Can you tell me a little bit about your ‘unretirement’ story?
I retired from the RAF at 44 and retired ‘officially’ again six years ago but I fancied this particular role in helping people. My CV was four and a half pages long and I had to reduce it to two and a half!
What is your current role like?
70% of the job as a Training Officer is listening, and I’m a very good listener. The most important thing is to be listened to and that’s where my experience comes in. Being that much older, I can say to people that whatever they say to me, they won’t shock me. And I can assure them that whatever they’re going through there are other people who are in a similar situation.
How do you feel about your work?
People open up to me, and I find it a privilege and a pleasure. The job gives me the variety and interest that I was looking for and it has far exceeded my expectations. Each day is an adventure and a challenge. I always learn something, I meet interesting people and I know that it is making a difference.
I love the team, it is the best team I have been in since I left the Air Force.
What would you say about older workers?
We’ve got experience, we’ve got expertise, we are creative. We have a lot to offer in terms of having lived long enough to build up experience which can help people achieve.
I believe, we have a responsibility to pass on our relevant experience to younger people.
Not every employer realises what the older generation can bring to the party but my employers saw it straight away.
I would actively encourage anybody who is in their 60s and 70s to seriously consider applying for opportunities.
