At 60 I have painful decisions to make about who I am and my career.

D

Do_I_Continue?

New Member
Hi everyone,
I'm 60 and I can't believe it. I've been unemployed for some time now. I am not sure it might be realistic for me to try to continue in the creative field any longer. Once again, I have been out of work for over 2 years. My skills need to be updated. I hate to think I have to exit this creative field and do something else. So much of my time and money, (well at least money), will be wasted. I think it's time for me to at least keep a level head and make sure my thoughts are in the right place by reading, eating right, exercising and oh yes, praying.

Anyway, sorry for my somewhat negative introduction. It's nice to be here.
 

Thank you for the welcome.
I thought I was a graphic artist. I don't know what I am anymore. People much younger than me are saying I'm not a graphic artist.
And my negative struggle continues. I'm trying to come to terms with my challenges and career struggles. The closer I get to realizing what I am and what I am not, does not seem to make it easier.
 
Why don't you share some of your art on this forum? Put up a thread of some of your designs? We would love to see your work and maybe someone reading here has marketing ideas for you. A lot of people do that, including me.
(just a suggestion)
Well, You fit right in here! Glad you're with us!
 
Do_I_Continue? said:
Hi everyone,
I'm 60 and I can't believe it. I've been unemployed for some time now. I am not sure it might be realistic for me to try to continue in the creative field any longer. Once again, I have been out of work for over 2 years. My skills need to be updated. I hate to think I have to exit this creative field and do something else. So much of my time and money, (well at least money), will be wasted. I think it's time for me to at least keep a level head and make sure my thoughts are in the right place by reading, eating right, exercising and oh yes, praying.

Anyway, sorry for my somewhat negative introduction. It's nice to be here.
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A hearty welcome to you. Like many members in various forums say there is no such thing as a stupid question except the one not asked. Also considering the world events as of late if you are in any way negative, angry or otherwise it's completely understandable especially on Senior Forums. I see you are already getting stellar advice from the membership so please allow yours truly to throw some icing on the cake of wisdom. Unfortunately COVID-19 has completely turned the existing job market on it's head. However every cloud has a silver lining so here's the deal and there is no way around this stark reality. In the 80's or 90's there was such a nursing shortage in America that hospitals were offering bonuses to retirees to return to work and candidates to attend nursing school with employment retention contracts. This critical need has once again come to light not only in hospital settings but in every aspect of continuing care but more so in every aspect of emergency care. This is from the first responder in the street right up to administrative, training, marketing, human resources and management. Many major cities are facing a critical shortage in emergent and continuing care medical management. In NYC alone and I know this for a well documented fact because I am from NYC they are hiring qualified people right off the street, accepting background checked applicants and training them for free. Existing applicants who are already in training are being fast tracked right into service to fill a serious void in emergent and continuing care. Would you consider entering a field that rewards you with the knowledge and willingness to help the sick and injured cheat death? I've been around that block for about 17 months in NYC and make no mistake my friend it's tough but at the end of your shift just knowing you saved one life is more then rewarding it's like you are the hand of GOD saving humanity. Whatever you decide in the end you must decide for yourself because in the end it will only be you that has to live with your decision aside from any advice however well intended. I hope this in some way helped. Take care and GOD Bless.
 
I'm almost 70, retired at 52. I have started 2 businesses since I retired,(engineer) and now thinking that I will start a 3rd developing some properties that I own. The opportunity you have is exactly what you make of it. Sometimes it not what you can do, but what you want to do. Regards...
 
Welcome to Senior Forums!
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Welcome Do_I_Continue,
If you enjoy what you do maybe you should go ahead and update your skills, or maybe explore other paths in the same general field. Then again, perhaps the time is ripe to try something new, something that has been lurking in your mind but never pursued.
I held 2 jobs since I retired using the skills I gained in my main working career. Now I am running a business that I never dreamt of doing, it just "fell" together. Best of luck.
 
ClassicRockr said:
Well, @Do_I_Continue? you think you're having trouble at age 60, my wife is 72, has a Bachelors Degree in Business/Accounting, different certificates, has been a Staff Accountant, Senior Accountant and Financial Analyst and can't find a job. Been out of work since August of 2019, when she quit for us to move back to Colorado.
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I'm so sorry to hear about your job struggles.
 
Nathan said:
Welcome Do_I_Continue,
If you enjoy what you do maybe you should go ahead and update your skills, or maybe explore other paths in the same general field. Then again, perhaps the time is ripe to try something new, something that has been lurking in your mind but never pursued.
I held 2 jobs since I retired using the skills I gained in my main working career. Now I am running a business that I never dreamt of doing, it just "fell" together. Best of luck.
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YES! Let us see the type of art you do! Maybe we can help you! Can you post them here? The more exposure you get, the more you open up to new possibilities! All manner of wonders can happen. Be open to everything!
 
Do_I_Continue? said:
Hi everyone,
I'm 60 and I can't believe it. I've been unemployed for some time now. I am not sure it might be realistic for me to try to continue in the creative field any longer. Once again, I have been out of work for over 2 years. My skills need to be updated. I hate to think I have to exit this creative field and do something else. So much of my time and money, (well at least money), will be wasted. I think it's time for me to at least keep a level head and make sure my thoughts are in the right place by reading, eating right, exercising, and oh yes, praying.

Anyway, sorry for my somewhat negative introduction. It's nice to be here.
Click to expand...
Welcome, I'm also a new member as well. Facing working or not depends on needs, then improving or getting new skills. Maybe passing on your skills to others. Keeping health and wellness is key....
 
Welcome from Oregon. Sorry I can't be of much help. I quit my regular job years ago to follow my dream. It's worked out.
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That's wonderful to hear. Can you tell me the dream you followed? I gather from your avatar that you are an artist?
 
Do_I_Continue? said:
That's wonderful to hear. Can you tell me the dream you followed? I gather from your avatar that you are an artist?
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Yes, I'm an artist as well as an author. I didn't learn to paint until I was 51. I learned to paint by watching Jerry Yarnell on PBS. He sells his painting instructions on dvds. He's a wonderful teacher. That is secondary. I quit my job to become an author. It was the right choice. No, I have not made a lot of money, but I am being true to who I am on the inside and what Joseph Campbell calls following my bliss. For me it is a higher calling. I now paint the scenes for the cover art on my books.
 

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