I may have a job offer --and I'm retired! Some ideas for unemployed Duers!

[CTyankee]

This came out of nowhere.

I designed and submitted a simple little course for my local seniors group, the Institute of Learning in Retirement, for a poetry course which was relevant to today's poetry (hello inaugural).

As an afterthought I sent the proposal for a little refinement to my faculty advisor for my Master's Degree (I went back for a Masters as a "mature" student several years ago, finishing in 2003).

My faculty advisor LOVED the proposal and has now suggested that I propose it to the head of the Department of English for a possible undergraduate course! I was astonished!!

Here is the lesson: if you are out of work and looking for something to do, think about what you love: is it poetry (in my case), art, calligraphy, wallpapering, baking, whatever.

Here's the thing: I read that enrollment in state and local colleges is WAY up even in this economy. My course would satisfy an English requirement for people trying to finish an AA or a BA. And it would be so much fun (IMHO) they would love to come to class! Betcha!

What do you do that you could teach and teach joyfully?

[GreenInNC]

1. Several of us unemployed engineers

Several of us are starting a non profit that is going to focus on sustainable and green home repair and renovation for low and middle income housing. We have registered with the state, have our bylaws, and are currently working on our 501c3 papers.

[panader0]

4. I'd love to hear more about your project.

I have been thinking along those lines lately. Manufacture and installation of wind, solar and green tech. It will be a growing field.

[CTyankee]

9. What a great idea! I love it.

I am in awe of people like you. This is wonderful. You are doing what you love and doing good.

This is what we ALL have to do, whether it is the environment, dance, farming, teaching or poetry. We may be on the cusp of a new era, not seen since the 5th century bce in Greece. That society had to learn from the crushing defeat of Athens in the Peloponesian War...and it gave rise to the great Athenian playwrights and philosophers...

[HillbillyBob]

10. I would like to know more about what you are doing.

I am in rural Caswell County NC, near Yanceyville.
We are starting and eco farm. The house is a 1995 Palm Harbor Model 7202 Modular that is in need of updating to LEED standards. It is our intention to put in solar water heating, we have the unit from Northern tool I do not know the model etc off hand its a 26 gallon solar water heater intended for open loop which we did not know at the time.
We are going to make it a closed loop system to heat or boost domestic hot water and then take the loop to another tank for underfloor radiant heat. We want to us pv/battery back up to run the pumps.
Plus we may add a Your Solar sheet brand air to air heater.
Our intention is to be fossil fuel free in the next ten years.
I am a disabled/retired electrician. We plan to install much more insulation, remove and recycle the vinyl siding and add metal roof/siding adding panel insulation, replace windows, gray water and rain harvest systems.
Mainly what is holding us back are the costs involved.
I am trying to learn to do this so that I can teach others and possibly start a part time business for low income folks.
We are also planting orchards and gardens in organics/permaculture/ edible landscape. We are still very early in process since we bought the place 2 years ago Jan, 20.

[OneGrassRoot]

11. Hey, please keep me/us posted about this, please. I'm in NC....

and starting a project myself, and would love to promote such an effort.

Good luck!

[supernova]

12. Would you be needing a Tech Writer?

To possibly develop materials for clients and also possible sponsors?

I've been wanting to get out of IT and get into documenting green technology.

[NOW tense]

2. I could teach architectural and structural engineering 3D drafting skills. n/t

[jody]

3. I've taught several courses since retirement. I suggest you consider the following.

How much will you be paid after taxes and social security?

How much time will be required outside of lecture?

Will you be allowed to choose class time so it fits your regular schedule?

Good Luck, you should have lots of fun if you decide to teach.

[KoKo]

5. K&R...there are opportunities out there..and thanks for this post!

[CTyankee]

6. Yep. I have no requirements for salary. I know it does NOT pay well.

I probably would be able to pick class time. I really have no "regular schedule" at this point as I am retired. If they wanted me to teach at a time I couldn't I would simply refuse.

It's a kind of "boutique" course that would probably attract only the undergrads who were interested in this kind of poetry experience (there, I gave it away, darn!). That would be interesting!

Who knows what can happen but isn't this fun?

[jody]

7. Agree with the fun part and it does keep the mind viable. n/t

[CTyankee]

8. Even a low paying job would contribute SOME income stream so I feel

that I could use that money for a trip to Europe. Not a bad deal, really!