In your old career, you made women feel beautiful, and women who feel beautiful also feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives. I wonder if you couldn't volunteer at a women's shelter fixing hair and sharing your own struggle with your weight and your triumph in running. I think you would inspire a lot of women.

Lorraine-Just wanted to comment that i was also born in Michigan City in 1963-although in June. My parents still live there and we currently live in Valparaiso, IN. I also wrestle with the same issue you do about finding a career path. We have 4 kids and i love being able to attend all their school functions, plus volunteer in the community, and still have time to do the things i enjoy. We are financially secure (thanks to a wonderful husband) but with 4 kids soon in college, plus the fact that i do enjoy working, but at the moment lack the motivation to find a career. I graduated from Purdue and have a degree in Retail Mgmnt, but do not want to be in retail again. I do substitute teach in our school district and enjoy that for now. Its a difficult decision, so i understand what you are going through. It was very nice to read your profile.

Childhood obesity is rising at a frightening rate. Reading about all of the things you have accomplished, I think you could help children regain control of their wieght and, ultimately their health and happiness. Find an organization that counsels others on health and weight and see what you can do to help inspire, counsel and support. You would be great!

Lorraine, Volunteer!! If you don't need the money, there are soooo many organizations out there that can use a young, intelligent, passionate woman to help their cause(s). Retirement is over-rated! Volunteering allows you to still travel with your husband while providing an excellent way of giving back. Good luck!!

If you need to work the idea out - take an online course or sign up for a class or two towards any other interests you may have. If you increase your passion enough to go out and make money - then you have your answer. If not, you only open up your mind to new experiences. Both are "win/win".

I relocated & remarried a little over a year ago, and my new husband supported my decision to stay home instead of rejoining the traditional workforce. I became very active in our church, but when an opportunity to work from home presented itself, I was on it like syrup on pancakes!

I've always held public service jobs, and I love people in general. And like you, everyone knows everything about me! I love sharing the gift of health - in one product, no less! - and talking with people in my community. The fact that this biz allowed me to get started with such a small initial investment clinched it for me. I work as much or as little as I like, since I have no quotas to meet.

The company is MonaVie. They operate debt-free, provide a natural product, and the company is environmentally conscious. Call me if you're interested: 423-790-0320. ~Peace~

Lorraine, I deal with the same guilt. I am taking time off from work to finish school. I don't feel fulfilled if I'm not working. It has taken me some time to realize that I can be fulfilled by using my skills and passion in volunteer work. You should consider volunteering...you never know were that can take you.

Lorraine look at it as a second go at something you are passionate about this time.

I am nearling 40 and also find myself asking the same questions, but this time I say look at what speaks to your heart....and follow your passion.

Lorraine, although I'm quite a bit older than you, several years ago I had to stop working when I became disabled with spinal arthritis. I initially thought I'd go mad with boredom, but I surprised myself with how easily I managed to fill my days. I've always been a voracious reader, so I got to sit and read for lovely, uninterrupted hours at a time--a luxury I'd never experienced before. And I actually began to create novels of my own. Writing was something I had always wanted to try, but never had the time for. So far I've completed three manuscripts--all unsold. But I'm far from giving up. I like to think of myself as an undiscovered literary sensation.

My point in all this going on about myself is simply that there most definitely is life on the planet Jobless. And it can be every bit as fulfilling. To say nothing of a good deal less stressful. You mention your love of environmental causes. Why not find a group you feel comfortable with and join them? I happen to be very unhappy with the Bush administration, so I've become a political activist--I feel as though I'm reliving my college days in the sixties.

That's my input, for what it's worth. Oh, one more thing--I strongly urge you not to feel pressured to work because some unwritten tenet of feminism gone awry tells women without whiz-bang careers that they only count as three-fifths of their working sisters. (3/5 was the legal designation given to slaves for census purposes.) I say that's pure horsefeathers!

Read Barbara Sher's book, "Refuse to Choose!: Use All of Your Interests, Passions, and Hobbies to Create the Life and Career of Your Dreams".

Lorraine,
May I sugest that you look into some volinteer work. It is flexable cures any and all guilt and can lead to some great friendships. What ever you chose to do enjoy yourself and share your laughter.

I say find a new career path. I enjoy getting out of the house and I take pride in my work. It's such good feeling when I accomplish something at work and I'm recognized for it. Maybe you should look into some continuing education classes at the local college. I already had 3 children when I earned my bachelors and I don't regret it for a second. I love my job. You're never too old to educate yourself!

Thanks for the imput!! For now, I am sticking with the 'Live, Love, Laugh' philosophy - Summer is a really hard time to get too serious about anything major!!
To request a questionnaire....you need to click on 'questionnaire request form' : )

I think the photos that you included say it all. It looks like you're happy. So, carry on. Live, love, laugh and enjoy life. Do things you've always wanted to do.

I thought it was great that a 'hometown' gal was featured this month! I grew up about 30min from where Lorraine lives and couldn't believe it when I read that she was born in the same hospital where my husband is a physician. Small world! Good luck with your decision Lorraine!

Go back to school instead. Take some courses in things that interest you such as environmental science, health, and nutrition. Take a couple of semesters to determine what you'd like to major in. Postpone the decision to pursue a career or retire early until after you've earned your degree. Your future plans will have greater clarity at that point.

I just read Lorraine's Real Life Profile and I think that I have a solution to her dilemma regarding work. I have a home based business with Arbonne International and think that Arbonne and Lorraine would be a prefect fit! Arbonne is a health and wellness company so she could combine her enthusiasm for fitness with her love of a flexible schedule. I would love to share more with Lorraine if she is interested. I can be reached at 845-797-4262 or bam715@optonline.net. Thanks so much and make it a great day!