Dear Doug by Doug Mayberry

Q: My husband wanted to retire at 62, and we did so. Now with the economy in a downspin, we realize we retired too soon. One of our sons has lost his job and we trying to help him, too. Can you suggest re-entry employment opportunities for my husband?

A: Seniors now compete with peers, early-bird yuppie retirees, teenagers and students for work. Employers are flooded with applicants and can be choosey. However, researchers report minimum wage and seasonal work causes larger turnovers, which creates more day-to-day work opportunities.

Attitude, enthusiasm, the ability to convince the employer of positive work ethic and the willingness to work less desirable shifts are advantages for job-seekers. Being bilingual is a big bonus.

The most likely opportunities are in the medical field, which includes hospitals, doctor's offices, and even security guards. Check the websites and local newspaper classified sections for openings. Help your husband update a one-page resume to present to all potential employers when he asks for an employment application or interview. Being Johnny on the spot has its advantages.

Both federal and state governments offer assistance and have staffs that can direct him to available openings. Short-term employment such as retail bankruptcy closings may be a possibility. Charities and nonprofit companies like food banks are scrambling for money. They frequently outsource organizations to solicit funds, which your husband might find as interesting work.

Sometimes changing careers can become a rewarding passion, which had not been a prior option.

Getting a job today requires energy, persistence, calling peers, following leads and distributing lots of resumes.

The secret is to find a new niche for his talents. Maybe now is that perfect time!

Q: With terrorism, natural disasters and other fears, what are about the 10 most important things that we should be prepared to do in the event of needing to evacuate our home?

A: The type of emergency that might happen makes a big difference. However, the basics for a fire, tornado, flood, earthquake or environmental catastrophe are the same. Your family and pets are your first priorities. Make a checklist and copies for all adult family members. Water, food and shelter head the list. Always know the location of your car keys, wallet and purse.

Pack a couple of duffle bags with an extra cell phone list, the location of the nearest shelter and an address where you can make family contact (perhaps the police or fire station). Plan at least two escape routes. Make sure each household driver practices the drives.

In the bags, include extra clothing, shoes, duplicate meds, copies of prescriptions and credit cards, critical insurance papers and family photos. Enclose some blank checks and cash. Photocopy your medical insurance and auto insurance cards. Investigate how quickly you could unplug your computer.

As we never know where we will be located in an emergency, a smaller duffle bag would be worth keeping in the trunk at all times.

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California Retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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