If you are wondering what to do in retirement to maximize your health, wealth and happiness, this interview is for you! Do you want to share your passions and gifts with the world? Are you wondering what to do in retirement to maximize your happiness and sense of personal meaning? Are you looking for part-time, volunteer or seasonal work? If so, this interview with Mary Eileen Williams will give you the resources you need to jump-start your journey.

Now is not the time to hide your talents. Life after 60 should be all about doing the things that bring you joy and happiness, while making the world a better place.

Managing the Shift to Retirement

It’s probably worth mentioning that I am using the word “retirement” loosely here. Many of us want to continue to work, in one way or another, once our careers end. So, by retirement, I simply mean the time in your life when you stop working for someone else full-time.

How can women our age manage this shift? Having enough money to survive is important. But, most of us want more. We want to make a contribution that has a deeper meaning.

Eileen says that identifying your skills and then writing a mission statement are great places to start. For most of our lives, our dreams have been locked away in our hearts. Now it’s time to write them down on paper – and eventually bring them into the world.

What is a mission statement? A mission statement is simply your description of what you want to do with your life after 60. As you write, think about the things that make you happy. Also consider the ways that you want to help others. The best mission statements are found where both of these ends meet.

Can You Really Make Money from Your Skills and Passions in Retirement?

If you are looking for paid work, there are many directions to consider. As a career specialist, Eileen highlights the importance of building on your existing stills. She says that you need to also find skills that are currently in demand. This is the best way to increase your earning potential. She also reminds us to see our professional network as one of our greatest assets.

Don’t Be Afraid to Break Away from the Past

If you want to make a little extra money in retirement, it’s natural to continue to do what you have always done – but, this time as a freelancer.

At the same time, Eileen reminds us that “retirement” can be an opportunity to think outside the box and try something completely new. Have you always wanted to make handmade soaps, bake or write for a living? If not now, when?

There are also plenty of freelancing opportunities available. In our interview, Eileen and I discuss pet walking, seasonal jobs and ways to become a tour guide. Women in their 60s are blessed with so many opportunities – online and in the real world. All we need to get started is an open mind and a willingness to work hard to make our dreams come true.

Here Are Some Resources to Help You Decide What to Do in Retirement

RetiredBrains – the largest independent job and information resource for boomers, retirees and people planning their retirement.

CoolWorks – connects adventurous job seekers with employers. Opportunities in state parks and other outdoor places.

Encore – helps people in midlife to offer their talents and skills to improve communities and the world.

Upwork – the world’s largest online workplace for businesses and professional freelancers.

Vayable – site where you can offer your services by the hour as a tour guide in your own city.

Lynda – site for learning skills like digital photography, design and blog platforms.

Tech Boomers – teaches you how to use popular online sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

GCF Learn Free – offers free courses on Microsoft Office, iPhone tutorials and other technology topics.

Open Culture – resource offering links to free online education courses in hundreds of topics.

Eileen encourages us to take advantage of these amazing online resources. The world needs your special skills and talents. Start sharing them today!

What activities, jobs or passions are you exploring in retirement? Are there any resources that you think are particularly helpful in making the transition to retirement or semi-retirement? Please join the conversation.