A Second Calling

Call it a second act or an encore career, an increasing number of retirees or those over 55 are considering launching a second career in their 60’s, 70’s and beyond. We catch up with three savvy local women who have done just that and are helping others to follow their dreams no matter how old they are.

With longer life expectancy and technology allowing more opportunities to create your own business or work from home or anywhere, the world is your oyster when it comes to following your passion towards a new career path at any age.

Regardless of how old we are, we all have a desire to be of value, have purpose and contribute to society. Whether it’s a desire to stay active and engaged with the community, pursue a long-deferred dream or earn some extra money without the rigid nine-to-five daily grind, there are plenty of ways for those in a mature age bracket to use their expertise and experience to try something completely different later in life.

Perhaps you already have a skill set that can become a new career, or a hobby that you could turn into a profitable business. Maybe you have always wanted to teach others what you have learned in your field. The great advantage of retirement is the chance to do what you love with your time.

If you are lucky enough to retire at 55 or 60, there are still many years ahead to enjoy a whole new chapter. Ingrid Nelson caught up with three women over 55, who have created a fulfilling second career by following their heart and turning their passion into a successful business.

These are their stories.

Justine-Murray Easton

When73-year-old Justine-Murray Easton tells people her age, the response is always one of surprise given her youthful appearance and vibrant persona. A travel agent for many years, Justine left the travel industry 10 years ago to follow her love of helping people discover her secrets to healthy ageing. Having used a particular skin care range for more than 10 years for which she credits her youthful skin, Justine decided to start sharing the benefits with others through a network marketing scheme and has created a successful business as well as discovered tremendous personal growth.

“It’s quite different to corporate-type work or the travel industry where you work for someone else, you have to be a self-starter,” says Justine. “It has really built my confidence and belief in myself, and I am continually learning, which I love.”

Challenging herself to learn more about social media and utilising it to grow her network and business is something of which Justine is particularly proud.

“Even if you take baby steps like me, overcoming these challenges is so rewarding,” says Justine.

Cheryl Nonmus

59-yearold Cheryl Nonmus swapped her professional camera for a paint brush, she discovered a whole new side to herself and is now helping others find their creative streak and connect with the community through her art and pottery classes.

Finding it increasingly difficult to compete with the new era of technology, where iPhone cameras have become so advanced and people are seeking instant photos to upload to their website and social media, Cheryl decided to switch careers and utilize her skills as a former art teacher to start a new business.

“I had trained as an art teacher and I think my calling in life is sharing what I know. That just makes me feel really good. It’s an important part of my DNA,” says Cheryl. “Teaching fills my cup emotionally and socially and the classes bring people a lot of joy.”

An advocate for healthy ageing, Justine also credits plenty of exercise and a good diet for her youthful appearance.

“I do Nia and Pilates and I am about to start Yoga,” says Justine. “My husband and I walk every morning, drink two litres of water a day and have protein with every meal. It’s also important to eat plenty of fresh vegetables.”

And when it comes to her work, it doesn’t sound like this powerhouse has any intention of slowing down soon.

“I don’t consider it work. I love what I do. As long as I can keep helping people, I will just keep doing it.”

WhenWorking from her home studio, Cheryl has created a successful business offering a range of art and pottery classes for adults and children and finds great joy in watching people discover or rediscover their love of art. “I see a lot of people who have not touched a paintbrush since school, and they are inquisitive to see if they can pick it up again. They reconnect with their artistic side and learn some new skills and techniques along the way,” she says.

Cheryl’s advice to those who are considering a second career is to start slowly and be patient with the growth of a new business.

“Start with your circle of friends, utilize social media and ask your friends to share too.

It’s not always instant; it does take time. Remember it takes five to seven connections with businesses before people reach out.”

Robyn Robertson

Ahair and beauty expert for more than four decades, mum of four and grandmother of five, 59-year-old Robyn Robertson has reinvented herself many times throughout her career. From running her own hair salons to training apprentices to developing a niche in the wedding industry, she is now at a stage where she has created a life she loves and is teaching others how to do the same.

“I recognised I am a real visionary,” says Robyn. “I visualise what I want and make it happen through seeing, believing, and creating it.”

Always one to continue learning, Robyn took part in a course on teaching vision board workshops and discovered a whole new path towards helping women find their voice.

“I absolutely loved it because the women really discovered something about themselves that they hadn’t really given any thought to - what they wanted in life, their values, priorities and what else they want to fit into their lives,” she says.

However, when COVID shut down Robyn’s workshops, she was tested to reinvent herself yet again.

“I had to look at how I could move forward, so I decided to take the girls who did the workshop to another level through coaching,” says Robyn.