As a writer, I occasionally come out of my cave to interact with actual live people. That’s one reason I enjoy the monthly meetings at the Palm Springs Writers’ Guild. Last Saturday was especially pleasant. We had a great speaker: Angela Bole, the Executive Director of the Independent Book Publishers Association. But also, a half-dozen people came up and told me they read this blog.
I hadn’t known! What a compliment. But we barely had time to discuss it, since people were yakking about their books and poetry and contests and book fairs. I tell you, it’s invigorating and inspiring to be there. The Guild has been expanding for several years now, adding more members and more activities. They have dozens of sub-groups, one of the most recent being for screenwriters.
A couple years ago, I’d been feeling a little guilty not doing anything to keep the momentum going, aside from paying my dues. So I began leading roundtable discussions before the meetings. People could drop in and learn from each other about writing, publishing, and marketing. And I taught a class. Then I joined the Board of Directors.
We have fun in our board meetings, and it’s exciting to feel the energy and creativity there. Recently, we went around the table and shared our reasons for being on the board. Maybe a friend asked us to, or we wanted to offset that writer reclusiveness, or to give back, or to heighten our visibility. To have it on our resume or to make sure we stay sharp. Secretly, I enjoy saying “I’m on the board of directors for the Guild.” Also I hope to meet somebody famous! Chances are good. As Doctor Phil likes to say, we’re in a target-rich environment.
So this is a shout out to the PSWG. But also, a thought about continuing to do something after you reach “a certain age.” I hesitate to use the word “retire” because what does that even mean anymore?
According to the Kiplinger Report: “One growing sector in the U.S. job market is baby boomer entrepreneurs. By 2020, those at or near retirement will launch 25 percent of businesses.” Isn’t that amazing?
You might decide to start a sideline for the fun or the money. After all, once the kids leave, you might have as many productive years left as it took to raise them. You might decide to return to work, on your own terms, doing something you like. Did you know there’s a labor shortage looming? In the paper this morning it said Home Depot alone was looking to hire 80,000 part-time workers. After so many years being kicked around, employees will finally be in the drivers’ seat. (My son reminded me recently that I’d been predicting a Baby Boomer-related labor shortage since he was a teenager. He’s 37 now. I was right, but I didn’t anticipate the Great Recession.)
So “retirement” as a concept will have to change, because older people are changing, and if seventy million people do something at the same time, it’s going to have an effect. Once again we’re doing things our own special way, Boomers. Rock on.
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Hi Lynne….so I’ve been living here in my own little batcave in La Quinta and you very possibly inspired me to reach out and attend one of the Palm Springs meetings one of these days. I’ve thought on and off about it but just haven’t done it. Maybe it’s time. I’m assuming I can find info here on your website or just by googling? Thanks for the inspiration! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, we would love to see you there! For more information go to PalmSpringsWritersGuild.org. Let me know if you have any questions.
I am coming up on the 1-year anniversary of my retirement. My initial plan was to relax and enjoy the first year, then get more involved in the outside world (and of course, continue to enjoy myself) after that. I still don’t have a real plan of action, but your post has prompted me to think about what I might do and explore some options. I’m afraid that it would be too easy for my husband and me to just continue doing what we are doing… having fun but maybe not being as fulfilled as we could be.
Isn’t that the conundrum, Janis – “am I happy or should I be doing more? Am I letting my brain go or is the peacefulness good for me?” It’s a blessing to be alive and healthy enough to have the question in front of us.
Hi Lynne, Retirement? What’s that? I’m here on a winter retreat in Tucson, Arizona and remain as busy as ever.
Glad you are active and happy in the writing/publishing world. It’s a special place and holds special challenges – and you’ve got to be passionate about it.
I started the Women’s Writing Circle over five years ago . . . left my job as a reporter over seven years ago . . . have three books and onto a fourth in the last six years . . . but I’m fortunate. So many of the jobs out there pay poorly and offer no creativity or fulfillment. It’s a tough road to hoe for many who don’t have pensions to fall back on. I have been able to pursue my own little entrepreneurial niche . . . it doesn’t get much better than that.
Best wishes on your continuing journey.
Susan
Another great post , Lynne. When I first “retired” from my nursing career in 2011, I remember feeling that “R” word sticking my throat. So I changed it to “transition” because that is exactly what I was doing. Love this message that our vitality and productivity actually increase as we age because the activities we engage in are self-chosen and directed. Rock on, my friend!
It never stops, does it, Kathy? I mean, look at the two of us. Whooda thought, right?
No, it doesn’t,Lynne. We’re not getting older , we’re getting better and we need to keep claiming it!! 🙂
Good post, Lynne. Your energy and ability always amazes me. I may not always respond to your ‘blogs’, but I always read them and enjoy your view on things that some people just take for granted. Writers think differently, I believe, and your insight is incredible.
Back atcha, Judy. When I see you at the Guild meetings, I always feel re-energized about my writing.
I have always been happiest when I was helping people. I guess that is why I chose nursing for my career. My latest two picture books are ones that I hope will help kids and their parents so I hope the publishers I sent them to will accept them. Now in writing my memoir I hope will also help once it is published. And while that is going on I am a volunteer for ESOL with my library.
I agree that retirement can be a rich and rewarding time doing good. I like that you do a shout out for it. Thanks so much!! I like that you include that one can enjoy doing good with one’s own qualities. Keep it up, Lynne! 🙂
Blogging wouldn’t be any fun without the comments! Thanks.
Nicely affirming post about our continuing vitality and value as we get older. Thanks, Lynne!
My pleasure, Roxanne. Stay warm!