Journal #14

July 23, 2008

            There are many historical seeds sown in the history of African American gardening that many gardeners do not know.

            Over the past seven years, I have made a journey of discovery that underlines the importance of letting the general public know the contributions that African Americans have contributed over the centuries to gardening. I can think of no better way of maintaining a piece of my own vital African American history than preserving heirloom seeds for future generations to have for their gardens.

            Many of the AARP members will be attending the Life @ 50 Convention scheduled in Washington, D.C. from September 4^Th-6^Th 2008. There are so many historical places to visit in and around the Washington, D.C. area including Monticello. Many of us who are avid gardeners, know of Thomas Jefferson’s great passion for gardening at Monticello. But most people do not know that Thomas Jefferson’s Head Gardener, Wormley Hughes, was an African American slave.

            Wormley Hughes’ great gardening skills played an important role in the success of the gardens at Monticello. He is mentioned frequently in Jefferson’s gardening journals that he kept for many years. Wormley Hughes prepared and planted the gardens at Monticello. He sowed vegetable seeds, planted bulbs and trees for Jefferson’s 1,000 Foot Kitchen Garden. Wormley fussed over Thomas Jefferson’s “Pet” trees such as his favorite Spitzenburg Apple trees. Jefferson used his garden as his laboratory. He loved to collect many species of vegetables, fruits and flowers. He had at one time over 300 varieties of plants in his gardens at Monticello. Many of these plants are still preserved and grown today as heirlooms at Monticello.

            If you tour Monticello, you may see remnants of the slave cabins and root cellars where the Monticello slaves kept their precious crops that they had for themselves. Slave gardens were not unique to just Thomas Jefferson. Many slave owners allowed their slaves to grow their own fruits and vegetables. Some even sold their crops to other people for profit. There is a record of both Thomas Jefferson and George Washington purchasing produce from their slaves and obtaining seed stock from the slaves, as well.

            Wormley Hughes’ last gardening project for his slave master, Thomas Jefferson, was to dig his grave. Well done thou good and faithful servant!

            While visiting our nation’s capitol, take time to look at all of the hidden historical treasures including the beautiful gardens of Monticello. It is a history everyone who gardens should take in as a special garden tour.

Time for a little bragging here, OK?

Sometimes life experiences happen and we don’t get to publicize them, but this forum allows me to....so here’s a story to be read with tissues!

My beautiful 22-year-old FirstBorn Granddaughter wanted to do something for her mother this year that included a surprize, a gift for Mom, a gift for Nana and something for the whole family to enjoy! This took quite a bit of thought and planning as it’s pretty hard to surprize my daughter.

So, she called me and asked me to clear my calendar for a long weekend over Mother’s Day(which I did immediately), then she got online and purchased an airline ticket for me(with her own hard-earned money, mind you) and sent the itinerary to me on email.

Then she enlisted her StepDad to clear her Mom’s schedule and commitments(hard to do for an over-achiever)cleaned the entire house and prepared the guest room.

Needless to say that when I appeared in my daughter’s living room a few nights later - she screamed and we all cried a few tears!

As if this were not enough........she researched recipes, planned a brunch for "Our Day" and shopped for, cooked and served the food to her mom and me as well as several guests.

We had an amazing weekend doing things together and the gift of sharing time was the best of all!

It was the Second Best Mother’s Day of my life so far!  Thanks to God for the amazing reward HE gives us of our grandchildren....our heritage and our future!

p.s. The First Best was when my daughter surprized me with a Mother of the Year honor in 1999, but that’s another story.

 At age 61, and after a lifetime of work in Human Resources management and consulting, I finally have the best job of my life.

I’m the Director of Research and “Chief Career Counselor” for the leading online career service for people age 50+ - RetirementJobs.com. 

I had 16 different jobs: paperboy, soda “jerk”, mailman, auto mechanic, landscaper, house painter, production line worker, computer operator, college instructor, plant supervisor, truck driver, soldier, warehousing manager, retail store clerk, customer service manager and accountant -- all before I turned  25!   None of these prepared me for a career in Human Resources.  But they did  give me a clear view of what working for a living entailed and the variety of jobs was ideal preparation for what I do today.

 I help age 50+ people determine how they can make a living or supplement their retirement income. 

Do you remember the “good-old-days” when you worked for an employer for a lifetime and retired with a gold watch, pension check and health care costs weren’t the biggest issue on your mind?  Within 10 years, this type of retirement will likely be forgotten.  We’re healthier, living longer and caught up in high tech, exciting times.  Studies indicate that more than 75% of us plan to work in some job beyond traditional retirement age.  For some, we’ll work of necessity to pay bills and obtain health care coverage.  Others will work because they choose to. 

Regardless of the reason, the evidence is clear that continuing to work in some fashion is good for your well being – physically, emotionally and financially.  Why not work at a job that is meaningful and rewarding?  Exploring and securing such a job is the topic of my journal.

Are there obstacles to finding your “dream job?”  Most certainly!  The workplace has changed a great deal.  Computer and communication technology has replaced paper, pens and stamps.  Having a personal computer and cell phone are now essential.  Skills, knowledge and capabilities that were unknown 20 years ago are now often considered fundamental.  You must be open to continuous learning.  And let’s not forget age bias.  Worker surveys indicate that more than 90% of people believe that age bias is a “fact of life” and represents a major obstacle to job seekers and workers age 50+ (and even 40+ in some professions and occupations).

Still, work-- whether as a volunteer in some form of community engagement-- or for a regular paycheck, is in the future for the large majority of us.  Why not be in a workplace that treats you with respect and dignity, provides competitive pay and benefits, and where the work can be meaningful, important – and even fun?

The job opportunities for older workers will blossom in coming years.  We are an important segment of the workforce.  We are capable, reliable, creative, diligent, productive and conscientious.  This journal will be a gathering place to share ideas, resources and opportunities about working at 50+.

I hope you will join in.

- Bob

This is my first week out of school and it's busy with personal interviews about my journey. One from an author in Oregon who's book is coming out in November and another from the local paper here where I live. It will be out next week. Both interviewers asked me to go back to my first job! Well, it takes about an hour to cover 40+ years!

Thank God for good memory, as I recall my career history starting in my early 20's.  These people are very kind as they listen to me speak about the mountaintops and valleys of my career and life. It feels a little strange to talk so much about oneself, but then that's what winning this contest is all about! Hope it touches someone!

I will keep everyone posted about my job search as there's activity in that arena too. Signing off from Sunny San Diego and I welcome  your comments!

Kalikat

  When we are looking for our Dream Job, especially entering a new career field, it is imperative to establish and utilize our network. This can be family, friends, people at church, women in your club. Everyone knows someone that is in the Medical Profession and I’m thankful that my SoCal family is involved in one of my top choice Employers...Scripps Health.

Also, while interviewing, I’ve been asking for advice of next steps and asking total strangers to pass on my resume. I’m thinking if they are interested enough to contact me for an interview, then they may be interested in referring me, if that particular situation isn’t a fit.

I would like to hear from those that are trying this or who are attempting to break into a new career or industry.

Until nextime and enjoy your Springtime!

Kalikat

It is just a matter of days until the launch of the community site for the "winners" of the "My Dream Job Contest". I have been busy making the necessary additions to my profile and adding another journal for the launch.

Last week I spoke at length to Bob , the Chief Career Counselor, who will be assisting the "winners" in resume preparation, job search plan, interview preparation and other elements of the job search.

I e-mailed my updated resume to Bob last week, prior to our conversation, for his preliminary assesment. Frankly, I thought the resume was pretty good, all things considered. To my amazement, from the close analysis of the resume he developed four carefully constructed, closely related skill and experience sets that stand on their own as individual resumes.

This gives me the latitude to apply for support positions in broadcast media production, community affairs, event planning and management and public affairs.

This demonstrates to me, quite clearly, the intrinsic value of the resume in the job search process. The professional resume, utilizing all of the elements of the individual's experience, expertise, and skills, in a creative manner, will catch the attention of the employer; and capture the essence of the opportunity. The first hurdle associated with job acquisition will have been overcome, getting the interview.  

I feel quite fortunate to have an individual, who will craft a depiction of my experience, expertise and skills, in a manner that will give me an excellent opportunity to achieve my goal of "My Dream Job". 

The past two weeks have been busy with all of the preliminary activities and details associated with the launching of the process that will ultimately involve the acquisition of my "Dream Job".

Importantly, this will involve the bi-weekly journal entries that I will submit, on the AARP.org online community site, which will serve as a narrative detailing the job acquisition process, and my experiences.

In spite of the activities of the last two weeks, I have during this period, on several occasions, given pause to reflect on the implications of winning the contest, especially the "Retired and Restless" category. some personal history will put this into a sharper focus.

After retiring, for approximately nine months, I reallized I had to go back to work for financial reasons. I took a part-time job in the hospitality indiustry. This job was in a non-management position. Within a year, the work week as extended to full-time, and with the resignation of one of the shift managers, I soon realized that management was shifting a great deal of the responsibilities of running both early and mid shifts to me. This was done without any increase in salary. 

At this point, I understood that I would have to make the commitment to look for another job that would not only mean an increase in salary, but also would utilize my skills and exxperience. In addition, the physical demands of the job were definetely affecting me. I set about updating my resume, researching job sites on the internet , and making a point of attending local job fairs and even conducting some cold calls. The result was the same. Either I was over qualified for a support position or my skill set was not consistent with the requirements of the job description for a part-time management position.

When I saw the annoucement for the AARP "My Dream Job Contest", I entered it, frankly, without any expectation of winning. However, I had done volunteer work for AARP in the past and I was very aware of the tremendous resources and professional and technical expertise tlhat they could call upon.

My reflections, the last two weeks, center on my high level of expectation for sucess. This is based on the coaching I will receive relative to background and skills assessment , resume preparation, interview preparation, creation of a comprehensive job search plan, and other aspects of the process.

I am prepared to work hard to find a job that meets my specifications, only this time I have the wealth of knowledge, expertise and resources that AARP brings to the table to assist me and I have a great deal of confidence in the success of this endeavor. I will detail all the experiences that I have, to assist you on your own "Dream Job" journey.   

There are few words that can express the feelings I had when I found out that I was the winner of the "Retired and Restless" category of the AARP "My Dream Job" contest. Elation and surprise, coupled with a sense of pride that my essay and interview conveyed to the judges my focus, commitment to the process, and absolute resolve to be successful in the job search. What was almost overwhelming was the fact that there were over 7000 entries in the contest.. 

Winning this contest is very meaningful to me. Aside from the possibility of employment that will utilize my skills and experience in a significant way, maintaining my self esteem, especially at this point in my life is very important.  

A few days after learning of my good fortune, I began to realize the ramifications of the journey I was about to embark upon. The process entails a greal deal of responsibility on the part of the winners. It is imperative that they relate all of their experiences, in terms of a journal, bi-weekly, to the AARP community site. This aspect of the process is important to me. If a chronicling of my experiences, what works and what doesn't  work, results in AARP members achieving their employment goals, and in establishing an effective methodology to assist seniors in this area, I will feel justified in my efforts during this journay.

A short time after the notification of the winners of the contest, AARP conducted a conference call with the winners in all six categories. I was greatly impressed with the stories I heard, with the aspiraitons of the winners. There was a commonality among us that was touching. In the space of one hour and a half  there was a sense of bonding that was palpable. One had the feeling that we all would be in touch on a regular basis, that we would in fact be there for each other when necessary.

I am the product of an environment and culture in which the work ethic is very important. As such, my hopes for the duration of this year of discovery are ones in which hard work, planning, and the mobilization of new energies focused on job search, will result not only in my "Dream Job", but will be an experience that will enhance my growth as an individual. 

I will demonstrate to a potential employer that age is not a factor in productivity, that creativity does not end at a specific age, that an older worker can be an effective team player, and that sound judgement, patience and problem solving are prerequisites for efficient management and administration.

My expectations are similar to those of a musician. To prepare for the recital you must practice daily, without fail. With each practie session you gain more experience, become more confident. When the difficult passages come, you practice them over and over until you have mastered them. When the time for the recital comes you are prepared. I subscribe completely to this regimen. Step-by-step I will move through the process, relating my experiences to fellow members, and when the time comes I will be prepared. I look forward to the journey.  

I am a retired, African-American male, who, by chance, saw the advertisement for the "My Dream Job " contest on the AARP website. Initially, I was hesitant about entering the contest, then realized the possibilities this contest provided.

My "Dream Job" involves working a 32 hour per week, year-round job, in a part-time capacity, in a major media'communications organization involved in news/entertainment, TV/radio production or cable operations.

Specifically, I will work in the offices dealing with community/customer relations, talent evaluation, or research, in an administrative support postion, research assistant or as a community/customer relations specialist.

The job site will be in the Washington DC area (w/metro access), and the job position will offer benefits for part-time employment.   

There are several reasons that I want to win the contest. Primary, is to maintain my self esteem, which at this point is very important in my life. In addition, to address and overcome challenges on the job, to be involved in the creative process, to be part of a team effort, in working to help an organization reach its corporate goals, and to demonstrate that age is not an impediment to productivity or success. There is also the practicality of enhancing the economic security of my family.

My work experience and skills are current. I am will read and confident in my abilities. My maturity and organization are an asset. Patience, good judgement, and the ability to work well with others, define my approach  to the work place. Again, in my view, the above are factors that are absolutely necessary in going from "Retired and Restless to "My Dream Job".  

To obtain my "Dream Job" several things are necessary: (1) research information on the latest practices in effective resume and cover letter preparation, (2) search a number of on-line boards and secure infomation on available opportunities, with emphasis on my best "retiree" job boards, and part-time positions, (3) identify on-line organizations in the Washington, DC area, who hire retirees. Become acquainted with their hiring practices and available postions, (4) attend job fairs to research the availability of positions and identify and establish networking contacts. In this context, research local, profeswional organizations and make cold call to establish contacts.

The journaling aspect of this process will, in effect, enable me to communicate with others, who, in many ways are experiencing the same issues that I am. Maintaining a daily journal of experiences will enable me to share my story, my thoughts as I navigate through this transformative process. In particular, as an African-American male, to carefully relate the positive and negative experiences I will encounter. 

I feel that journaling , as an information dissemination tool, is very effective. I am prepared to record my experiences in a daily journal and provide all the information I can concerning my experiences, for the "retiree".