OK..I'm already tired of retirement..Need a job !

edco · #1 10-19-2009, 01:57 AM

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.

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statdoc · #2 10-19-2009, 02:18 AM

I don't think it is inappropriate at all for you to post here. Best of luck!

Quicksilver · #3 10-19-2009, 03:19 AM

No expert here but I retired at 60 and I haven't been bored
one minute and have never had a desired to go back to work.
For me there isn't enough hours in the day to get done what
needs doing.

What might be going on is that you haven't found what you
love doing. What your real passion is. Give it some thought
before committing to another job that you may be bored with
and people you have nothing in common with.

If as you say you can get along financially then find out now
what you have always had a desired to do and go for it.
Chances are you'll get so involved that you will never have
time to get bored and you won't need to go back to work.

Enjoy and best regards

B&R

Meiac09 · #4 10-19-2009, 05:52 AM

What a better chance to take an interest, and turn it into a business a few years down the road, you have the time to play with, and I think thats a great opportunity to start something new that will keep you on your toes, and always interested. Networking like this is how you get stuff done! In my limited experience, all of my jobs and internships have not been through advertisements or applications, but through people I have met along the road. Good luck!

X5rolls · #5 10-19-2009, 07:18 AM

Considered being a consultant to software and or services firms that are IBM partners? You have a wealth of knowledge, know how IBM works, understand sales and marketing and have spare time on your hands. All things these companies need. Consultants helping these companies get started, position their products/services, make contacts, build a business plan to raise money, launch products/services, build their messaging etc will pay approx $1k-$2.5k per day short term and $800 to $1800 for mid/long term (1-3 months) for this kind of help. If they are really tight on cash flow, they will offer stock in lieu of hard cash for a portion of the daily rate.

Consider taking one of these jobs on a part time basis - 2-3 days per week. You might really enjoy it while avoiding the pressure of a 5 day a week gig.

edco · #6 10-19-2009, 08:46 AM

Thank you so much for the feedback ALREADY !

X5 Rolls: There is an old joke that goes..
What do you call an out of work IBM exec?
A Consultant.
Seriously though I've been climbing that tree or former BPs that I know and like and the feeling is mutual, but haven found any apples yet. Contnuing to pursue though

Quick: I absolutely love the feedback..hence the writing of the note. I'm inpatient. I just spent the last three weeks (I actually had time coming to me that I took at the end of Sept) acting as the GC on an addition we're building on our house..getting the permits, orchestrating the contractors (electricians, plumbers, masons, tilemen, demo hauling, more permits, radiant heating install, buying fixtures and tiles, painting, doors, etc) which is about 95% ready. I have the final inspection on WED. So I get your point, and would be happy working 2-3 days a week, just not wiping down carts at Target followed by "Have a nice Day...." Hope that helps..

Thanks for the feeback ALREADY !!! A nice way way to start my day...........Please keep 'em coming..

edco !

blondboinsd · #7 10-19-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by statdoc

I don't think it is inappropriate at all for you to post here. Best of luck!

I don't see any issue with networking? This is a very diverse community and these days it's all about connections.

Edco-I wish you the best! I also agree that you may want to try something different, you only live once!

edco · #8 10-19-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blondboinsd

Edco-I wish you the best! I also agree that you may want to try something different, you only live once!

Blondeboi:
I sure would like to..Maybe I have the equivalent of Corporate Stockholm syndrome..? I've only ever worked for IBM, ergo I swallow hard when I just think about other IT companies..like I was cheating on my wife, after we had divorced ...(just an analogy - Patty and I are still happy after 20+ years)

I get a dozen e-mails a day from insurance companies, financial services companies, IT companies. Here's one I got today (hand over my heart truth)

I recently found your resume online and would like to learn more about your background. We are currently recruiting for the position of Sales Professional and your qualifications appear to be a good match. You can find the job description below. Please advise if you would like to discuss this opportunity further.

So to your point BlondeBoi, I dont want to relive my life in the 80s of knocking on doors, rah-rah sales meetings, and endless cadence calls, status calls, "what can we do to bring it in this quarter" calls, "what help do you need from mgmt". I heard those words and said those words many many many times.

But when that's all I know..and my contacts lie, IT'S the reason I came here.. For example, I would LOVE to support one of our vendors .. Why? for the most part I LOVE their products.. and services.

My favorite 10 years were about 10 years ago when I ran the product marketing group for mobile computing software at IBM, partnering with RIMM, Palm, Sharp, even HP, combining their handheld installed base with our Business Partners and "Blue Suit" Field Force to generate (at the time when it was new) a space for getting Corporate e-mail SECURELY on a handheld device without risk of loss of authentication, authorization, auditability, etc etc. It was cool stuff. People would be excited to hear some of the projects we were involved in (none of which I can discuss here)..but my point is - I LOVED getting up every day and going to work!

I need to find that SPARK again.. I've (meaning IBM) have kept up with socialized communications ie, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and variations outside the US.

So again, this is my strategy..that through a blog, a thread, a forum, whatever it can be called..that I find that "thing" again that had me working 16 hours days WITHOUT REALIZING it ! Worrying less about the money and more about the how well the project was moving and working, and with like minded people (like I usually find here) to say " Hey Ed, I'm about to start a ________________. Would you be interested in getting involved.. Probably for no more than sweat equity.. Depending on the project my answer would be "YES !!!!" Or (THIS IS JUST A FICTIOUS EXAMPLE - please dont sue me) "BZW" wanting to engage a new line for the 6 series convertible, and building a campaign around it that is beyond word of mouth or being a forum sponsor, but taking it to the dealer level, where THEY can offer an upgraded system using "Stager 1" for a price and can get their (the dealer's reps) to install them OR have a tech from "Mobile-Additions" go out and do it).. It's about the 4 "P"s of marketing - product, placement, price, promotion"..I get excited just thinking about the possibilities of that ONE idea..

OK..this is starting to turn into a therapy session.. but hopefully gives someone insights into what I REALLY want to do..that i know how to do it, and with some feedback, can turn any of our partners or even YOUR business to another level..Or maybe someone here would like to collaborate together..

That's where I need just one friend to help me get to square one...
EDCO

motordavid · #9 10-19-2009, 08:46 PM

Ed,
I pulled the ripcord at 53, (9 yrs ago), and I missed some of the "stuff" for the first year or so...
but, EveryDayIsSaturday, and the "missing stuff" has diminished/eroded to an old, foggy good memory; I'm with QwkAg.

Otoh, if I could have done a casual consulting/part time gig, I may have, then...

X5Rolls has a good point with the survey your former IBM customers route, imo.
And, with that solid reading CV, and your willingness to do PT/minus benes, I suspect someone will latch on to you.

Good Luck to you, but I highly rec'd "retiredBumDom"!
Best Regards, mD

edco · #10 10-19-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motordavid

Ed,
I pulled the ripcord at 53, (9 yrs ago), and I missed some of the "stuff" for the first year or so...
but, EveryDayIsSaturday, and the "missing stuff" has diminished/eroded to an old, foggy good memory; I'm with QwkAg.

Otoh, if I could have done a casual consulting/part time gig, I may have, then...

X5Rolls has a good point with the survey your former IBM customers route, imo.
And, with that solid reading CV, and your willingness to do PT/minus benes, I suspect someone will latch on to you.

Good Luck to you, but I highly rec'd "retiredBumDom"!
Best Regards, mD

MD...
In the words of Bette Midler..Did you ever know that you are my hero...?
You live in my 2 favorite places..well, I do like Southern Cal too
Have both a quick wit and a sharp mind..and know "stuff"..
And life is one "chill" for you...
I'm not there yet.. so for the time being anxiety has the best of me..
I'm even looking at franchises..which most seem to suck..
It's only been a month..and I figure some one will need my skills even pt..
So keep yer eyes open and when you're not chillin, give me a thought or 2

Forever your student
Edco

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