This is quite simple..but may seem like an odd post on a auto forum, but I've gotten GREAT non X related advice on this board in the past so here we go..It's a little long..so now would be a good time to get a beverage.

I spent 35 years at IBM mostly in management of sales, marketing and business development. Money, benefits, work/life balance were all great, but you know that what makes a job is the manager you work for..and for the last 2 years I reported to one that I'm convinced has dual personalities, OCD, and constantly self medicates with Valium and vicoden when the stress gets high. I also wasn't about to put a single person out on the street with 3 kids and 2 mortgages, so I took the "easy" way out and retired. Just had my party at Ruth's Chris in Atlantic City on Friday (coincidentally a few days after my 55th birthday)!

So typically in the past, I would reach out to my long history of good solid references and acquaintances within the company and find another job. Of course this time, I was "too valuable" to leave the team, so I took the only other way out - I retired at the ripe young age of 55.

I get a nice (not great) pension, have a paid off home, 2 paid off BMWs (My X and my wife's 325 vert) and a first car Cobalt for my 18 year old. He has a well funded 529 college plan, plus we have other liquid assets. All and all, I have nothing to complain about..except I'm bored to death. I've been volunteering 2 days a week teaching MS Office to Seniors at the local Senior Center, but as it gets colder, the numbers of students dwindle down.

While I've been an "always made plan" sales rep and manager (IBM Software division only), I don't want to go back to knocking on doors. I'd also like to try something different..ie I love BMWs, I don't want to sell them, but maybe a service (SA or Service Manager) job.. Note: that's only an example. I am also a well trained HR manager, having been trained annually on government rules involving everything from HIPPA to Privacy to Sexual Harassment to leveraging diversity.

Of all the jobs I've had, I've enjoyed Marketing the most, ie creating campaigns around new products, old products, events, web presence, employee and partner training, incentive programs, etc etc and I've done it world wide, understanding the nuances in for example the color red in China vs, Italy vs the US.

My needs are simple..I have no visions of grandeur..merely a days work for a day's pay. I am based about 20 minutes south of Newark airport and can and have traveled on a moment's notice. My biggest challenge is my lack of formal education. I managed to succeed at IBM to an exec level with no more than an Associates Degree (due to my dad's death).

SO, my preferences are to work in New Jersey (not NY because of the additional taxes and commute), or better yet at home. I know a lot about the software business from Mainframes to PCs, and have presented all over the world on topics such as the "Green Effect" of the MF, the advantages of Linux and other open systems, I can talk to Software as a Service. Have called on Large CEOS and small business owners.

Maybe you have an idea for some help, or a friend who needs someone to develop a marketing program for a launch, or a training program for a new batch of sales reps.. I'm open to all ideas.. 2 days in MD 3 days in NJ - sounds good. Anything but "Did you want fries with that?" Maybe one of the vendor sponsors needs someone to help demo at car shows or better yet, assist in the design of their 2010 marketing plan. I'm open to compensation as you see fit..
I have a resume and a cover letter that I usually "tweak" depending on the opportunity. I'd be happy to forward it to you.

Thank you
edco

One final note:

BTW, before anyone thinks I'm selfish. I'm really not insensitive. There are a LOT of people without the benefit of savings, a pension, health insurance and frankly very the little debt that God has blessed me with. In fact there are a lot of people unemployed in NJ (we are at 10%), but I'm considering this part of my networking ala LinkedIn, Monster, Career Builder, and I figure that with all the friends I've made here (Richie Rich, Laura, Michelle, Wagner, Chilly Willy, Twins Poppas, Stan, I could go on), I'm more than just a name on a page..so if you have any opps or ideas..let me know, please. I'm also trying to give back 35 years of experience for a fraction of the cost.