Yvonne Starks
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This is a self-help book that asks the question, explains the emotions, agitation, and fears that are associated and provides tips on how to move forward with your goals and aspirations. The main focus is to realize your passion for a "second career" or occupation you might consider after your "initial" retirement. The book points out there will be a sense of fear and anxiety and supplies ways to overcome them while portraying an understanding of psychological considerations. We all need encouragement when we are beginning to embark upon a major change in our lives and this book offers sound advice in entrusting others with our plans and desires. Giving up is easy to do; however, believing in yourself is a strong motivator to get you through the process. Viable sources of information are provided on entrepreneurship and "do's" and "don'ts" when becoming self employed. Information regarding training is furnished as well as resources to aid you in seeking your passion. Issues relating to personal growth and self-worth are addressed in a straight forward format. As everyone is different, this may not be an issue for each individual; however, it will most certainly apply to many.
Yvonne Starks is a first time author and resides in the Midwest section of the country. She is a divorced mother of two and enjoys helping others. She was employed with a major electronics firm for many years until her retirement and decided to write a book about searching or realizing your "passion" after retirement. Her book is based on research as well as her personal life experiences. Her goal in writing this book is to enlighten, broaden one's self image, and hopefully aid others who may be in this situation and may not know how or what to do to make this life changing event materialize.
Have you thought about, what do you want to be when “you” grow up? This question is very different than what a child may think he or she wants to do. A child knows this is not a decision they have to make now. It’s so far in the future they don’t really have to give it a second thought. It’s based solely on what someone in their family is doing, a sports figure they admire or someone they see on TV or hear on the radio. For someone our age, it’s a decision that we are faced with now. We don’t have years to think or fantasize about it. Therefore, we must decide what we want to do for the rest of our life or at least until the second retirement. There may be something you’ve always wanted to do but didn’t have the resources or time to put in it. Or there may be something you’ve always wanted to do but thought you were incapable of doing it. As we get older, and realize that time is shorter than we used to think, we begin to put things into perspective. We realize that we have to make the time to do some of those things and with modern technology, such as computers; the resources are at our fingertips…literally!
Once we become a certain age, we also realize that what we used to think we were incapable of doing, we now know that we are capable….we were just scared to step out there and try it. Maybe the word “scared” is not correct. For many of us when we were younger, we had children to rear and would not think of quitting our jobs to try something not considered to be the “norm” for fear of failure. Of course if we failed, what would become of our children? How would we take care of them? Especially, if you were a single “Mom” or “Dad” and the only parent the children had to depend on. Now that the children are raised and supporting their own families, it’s time to put those fears to rest. The “fear” of failure is still there somewhat, but not at the intensity it once was, because if you fail now, it only affects you and not the entire family. What’s the phrase? “There’s nothing to fear but fear itself”. Basically when you think about it, it’s just the fear of the unknown. You will never know if you can be successful until you try it.
OK. Now that you’ve made the decision to change your life, how are you going to change it? What is that second career? Is it real estate, consulting, opening a daycare? You have to decide what your passion is and make it work for you. It’s okay to discuss this with your friends and family, and they may have suggestions for you, but the bottom line is you have to find your niche….what makes you happy. It may hit you like a ton of bricks one day or you may only have to put into motion an idea that’s been in the back of your mind for some time. However you discover it, don’t procrastinate. Find out what it takes to make it happen. Whether it’s pounding the pavement, reading, surfing the internet, etc…you should put your wheels into motion. Networking is also a good resource. While casually talking with friends, an idea may come to you. You may see a need for a certain market that can help others which will give you self-gratification as well as earning an income.
It's all about deciding what your "American Dream" is and going for it. This will take conscientious planning and a strong desire to reach your goal, however, it is attainable. You must change the dialog with yourself from can't to can and become a more positive thinker.
