Better Times After 50 - Side By Side

Dr Steve Mason

PSYCHOLOGIST &
CELEBRITY COLUMNIST FOR NOT BORN YESTERDAY!
AND PSYCHOLOGY TODAY

Frequent Guests

DI CHAPMAN
LIFESTYLE REPORTER
& GUEST HOST

ROSEMARY DE CUIR

FAMILY ADVOCATE

SIBYL FARSON
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

TERRI BENINCASA
BOOMER COACH

Side-by-Side - December 2009 ^{Click to Return to Current Month Discussion} Question: I officially retired two years ago, just before the bottom fell out of the economy. The security I had built up in my 401K and the equity in my house have now fallen by more than half. So how does someone in their 60’s get back into the labor force? —-Jeremy in Buena Park
DR. MASON Response from Dr. Mason Looking for work at any age can be difficult but according to Diane Chapman, founder of Words to Your Advantage, a business writing service offering executive resume writing, and Susan Howington, founder of Power Connections career transition service, there are some simple things you can do that will help: •Consult with a professional stylist about your hair. It can take years off your appearance and give the impression that you’re open to change. •The first smile you flash at a perspective employer speaks volumes about you. Nothing says “I really take care of myself” more than healthy teeth. •If you wear glasses and it has been more than a year since you looked at styles, do it now. Glasses make a statement about staying current and progressive. •Ladies should have two suits purchased in the last two years. Ditto for pant/blazer coordinates. Have shoes that are office appropriate and keep jewelry simple. •Men should have two new suits, a navy blazer, slacks and a pair of current dress shoes. Buy two new quality ties. Men’s retailers offer consulting advice for no cost. •Be honest about your physical condition. Do you need to lose weight? Do you need to quit smoking? Start exercising and adopt a healthful diet. Remember that you’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression. Contact Dr. Mason by email at DrSBMason@aol.com.		KRISTIN Response from Kristin I’m going to ask you to take a huge leap of faith and not panic. Losing half of one’s assets is not losing everything. Now, let’s talk about what you still have left: Unless you’re planning to sell your house right away, there is still time for its market value to increase. I am assuming the income you have coming in is enough to take care of your basic needs. And though it’s natural you would want to make up your losses, how we make our money is important. Frequently how we feel about our livelihood has a lot to do with how we feel about ourselves. So please don’t rush out and get any old job. Instead, do some soul-searching. You might come up with a career you might have always wanted, but couldn’t take the time to pursue due to family responsibilities, etc. And if it takes some extra education, even better. Learning something new makes us feel younger. For instance, the number of older adults attending cooking schools is at a record high. It seems many people who have lost their jobs are finding a second chance—in the kitchen. Now I’m not suggesting you become a chef, but please take this opportunity to find a rewarding—in more ways than financial—path for yourself. Good luck! Contact Kristin by email at bettertimesafter50@hotmail.com.