If I work until I'm 65 I qualify for medicare. That's important because medical insurance as an individual is expensive! And if I work for three more years the difference in the amount I'll get from my work retirement and social security is pretty significant. So here I am. Trying to get ready.
I thought, how can I have another source of income while I'm still healthy? That's when I came up with the idea to train others in the field I've been in for over 35 years. So that's what I've been doing.
In the state of Oregon, you need to be certified to offer training to child care professionals that qualifies as continuing education. And that requires some work. Last year I became a certified Community Trainer. I can make up certificates and people can get credit for CE hours, but only for the very basics. To become a certified Master Trainer, you must have at least 60 hours of training to apply. And I finally did it!
I've been developing workshops and doing training for free to get those hours. As of last night, I have almost 70 hours! It's pretty exciting to have achieved this.
And through it all, I discovered something I never thought I'd do and that I really love doing. Every group is different and every group teaches me something - either from what they share or from what I observe that can make me a better trainer.
I look forward to building my new business - Early Learning Tools NW - and doing something in my retirement that I really love! Check out the blog and tell me what you think! I'd love to hear your opinion.