Career Reinvention: Use It or Lose It!

 
Since I began working retail this summer, I will leave the
boutique each day, exhausted from standing 5 hours on my feet, and look up this
staircase where my car waits at the top. 
Use it or Lose it….this is what
goes through my head each time…and what I repeat mentally to get me up those
stairs.
  Oh, there is a choice…the
elevator doors are to the right. But, Use or Lose is the message that resonates
most. If I do not bend those knees, they will gradually cease to work.
The same is of our mental capacities…Use It or Lose It.  That is why I plan to work as long as I am
physically able.  I watched relatives deteriorate
mentally…choosing too often to take the elevator through the end of life and
mostly sit before a television.  There is
always a choice.

For the last sixteen years, I have been at my desk in a high
school during this week preparing for the school year….but now, I have gone
from the high school hallways to the business bi-ways and for the first time
decided to take a risk.

Starting a new business venture in your sixties may not make
sense to many, but I have done this because I MATTER.  And here is why it
makes sense to me:

1.      
Life is short!  My classroom did not even have windows…it
was time to see the world again.
2.      
I enjoy
work.
  I really enjoy using my
gifting every day…that is not work to me. 
Remember….Use it or Lose it!
3.      
If not
now, probably never.
  I faced the
decision that if I did not take the risk, and begin my own business now, it
would probably never happen.
4.      
So many
people yet to meet.
  I loved my
students, but there was a desire to meet and experience new people again.  I worked in marketing and public relations
prior to teaching and to return to this world again is very comfortable for me.
5.      
Growing
the Blog.
  This blog began to thrive
five years ago and it did not make sense to put a lid on it because I was a
teacher during the day…it was time to allow it to grow unhindered.
I share this with you, because there may be some considering
taking risks.  You have to weigh it all
from finances to lifespan and quality of life. 
I am blessed to be married to a CPA who will watch all of the finances
and hold me accountable.  But, he also
played a huge role in encouraging me to do this.  He looked at the numbers, and said, let’s
give it a try.
My largest client has a small work area for me and it is
surrounded by huge windows!  It’s time to
look out and see what else is happening in the world.    Why? 
Because I MATTER and I desire
to use it….and not lose it!

Linking up today with Midluv Linky Party

22 Comments

  1. I hope that Katherine's illness is not serious, Pam. Now…do tell. What is this career change of which you speak? I am catching up on blog reading and find I am way behind the times!

  2. Good for you, Pam! Yes, use it or lose it. I've often observed that an active engagement with life is what keeps people from deteriorating with age.

  3. Hi Susan, I followed your journeys this summer…what a great time! I have left the guaranteed paycheck world, and started my own business! I am a marketing and public relations consultant, freelance writer, and professional blogger…today, making the money we need and taking it one day at a time. And it is fun!

  4. Oh no I am so sorry to hear that is not well, love and prayers to her! She is always a burst of sunshine!! And of course Pam, inspiring me always!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena
    Artist Nicoletta Belletti

  5. I think it was the founder of McDonald's who said, When you're green you grow, when you're ripe you rot. Variation on use it or lose it–stay green. And keep that blog as fresh as it's been. you are my fashion guide.

  6. Ha! in the last few years I did the opposite. I quit 17 years of retail to stay at home. That's been a big change too. I blog to keep my sanity when I'm not educating my kids….which gets us out and about to a lot of places.

  7. Pam good luck and so sorry to hear of Katherine's illness. Hope she will get better soon! Sending love. Oh, yes career changes: things will lead you where they are meant to be. I started off as a publicist, went on to train as a yoga instructor, teach English now and am back to working as a fashionblogger and publicist. So good luck! Sabina | Oceanblue Style

  8. Cheers to you, Pam! I'm excited for you as you take the next steps in following your dreams. It really sounds like so many pieces are falling into place. I have returned to my position as a school psychologist this week-but enjoyed every minute of my beautiful 7 week summer vacation. I will continue to make the most of my creative/entrepreneurial endeavors on my Fridays off. Thank you for sharing your journey into this next phase of life–we are cheering you on!
    xx, Heather

  9. Pam, this is so brilliant! I love how you are sharing your journey and leading by example that it's never too late and that you matter! I would love it if you added this to my linky as well. Everyone needs to read this!

  10. Pam, this is so wonderful. Thank you for sharing your journey and leading by example that it is never too late and that you matter. I would love it if you would add this to my linky as well. Everyone needs to read this!

  11. Starting a business does feel like a leap – I started mine 5 years ago! But I love it, love the people I've met, worked with, and am grateful for all I've learned. Sorry to hear Katherine isn't feeling well 🙁 Wishing you all good things with the new venture!

  12. I can totally relate Pam. I was laid off from my job of 18 years this summer and I am trying to blog and do social media management full time. It is very scary, especially since it's just me!

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