Thank you for the opportunity to share with you.

We recently joined MonaVie after examining its health and financial benefits. We now want others to have the same opportunity we were presented, especially those who are interested in improvements in their physical and financial well being. The physical benefits of this great tasting, high nutrition, and superior antioxidant drink include at 4 ounces per day and only 40 calories drinking the equivalent of 13 servings of fruits. www.mymonaviemiracle.com lists personal MonaVie testimonies. The reality of the business opportunity is demonstrated by the actual income disclosure statement of all people involved with MonaVie (something I have not seen any other private company be willing to do).

I had never thought much about direct relationship marketing but when we were invited to the home of the brother and sister in law of Bo Van Pelt (58th on the PGA last year and himself active with MonaVie) my wife and I went and quickly came to the conclusion that as there was no risk and as MonaVie is the fastest growing company in the USA today and as it offers the right product, right management team, right compensation plan, right timing and right project to support. Bo was kind enough to come to our home recently when we hosted a MonaVie Tasting to share his experience with MonaVie.

We would like to invite you to take a look at this opportunity and should you choose to do so it would be our privilege to have you join our MonaVie Team which can be done at www.monavie.com (country – language – enroll - sponsor id 839319)

Very best regards,

Kari Neufeld
Karineufeld2008@gmail.com

As soon as I read Lorraine's question, I knew I had to respond! I am an Independent Consultant with Arbonne International, a 27 year old health and wellness company, dedicated to sharing amazing, botanically-based products and offering the potential for total financial freedom while working minimal hours from home. This is the real deal. No gimmicks, no tricks. Working smarter, not harder.

If anyone reading this is looking for a way to own your life and get paid what you deserve, I'd love to share with you what Arbonne has to offer. It has changed my life and the lives of so many. It is truly a gift worth opening.

Jess Burt
Independent Consultant
Executive District Manager
Arbonne International
(541) 954-6708

I completely understand how you feel. As a Stay-At-Home-Mom, I felt as if i needed to do something for myself and to help out with the finances at home so that we could plan for our future. I was blessed enough to have found a great opportunity where I am able to enjoy my freedom at home with my children and work from home as well. My company has given us the vehicle to plan for our future, earn a great income and enjoy life!! I would love to share with you, and anyone else interested, how I have done this. You can contact me at the number or email address below and you can check out our website for more information as well.
Best of luck!
Suzanne Sardina
Independent Consultant, Area Manager
Arbonne International
305-610-2130
mations1@hotmail.com
www.arbonne.com

You're still young, compared to me I'm 74, but I believe what you should do is work in an area that you're passionate about. What about contacting an active environemental group-BAN is a good one.
I recently wrote a piece, and it was on the WIP site, about the terrible methods being used to get rid of electronic waste; so I know how important it is to have good people working to saving our planet.
I'd like to receive a questionaire for a future columnist.

Lorraine,
When I read your Real Simple reader page it was as though I had read my own. I am 46 and have also come to that Hairdresser's crossroads. I love my work but the physical demands and the chemicals were showing me the door. There are so many doors to be opened, but as all good hairdressers know we tend to be perfectionist in our work, which presents a problem. Yes, there are worse problems, yet this is somewhat of a delimna for me too. I do volunteer work and enjoy it. The reason I stayed a hairdresser for so long is the creative outlet it provided and to see a finished and happy result. My husband has been wonderful encouraging me to try out some hobbies. That's nice but it hasn't been the niche I've been searching for. I'm used to making a good income also. I have been in this faze for 3 years playing around with photography, stained glass and working out. I'm enrolled in computer classes (simply because I feel the need to know them better ) and will hope that I can take that knowledge into some arena that I enjoyed as much as I have hairdressing. I will probably always keep my fingers in other people's hair but I feel a small flame deep inside that's waiting to be fueled. I hope you find what ever makes you happy! Good luck Lorraine!

You can have free time and work as well. But - if you don't need to work - why work? I think you should find some volunteer work that will still give you flexability, yet will fullfill your need to participate and have a purpose. The most important thing is to not let your age get in the way of fullfilling your dreams.

Hi Lorraine! I live in LaPorte, IN and worked at St. Anthony's in Michigan City and I LOVED reading your profile in REAL SIMPLE!!!! Whoo-hooo~ a hometown girl!

To help you brainstorm about your career path, to take or not to take....I would encourage you NOT to give up your freedom and flexibility! You are obviously a people-person, want something to call your own, feel productive, but enjoy yourself and your current lifestyle.

Look around at the activities you enjoy....is there a fitness gym you could teach classes, perhaps classes at a community center? You have time on your side, I agree with check out a career coach, do some reading, attend local seminars and events, and look at your schedule to see what you are willing to committ to!

I found balance in direct sales, very empowering for women, flexible, great income potential...check out various companies that fit your lifestyle and passion. I found teaching spa experiences, getting ladies to relax and nuture themselves physically and mentially, with natural products, fit my personality, family lifestyle, and income needs. I work with Sensaria Natural Bodycare There are MANY companies~ you are sure to find a match for your passion and lifestyle!

Fitness instructor, volunteer, direct sales, or other arena~ you are at a fabulous age to live THE life of your dreams, Lorraine~ Best of Luck & ENJOY!

Nancy
spa2renew@verizon.net

Lorraine,
What fun it sounds like you have had. And way to go on losing 80 pounds!! I have 2 ideas on filling your time these days. I am a pediatric nurse and i cannot tell you what a blessing it would be for you to offer your hair cutting services to the kids in the hospital or even their parents. You wouldn't be getting paid, but you would probably enjoy hair cutting a lot more than before. The second idea is to get involved with Girls on The Run. I am not sure if they have it in your area, but it is a growing organization that motivates young girls to exercise, practice good nutrition and develop self esteem. You form teams and run in races together, but you get to be a coach.... Otherwise have fun.. take cooking and gardening classes, vacation where you want to and run in a 5K when you are there!!!

Hi, Lorraine.
I think, if I were you, I would keep enjoying my free time. But another idea is getting a part time job doing something fun. My fiance's mom stayed at home and had a load of free time, but she eventually got bored (even though there was no need for a second income). She got a job 3 days a week at a salon being a receptionist and she loves it. You said you were a hairdresser for sometime, so maybe you're sick of salons (ha!) but maybe a part time job would be perfect for you.

You start by asking yourself, Are you a life learner?

I started a 3rd carear one year ago, and with that I am half done completing my third Master's degree.
I am now a High School teache and I love it as it allows me to engage in one of my passions and that is working with "difficult adolescents." I previously developed programs, directed/ administered social service programs and was very, very overworked and profesionally unsatisfied. I took a year in my last career and did some self soul searching. I am happy I made the change. I am a single parent with two adolescents at home. I have more time for them, and I am making more money, working less, and when I finish my Master's degree in education this coming June, I will have the time to return to travelling around the world another passion of mine.
My recommendation is to sit down and spend sometime with yourself and ask what is it I like and want to share with other? This may lead you to making some decisions about what you want to do with rest of your life. I am 50 and 50 yrs old is now considered the new 30's so stay in good health mentally and physically and you'll make it beyond the traditional retiring age. Best Wishes.

You are in an enviable position! Today we women can start over as many times and go as many directions as we want. Your age should not be a factor in following what you want to do--I know: Last year at age 61 I embarked on a new direction in my career, and I'm loving every moment of it. Trust me, you can have it all!

Learning is a lifelong commitment , and I tell me ELL students that every chance that I get. I returned to college when I was 48, earned a teaching certificate and started teaching high school at the age of 50. Most people around my age are thinking about retiring, but that's not me. Although it's not an easy job today, I'm still looking forward to returning to the classroom in September.
My younger sister also has a great passion for the environment, and now she teaches horticultural therapy to special needs students.
My best advice is just follow your heart and it will lead you in the right direction.

If you do not need a paying job, think about spending your time volunteering for something you care about. So many organizations need people who can commit regular time to making a difference. I have been a "Professional Volunteer" since moving to Europe in 1997 and not having a work permit. I have been able to contribute through running scouting programs, training other adults in scouting and first aid and in so many other resources. You can use your skills and passions to help lead an after-school or lunchtime fitness program or get involved with a local environmental charity.

A bonus as a volunteer is you can usually set your own hours and vacations!

I too changed career paths in my forties. I was a hairstylist as well and was in desperate need to do something different. I went back to college, finished my degree in Communications and immediately went on to get my Masters Degree in Instructional Technologies. I have been working as a corporate Sales Training Manager since and I love it! The education really made me feel like a well-rounded person and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed going though the process. Change is good, education is better and finding something to love to do…priceless.

I THINK YOU NEED TO DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPIEST. THERE ARE TRADE-OFFS WITH ANY DECISION AND YOU NEED TO DECIDE WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU. I CHOSE TO WORK AS A TEACHER AIDE AND ACCEPT A PAY CUT BUT I FEEL THAT THIS IS WHERE I CAN DO THE MOST GOOD. I HAVE AN AUTISTIC TEENAGE SON AND I CAN SHARE MY KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND PATIENTS WORKING WITH SIMILAR STUDENTS. FOR A LONG TIME I WAS SEARCHING FOR MY LITTLE 'NICHE' IN LIFE BUT WORKING WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN IN AN AIDE CAPACITY HAS PROVEN TO BE REWARDING, SATISFYING AND MY NICHE. GO WITH YOUR GUT FEELING AND CHOOSE A PATH THAT YOU CAN FEEL CONFIDENT IN AND WHERE YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

I agree with Heidi and AnneMarie. I too am an Arbonne Consultant and am very grateful for the opportunity the company has given me and my family. I am making a life for my family, not just a living. The personal development has been amazing and I thank God everyday for setting Arbonne in my path. You should at least take a look at it then rule it out if you don't think it is a fit for you. Create happiness.

Passion is most definitely the key. Don't go to work, volunteer, or play unless the spirit moves you to do so. At age 50 I opened a family martial arts studio because I love teaching martial arts and providing a fitness facility for the whole family. The rewards go beyond monetary benefits.

I have been a stay-at-home mom for the last couple of year, and about a year ago, I started to wrestle with the same issues. I don't HAVE to go back to work, but I wanted to do something. Then, I was introduced to Arbonne International, and it changed my life Now, I have the best of both worlds. I work about 10-15 hours a week, and I get to set those hours. So I'm working, contributing to my family's finances, but I get to keep my family my priority. I work around my daughter and husband's schedules, and I'm building a legacy that will take care of myself, my husband, our beautiful daughter, her children, etc. I'd love to share this amazing opportunity with anyone else in this same boat.

--
Heidi Johns
District Manager
Arbonne International
(918) 277-1171
heidi.johns@cox.net

"Do what you have to do as quick as you can, so you can do what you want to do as long as you can." - Jim Rohn

I must agree with Kriste, find something you are passionate about to volunteer for! There is nothing more satisfying than spending your time helping others in need. You could always opt to volunteer for a good cause and still work a part time job so that your husband could retire a little bit earlier! Enjoy your time off, I'm 27 and am no where near where you are in your life...

Find your passion!

I am a SHM with two small children (36 yrs. old) and the thought of going back to the workforce after the kids are in school was - - NEVER going to happen! I decided to start my own business. I have had my struggles with juggling etc., but I have found my true passion and I can't imagine doing anything different!

My advice to you is to find your passion and make a carreer out of it... if that doesn't help, read Jack Campbell's The Success Principles... great motivational book!

What about some sort of volunteer position that fulfills one of your passions? For example, I work with adult diabetics and one of the biggest concerns is that they don't have work-out partners. Imagine that...volunteering to help others become as healthy as you have!

Anyone getting reaquainted with the "concept of playtime" doesn't need advice. Work or enjoy free time? Give me a break. You think of this as a dilemma? Volunteer your time helping people or children who really do have problems.

It all depends on what's more important to you in life!! I'm facing a similar issue an I've come to learn the priceless value of being able to stay at home and take care of husband in a way I'd never done while working. It creates such harmony at home and we feel like newly weds.

Besides, if you guys retire early then he'll just sit around and feel guilty if he has the same work ethics!!

Enjoy it!

Wendy

Lorraine;
You only go around once! Take it from someone who is a late-life career changer- there's nothing more exciting than getting to decide what you want to be when you grow up. I suggest meeting with a professional career coach. You may find a passion inside that you never knew existed. You owe it to yourself to explore your gifts and talents and see where it leads you!
Good Luck, Delaney