By LEE LEICHENTRITT*
I used to believe that you should “work until you drop”. That means I was naïve enough to believe that I was going to be able to work until I died. Not-so-funny things happened. Forces beyond my control trashed my seemingly foolproof “work until I drop” plan. I lost my job due to no fault of my own. I had a great boss who worked with my Parkinson’s disease, but he found out that his government contracts were not going to be renewed.
If you are part of the “Work Until You Drop” Club, drop out of that Club and create a new plan.
I signed up for Unemployment Insurance, went to Career Force classes, and had my resume upgraded. I went to over eight interviews, but once prospective employers saw me shaking, they lost all interest in me. I have worked with outstanding people at Minnesota DEED and with the Dislocated Worker Program and Career Force. I want to thank Abigael, Gina, and Sandra.
Yesterday, I was diagnosed with Lymphedema which is incurable like Parkinson’s,
What I am trying to say is that life throws you curveballs. You can learn from my mistakes and start a new plan for your “golden years”. Start a retirement account at Sunrise Bank or your nearest credit union. Make sure you have the right insurance to cover long-term care. Join a gym, eat right, take a moment, and read the alley.
Use your spare time wisely. Get a part time second job. Set up all the recommended health screenings.
Lastly if you are part of the “Work Until You Drop” Club, drop out of that Club and create a new plan. I wish you every success in crafting a plan for an unanticipated event that life gives you.
*Lee Leichentritt has served as an Alley Communications Board Member for several years and has been a strong supporter of Alley Communications and the alley contributing articles, advice, and aiding other writers for many years.
