10 Best Cities for Job-Seeking Retirees

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One of my fondest memories as a child was sitting at my grandfather’s feet with my cousins as he told us Assyrian stories handed down through the generations of our family. They were wonderful stories, but my grandfather, I’m sad to say was the last master story teller in my family and many of the old stories are now forgotten.

I was born and raised in Iraq of humble beginnings. I graduated from the University of Basra and rose in the ranks of Saddam’s army to the position of Lieutenant Colonel. After the first American/Iraqi war, I was forced to flee Iraq with my family for their safety. Since coming to America, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Devry in Chicago and a Master’s Degree in Engineering from Arizona State University in Phoenix. My children are now married, living free and safe in America. Each day I breathe the air, drink the water and eat the food from the ground of America. It gives life to me and my children and my heart fills with gratefulness to this country that is now my country. I do not forget the heritage that is mine from the land of my nativity, but how do I repay the gift of continued life from America?

In my heart, a feeling grew; tell them of the old stories handed down through the generations of time. They are full of the best qualities of the Arab cultures and of humanity. But I live in Arab world, how do I tell America the old stories in a way that they will understand? I found an American writer and collaborated with him to write screenplays of the old stories interjecting some of the American culture. Later we wrote the first book of one of the old Assyrian stories. It is called “Merzapamed Prince of Dore” and was published in June of 2010. It is my grateful gift to America and one of my fondest memories. I tell you of this for your consideration in hopes that you can help me share it with the people of America as my contribution from a fellow Arab.

Romeo Eshalom

Romeo of AZ 1:17PM June 17, 2011

My husband, Marty Farnsworth, started a writing career eleven years ago. He took classes, read over 25 extra books, and began in the field he felt most comfortable in. Then he decided that he would write fiction books because an Assyrian friend of his had an Assyrian story he's never heard told for many years...since the time of radios and tvs. His friend, Romeo Eshalom, got his father to retell the story into a tape recorder in Assyrian. Romeo translated it to Arabic writing, and then interpreted it to Marty in English. The story is Merzapamed. It seems to be a trilogy. The first one has been published by Dog Ear Publishing LLC. We've read some reviews of it that are uplifting. Not all of us are writers, but all of us can retrain to another field. I'm thinking of writing and pharmacy tech.

Priscilla Farnsworth of AZ 8:03PM May 10, 2011

I am fifty-two and just recently went back to college to upgrade my skill set and learned how to work in teams with young people. If you play your cards right, kids ages 20-40 will respect you not as an "old person" but as an experienced worker. I feel like the key is in not downplaying their skill set, and to respect their "authority" in the workplace.

Also, aim lower when applying for new jobs, get into the company any way you can, and work your way back up, a paycheck is a paycheck is a paycheck.

sillybilly of MA 7:58AM August 02, 2010

Buy or start a new business in this economy! My husband sunk all of his retirement into a business and lost everything. This economic downturn has ruined us financially and we are bankrupt, lost the business and they are foreclosing on our home. That was the worst move we ever made...and we are paying the price. Get whatever crappy job you can to get by until this storm is over and enjoy the little things in life. It's not worth the worry, stress or risk right now. Relax and wait. Trust me.

Michele of PA 3:08AM April 08, 2010

What is going on with Casper, Wyoming these days?

Donald Collie of CA 5:41PM January 28, 2010

It's hard for someone that's 40+ to compete with someone these days just out of college. It seems like companies don't really value what can only be taught through experience as much as they should.

I encourage anyone who finds themselves in this situation to look into buying a business. Buying a mature profitable business gives you cash flow from day #1. Instead of slogging around out there from job interview to job interview competing with these youngsters that you are obviously more qualified then, be your own boss. Put those years of experience to work by taking control of a business in your particular niche. If you can get the necessary capital together, it's the obvious way to go.

Anyone interested in the buying of a business should check out http://www.businessbuyeradvocate.com/ . It is a great blog full of must have knowledge for anyone thinking about taking the plunge. It’s frequented by quite a few experts in various aspects of the field that can help you with any questions you might have or perspective you might need.

Buying a business very well could be the most important decision you ever make in your life. You have to make sure you buy the right business the right way.

Frank Fitton of FL 10:50AM December 01, 2009

I am 67 yrs old and the last two jobs I was fired and when it happened thanked and even hugged the supervisor because I realized they were doing me a favor to go on to the next job.  At my age every experience enriches my experience and I do not take it personally and know there are plenty of jobs for me.  No job is the end of the world. If I do have a difficult job or boss, I ask: " Why am I here"? And I answer" I am here to make money and that is all"Even "bosses from Hell" have helped me as I have learned to place myself in their positon of responsibility and really are to help and guide me. There can only be one boss and that is fine with me. Besides its only temporary at my age and I can always move on.

Albert Arriola of HI 6:39PM October 31, 2009

Being a medicL DOCtor is a sacred occupation. Who cares, but one cares who is appointed in the field righteously and works

honestly. A person can get righteously his/her positio if get that position easily on right

time. As medical related positions are provided here directly from employers, these involves

Pharmaceutical Jobs, Chemist Jobs, Pharmacy Jobs, Clinical Pharmacist Jobs, Pharmaceutical

Sales Representative Jobs ad others. All provided at www.PharmaeceuticalCrossing.com

hadded of PA 8:16AM July 19, 2009

Well i might as well start of and tell you all my history

i am now 77 years old I go back to 1932 the depresion days so i know all about getting a job times were tough back there

then have worked on quite a number of jobs from pick and shovel

to working on the rail roads out in the snow cleaaring the tracks Have driven those big rigs trailers double tamden jobs

Most of the jobs have been out side jobs But there have been

inside jobs Best thing is to put your mind to saying i am going to get work be sure you have a good education that important

look for a job like every day dont give up just think like your out there fishing you will get a bite thats for sure I found a job at a location that was not even listed they said they were getting ready to put it in the papers Well enough of that to make a long story short Went into army went to Korea was out there on the frozen north With 8 Army cam back home got the

G I bill went to work on Eltronic job for Air Force this was in 1955 Was in Korea in 1953 Wound up in Telephone outside plant

the telephone co is always hireing Hope this helps

Roger Anderson of MA 12:06AM February 03, 2009

I recently went to work for JP Morgen/Chase and most of their supervisors are young kids and they do not seem to like older people. So, I was going to a job that I did not care for, so I did not do very good and got fired. Now I am having a harder time in getting a job, I do not know if it is because of my age or what??? Andrew. . . Can anyone help?

Andrew J. McLemore Sr. of AZ 3:57PM February 02, 2009

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