Retirement and the Next Chapter
I am Julie Harker, a retired Personal Assistant. I was fortunate to be in a financial position that allowed me to retire at the young age of 61. I chose to leave my employment in May last year. I planned that date for me to enjoy the summer months, which I did with lots of walks and gardening. I knew this was not going to be enough for me, and what would I do in the winter months was always in the back of my mind.
I may have retired, but I still have goals and aspirations and very quickly realised this is the time for me to achieve these; I am in control of the next chapter of my life; I can choose to do what I want and when I want to do it.
So, I began to think about going back to work, perhaps one day a week. Did such a thing exist? To go to work for the pleasure rather than the financial gain? Would this be voluntary or paid employment? Recognising I am choosing to go to work because I want to rather than because I have to was a light bulb moment!
I began to do some research and saw a position advertised for 8 hours a week almost straight away. The role was different from the PA roles that I have done for so many years, but the criteria required for the role matched my skills and experience. I am happy to say I was successful and have been in the role for 9 months. I am learning a new set of skills, expanding my knowledge, and, more importantly, meeting new people.
This one-day-a-week work is helping me stay focused, have a routine, stay active, and, of course, challenge my brain.
I attended my first ‘Just Networking’ event in March this year; I came along out of curiosity and in all honesty, for my 30 seconds, I was going to say that it was my first meeting, and I didn’t have an agenda or anything to add. I could feel the energy in the room immediately, and over a cup of tea, I soon found myself joining in conversations and realised how comfortable I felt to be back in this environment of like-minded women. When it came to my turn for my 30 seconds, I felt empowered to share my story; I didn’t feel that because I am retired, I was not able to contribute; I have a wide variety of experience and knowledge that I can bring along to networking events such as these.
That day was the start of another new chapter for me. Ann willingly approached me and asked if I could spare some time to work with the Assist Women’s Network, to which I was very happy to agree. I now lead in organising the Walk and Talk Netwalking Events in collaboration with The Girls Network. I am very much enjoying being part of the Assist Women’s Network; everyone has been so helpful and welcoming. I have met some very interesting and inspirational women at our Walk and Talk events, and I look forward to welcoming new faces as we take our event across the Tees Valley region.
