That's how to successfully transition to your next phase.

February...the time for passion!

2010-02-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's almost Valentine's Day...that day for passion; the day for lovers. But, what about having passion for life--loving your life? That is an important passion too often not tended to--we don't actually have a day for that!!

Part of the reason people begin to burn out is that they no longer have a passion for what they're doing. They've given up on their dreams; they've forgotten what they really loved about what they're doing; and, they feel like they've lost the chance to do what they want, enjoy their lives, and accomplish their goals and dreams.

Everyone has a vision of what they want their life to be. We have all had--or have--dreams that haven't come true. How about making your life look more like the one you dream about? One of the questions I ask participants in the "2Young2Retire" program is: At what age did you give up on your dream? Is it time now to take it back? You can, you know!

My moral is: Dream big...then, don't stop! What does that mean? Well, it means dream, set goals, put a plan in place and TAKE ACTION! Sounds easy, right?! So, why don't we do it! Well, first of all, it isn't as easy as it looks; second, dreaming is fun, but setting goals, planning, taking action??? That's hard stuff!

The goal of the "2Young2Retire" program is to help participants learn more about themselves, focus on what really matters to them and decide what kind of balance they want in their lives. Then, think about what they'd really like to do; what they want the next phase of their lives to look like. Using all that information and working with other people in the session, each individual sets short-term and longer term goals; develops an initial plan to get them on the way to achieving their goals; and, action steps that will get them there.

My goal is to work with you to "complete your puzzle"; to make the goal-setting and planning process almost as much fun as the dreaming piece.

Join an upcoming session and start making your dreams come true!

Contact me at: lindam@2young2retire-mn.com or call 952-895-1013.

It's that time of year!

2010-01-22T13:15:00.000-08:00

It's January...the time of year for making resolutions (and maybe breaking them!) and for setting goals. Goal-setting is a scary thing...after all, WHAT IF I FAIL? I say, GREAT! (No, I'm not completely crazy!) I say this because if I don't fail, I probably haven't set my goals high enough. And, often failing is just a step along the way to success!

Even if we do set goals and follow that by planning how we're going to reach those goals, sometimes we stop there. Without action, we cannot and will not achieve those goals. Things often look great on paper, but when it comes time to take action, maybe not so much!

Here's the other thing about plans. Once they're on paper, they aren't cast in stone. Your plan document should be considered fluid. Set your goals and make your plan; however, if when you move to action it's clear that plan isn't going to work, then change your plan. That's absolutely OK! Just don't stop. Doing nothing will guarantee you will not succeed.

Harvey MacKay, author of "Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive," also does a column in the Minneapolis Star Tribune called Outswimming the Sharks. In a recent column he talked about setting goals. His steps reflect my approach: dream, set goals, take incremental steps that give you small wins along the way. His moral is: Winners make goals; losers make excuses.

My motto is: Dream big...then don't quit! After all, dreams lead to goals, goals lead to plans and plans lead to actions. And, that is how we succeed!

Dr. Robert Schuller describes four types of people:

Copouts--set no goals, make no decisions
Holdouts--dream big, but let fear hold them back
Dropouts--dream; set goals and start to make dreams come true; then, when it gets tough, they quit
All-outs--want to be, NEED to be and WILL BE the stars; they never quit and will be the inspiration for others to succeed.

Be an all-out. Set goals; make your plan and take action!

At 2Young2Retire-MN, our goal is to help you succeed. By helping you step out of the box you may have yourself in; by asking--and getting answers to--questions you may not have even thought of; and, by focusing on what's really important to you, we'll work with you to set goals and put together a plan to achieve them. You'll take action even before you've completed the program.

Get the plan in place for YOUR NEXT PHASE--and make it the best phase of your life! Contact me at 952-895-1013 or via http://www.2young2retire-mn.com/. Or, just send me an email at lindam@2young2retire-mn.com and let's complete your puzzle together.

Out with the old; in with the new!

2009-12-30T16:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when we reflect on what we accomplished (or didn't accomplish) during the past year and set our goals for the coming year. What will your goals be?

Have you been doing the same things over and over and expecting different results? Often people get stuck in a rut because they've done the same type of job for most or all of their careers. Maybe you aren't happy, but you figure "it's too late to change now." Well...that just isn't true! In fact, that may be what is holding you back! That is the most common mistake identified in a recent Met Life Mature Market Institute Survey. People often assume that they have lots of experience and have done this kind of work forever, so they should be "good to go." Hmmmmm...not so fast!

There are several reasons you may want to step back and consider your options. You may be burning out in this career. Maybe you're doing it because it's comfortable and it's what you know; but, the passion isn't there any more and you're going through the motions rather than living your life on purpose! There are very likely things you absolutely LOVE about what you've always done and that you are passionate about. Maybe you can build an "encore career" around those things--and, really begin to be excited about life again? Wouldn't that be fun?! To have balance; to be excited about what you do again; and, to truly live your life ON PURPOSE--and, with passion! WOW!

I'm sure you're thinking that all sounds great, but is it realistic? (Yes, it is!) You're also probably thinking I would have no idea how to go about making a change like that. But, it may not be as hard as you think. In just a few sessions, the 2Young2Retire course helps individuals identify the questions they need to ask and answer; find their passions; set their goals--and, develop a plan and take action to begin accomplishing those goals--even before the course is finished.

So, if you are wondering "what's next," or, in transition or considering retirement you may want to take action now to start living YOUR life on purpose. Find out what questions you should be getting answers to, find your passion, set your goals and create your plan to get there. Make 2010 YOUR YEAR!

Contact me at lindam@2young2retire-mn.com or call 952-895-1013 to discuss how we can work together to complete your puzzle!

Make the next part of your life the best part...

2009-12-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

I recently heard Art Linkletter doing an interview on television. He's now 98 years old...still making jokes and still keeping busy. In fact, at the age of 95, he wrote a new book titled, "How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life." I believe he's "walking the talk."

Since the age of 70, he's done so much good for others that he was awarded a prestigious humanitarian award--of which he is most proud!

In 2005, at the age of 93, he opened the Happiest Homecoming on Earth celebrations for the fiftieth anniversary of Disneyland. Half a century earlier, he was the commentator for opening day celebrations at Disneyland in 1955. For this, he was named a Disney Legend in 2005.

Linkletter is a spokesman for the United Seniors Association, now known as USA Next, an alternative to AARP. He is also a member of Pepperdine University's Board of Regents. He received a lifetime achievement Daytime Emmy award in 2003. Also, he was recently a member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation (the council ended in November 2008). He also suffered a mild stroke in 2008 and had knee surgery this year; but, that hasn't stopped him.

His secret? Humor, keeping busy and faith. His perspective is that you have a lot of life to live and much to give in your later years.

Most people will have 20-25 years to live after they leave their core careers. Then what? An encore career? A new business? More balance in your life? Travel? Some of all of these?

Think about it, ask--and answer--the right questions. Put a plan in place and "Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life."

If you want help with the questions and the plan, contact 2Young2Retire-MN. (http://www.2young2retire-mn.com/, 952-895-1013)

It's about more than dollars and cents

2009-12-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

It seems whenever we read about preparing for retirement, the focus is financial. Will you have enough $$ to retire? How is your 401(k) doing? How much money do you need to retire?

In reality, there are many other questions that need to be answered beyond the financial ones. Even if an individual chooses to stay at his/her core career until retirement age (66 or above), they likely have 15 or 20 years (or more!) of living to do. Are most boomers prepared to "sit on the sidelines" for that long? Probably not...yet most haven't really thought about what they DO want to do.

Do they want an "encore career" or to become an "encore entrepreneur"? Do they want a mix of leisure and work? If so, what does "work" look like for them? How does travel fit in? Do they want to volunteer--where? how much? Have you given up on your dreams? Can you still achieve them?

I love one of the advertisements for the new show, "Men of a Certain Age." It asks, At what age did you give up your dreams? At what age do you want to take them back?" I believe NOW is the time to take back those dreams. Put a plan in place and ACT on it!

There are countless examples of people who have "retired" from their core careers only to achieve a dream that's been dormant for years! Some examples include: a former executive who went to clown school and is now having the time of his life; a corporate leader who became a professional dog trainer; an attorney who is now a bookstore employee with expertise in wine and motorcycles; and, a teacher who turned a love of carpentry into a lucrative second career. The possibilities are endless...

According to the Rutgers University Heldrich Center for Workforce Development study, "Most workers now see their 'retirement' not as a time for leisure and travel, but as an opportunity for more balance in their lives and as an opportunity to do fulfilling work and find avocation in what they do."

Thinking about what really matters to YOU, putting a plan in place and knowing what to do to make it happen is key to making the next phase of your life the very best it can be! Think about it: At what age did you give up your dreams? Is it time now to take them back?

"We spend the first half of our lives learning what we love--we should find a way to do those things in the second half. ---David Whyte

How do I get hired?

2009-11-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

If you're over 55 and looking for a job, you probably think...I’m too old! Of all the self-defeating statements heard from people in need of a job, this has to be the most common and saddest. You may well have reason to believe this is true. Maybe past experience taught you that a younger, more energetic person will get the job.

But, maybe it's just that you are "doing the same thing and expecting different results." It could well be that strategies that worked before — a dynamite resume, power networking — won't work now, especially in our current economic climate. Since, you can't change the environment or attitudes toward age, maybe it is you and me that have to change! Maybe we need to pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and do something different! According to a new study from MetLife Mature Market Institute there are seven common mistakes older job seekers must correct if they are to be successful in finding work.
• “I’ll just do what I was doing before.”

• “My experience speaks for itself.”

• “I don’t have time for this touchy-feely stuff about what work means to me.”

• “I know! I’ll become a consultant!”

• “Of course I’m good with computers.”

• “I’ll just use a recruiter for some career coaching.”

• “I’ve always been successful, so why should things be different now?”

If you are looking for work and any of these strategies ring a bell with you, take the time to download and read "Buddy, Can You Spare a Job? The MetLife Study of the New Realities of the Job Market for Aging Baby Boomers" (October ‘09).

It just might help you make the changes you need to make to find what you're looking for. As the study says, “Wishful thinking is not a job search method.” Resilience, a willingness to relocate and the motivation to learn new skills are absolute musts if you are seeking a job--at any age!