It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the fourth issue of Prime for 2025, and the last one of this new format.
It seems strange to be writing a cycle-ending note in the fall, but with each issue now encompassing a quarter, this is the end-of-the-year for Prime.
To me, fall has never marked the close of the year, but seemed as much of a new beginning as January does for many other people. I think it has something to do with my love of learning, as fall always meant a return to school.
I felt the same way — that fall was a new beginning — throughout our son’s elementary, high school and college years.
Perhaps that’s why the idea of highlighting people who were essentially reinventing their life path during what may see as the retirement years intrigued me so much.
I’ve seen traditional retirement upend life for many individuals, my dad included.
He was a practicing attorney for his entire career, and when he retired, I think he lost a bit of purpose. Sure, he had hobbies and he pursued them with vigor, including piloting the his private plane.
But I also saw a lot of shopping, which resulted in numerous pairs of the same color pants, multiple sets of similar tools and other purchases that seemed to speak to simply filling time with some type of task.
I’d always hoped he’d try has hand at teaching some law classes, he had a great deal of knowledge to impart, but difficulty hearing- and a reluctance to wear a hearing aid-meant that path never materialized.
That always made me sad.
It also made me glad to see the four local individuals spotlighted in this issue’s feature story approaching retirement- or retirement age- in such a different way.
Each forged a different type of path, but the end result was the same. Their new direction gave them purpose, passion and a project. It gave each individual an opportunity to stretch their skills, learn new things, meet new people and grow as individuals.
They all seemed genuinely happy with their new direction. I can’t think of a better third act.
Looking for purpose and a paycheck? The 50+ Job Seekeers can help
With inflation on the move, programs experiencing cuts and budgets tightening everywhere, it’s not out of the questions that some individuals who have been living the retirement lifestyle might be looking to return to the workforce. That’s where the 50+ Jobseekers program can help. Navigating today’s job postings and applications can be very different than the last time some individuals applied for a job, and the way resumes and cover letters are drafted has definitely changed. Curious? Check out the info about this program in this month’s Three Big Question column.
As I said, it seems strange to pen an end-of -the year note when the leaves are just starting to change, but at this last opportunity in 2025, i want to thank each and every reader who has chosen to pick up a copy of Prime this quarter, and every quarter this year. This publication is for you, and we at Prime appreciate your loyalty to us, and our advertisers, who allow us to bring Prime to you at no charge. Pleas let them know you saw their ad in Prime the next time you visit.
Wishing everyone a wonderful fall, a Happy Thanksgiving and a holiday season filled with joy.
As always, thanks for reading,
Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com