Holding Close What Matters Most

 Lately—today, yesterday, even last week—we’ve been hit with the news that people we loved, cared about, or admired have passed away. And yet, somehow, we still find ourselves arguing, holding grudges, or pouring energy into outrage over things that, in the end, don’t really matter.

 What does matter? Love. People. Friendships. Family. Life.

And life—fleeting, fragile, unpredictable—becomes more real with every passing year. It's impossible to ignore.

 

So check in on someone. Especially when things seem quiet—reach out. Not to rant about politics (because let’s be honest, most of it is just noise), but to tell someone what they mean to you. Remind them what makes them special.

 

I get it now—why my dad used to call up his old Army buddies just to say how much he appreciated them. They’d swap stories, laugh, and reconnect. That’s what it’s all about.

 

That’s life. That’s what lasts.

Rest in Peace Bob, 

Rest in Peace Cindy 

Before You Change Careers, Do This One Exercise

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Have you ever felt stuck when thinking about a career change?
You want to explore a new path, but you're not sure how to start. You know you have valuable skills, but you're unsure whether they’ll translate to a new role—or if they were only useful in your last job. It can feel overwhelming. Maybe you've even found yourself closing your laptop and thinking, “I’ll deal with it tomorrow.”

So how do you break through that feeling and get motivated?

Try this simple exercise:

1. Draw three columns on a piece of paper or in a document.

2. Find a job posting that interests you.
   In the first column, list the skills, qualifications, and requirements mentioned in that posting.

3. Reflect on your own background.
   In the second column, write down the skills and experience you already have that match what’s in the first column. Think broadly and deeply—review your past 10 years of work. What hard skills did you use? What soft skills did you demonstrate? What were your responsibilities—projects, presentations, team efforts, or specific tasks?

4. Capture your impact.
   In the third column, note the results of your efforts. What were the outcomes? Quantify where you can—how much, how many, what improved because of your work? How did your contributions help your team, department, or company succeed? Think about times you received praise, promotions, or awards. What did you do to earn them?

5. Don’t forget training or education.
   Include any certifications, courses, or relevant education—either in the second column (skills gained) or third (impact of those skills).

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Once you’ve finished, take a moment to acknowledge your progress.

You’ve just taken a significant step toward understanding your value—and you’ve begun building a stronger, more tailored resume.

You've got this.

Thinking About Changing Careers Later in Life? Here's How to Start

Making a career change in your later working years can be exciting and rewarding. Whether you're looking for a new challenge, more flexibility, or to follow a long-held passion, here are several steps to help you successfully navigate the transition:

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1. Research the Skills Required for Your New Career Path

Start by identifying the role or field you're interested in. Then, explore the skills commonly needed. A few ways to begin:

• Visit CareerOneStop for detailed occupation profiles.

• Type the job title into a search engine along with “skills needed.” AI tools can give you a quick overview.

• Look at both hard skills (technical knowledge, certifications) and soft skills (communication, leadership, problem-solving).

Ask yourself:

• a. Do you already have some of these skills?

• b. Can you give examples of how you've used them—successfully—in past roles or through transferable experience?

• c. If you're missing key skills, where can you develop them?

  • Consider options like:

    • Community colleges

    • Online platforms (Coursera, CareerFoundry, edX, LinkedIn Learning)

    • Programs like the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (for age 50+ learners)

• d. Will you need a certification or license to enter this field?

  • Look at job postings to see what employers are asking for.

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2. Tap Into Your Network

Do you know anyone currently working in this field? Reach out to:

• Ask questions about their experience

• Seek advice on entering the industry

• Explore potential mentorship opportunities
  Even casual conversations can open doors or provide valuable insight.

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3. Gain Experience Through Volunteering or Internships

Look for opportunities to:

• Volunteer in a related role

• Take on freelance projects

• Intern or assist with short-term assignments
  This allows you to build experience, expand your resume, and test the waters in your new field.

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4. Explore Contract, Temp, or Entry-Level Opportunities

Start small if needed. Look for:

• Temporary or part-time roles

• Entry-level positions that offer a foot in the door
  Be realistic about the starting salary—it may be lower than you're used to, but it's a stepping stone toward your goal.

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5. Create a Concrete Action Plan

Outline the specific steps you'll take, such as:

• Skills to learn (with target dates)

• Courses to enroll in

• People to contact

• Resume and LinkedIn updates

• Interview preparation
  Put your plan in writing and revisit it regularly to stay on track.

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Final Thought:
Changing careers later in life is entirely possible—and increasingly common. With clarity, planning, and a willingness to learn, you can transition into a role that aligns with your current goals, interests, and lifestyle.