I’d employed myself shortly after earning an M.A in English
in 1988, at age 45. I had seriously considered becoming a full-time academic after
that, and was even accepted into a Ph.D. program at the University of Illinois/Chicago, with a concentration
in teaching college writing.
Then I had to consider the very slim possibility of getting
a tenured position while nearing 50. Even less likely—as I slowly realized—was
that I’d actually enjoy teaching 18 year olds how to write for the next 15, 20,
or more years. I’d already been doing that as adjunct faculty and, though I
loved teaching writing, I was not so crazy about teaching students who weren’t
all that interested in learning.
Hence, the self-employment option.
And so in 1991, I began designing and teaching writing and journal writing workshops
for adults, in both adult education and professional venues, and as a private
writing coach. And while it’s not been the easiest professional road to travel,
it has been, and continues to be, extremely satisfying. And so I’ve no desire
or intention to stop.
And I’m not alone, of course. Many of us agers want to keep
working, and not just for the income. Following are excerpts from a New York Times article featuring four
professionals, ages 70 – 96, who give their reasons why:
Jack B. Weinstein, 96 year-old judge:
“I’m a better judge, in some respects, than when I was
younger. I don’t remember names. But I listen more. And I’m more compassionate.
I see things from more angles. If you are doing interesting work, you want to
continue.”
Adolfo Calovini, 82 year-old high school teacher:
“To me, teaching is about life. This is what I do. I can’t
see a time when I wouldn’t.”
Eric R. Kandel, 88 year-old neuroscientist:
“I like what I do,” he said. “Keeping engaged keeps you
intellectually alive. I wouldn’t be surprised if it enhanced longevity.”
Laura Popper, 71 year-old pediatrician:
“There’s no part of me that wants to retire. If you have
something you love, there’s nothing else.”
There’s more worth reading in the article, no matter where
you are in your working life;
Come and explore how
work, among other factors, might figure in
your own aging
process:
The Purpose of Aging, Aging with Purpose:
A Journal Writing Workshop
Thursday, February
15, 2018, 6 – 8 pm
7430 N. Ridge Blvd,
Chicago
For more information
re: fee and registration, please contact me at madmoon55@hotmail.com or
773.981.2282.
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