Second-Act Ideas From Five Canadians

Want to reinvent your worklife? Here, second-act career ideas from 5 Canadians

Beth Esenbergs Waterloo, Ont.

My resume “I was a professor and program co-ordinator at the school of business and hospitality at Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning for 29 years until I retired at 64. Prior to this, I operated a family-style restaurant and was a public school educator with the Toronto Board of Education.”

What’s my new job? “For the last seven years I’ve worked as a business adviser for the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre and currently for the City of Waterloo.”

Why do I work? “In retirement, I didn’t have the desire to take up typical pastimes such as travel. I missed the stimulation and challenge of new situations and the personal interaction with peers. I’m extremely fortunate to have good health and I thoroughly enjoy my job.”

Greg Newton Ottawa

My resume

“I’ve been a portrait and commercial photographer for over 50 years. I’m only employed as much as people will let me these days. One photographic assignment earns me more than two days of flower deliveries in a week.”

What’s my new job? “For the last five years, I’ve worked as a part-time delivery driver for Mill Street Florist located in Manotick.”

Why do I work?

“The extra money allows me to do a few things that I probably wouldn’t be able to do with just CPP and Old Age Pension. I enjoy travelling and attending Kiwanis conventions around the world.”

Wendy McMillan Salmon Arm, B.C.

My resume

“I’ve been a small business owner since the age of 19 with a hair salon and then later, my husband and I ran a succession of businesses in the logging and construction industries. When our marriage ended eight years ago, so did my self-employment.”

What’s my new job?

“I work as a room attendant at Surmount 2, a 3000-person accommodation complex near Fort McMurray, Alta.”

Why do I work?

Wayne Olson Blind Bay, B.C.

My resume

“I worked in sales for a sawmill equipment manufacturer for 10 years and also owned a wine-making store with my wife. Prior to this, I owned an automotive and industrial parts business in Saskatchewan for 20 years.”

What’s my new job?

“For the last eight years, I’ve worked for a Canada Post contractor, responsible for the maintenance of community mailboxes in my area.”

Why do I work?

Armand Foisy Lillooet, B.C.

My resume “I was an automotive mechanic and owner of a service station. I sold my business in my early 50s. I then took a part-time position with a major North American ginseng producer working in plant sciences for 12 years. This job took me to many ginseng growing areas in B.C. until the company was bought out by investors and relocated to China. Other hobbies and interests include electronics, photography, and videography.”

What’s my new job?

“Six years ago, I was sought out by the owners of Fort
Berens Estate Winery, who had plans to develop a vineyard located in Lillooet. They were looking for a generalist, and there I was. I’ve been here working part-time in a variety of projects ever since.”

Why do I work?

“I like to keep active with work that I find interesting and to be able to pass on my knowledge to others. The extra money is for travel. Older workers have a work ethic that doesn’t have to be taught and a broad skill base that comes from their work experiences and hobbies. This is valuable to an astute employer.”