Topic 10:

Relocation and parttime T&D work

Question: I have five years' experience working fulltime with a team that developed and maintained a CMMS (computerized maintenance management system). I coordinated and developed all documentation and training for almost 350 users across three plants. During this time, I have enjoyed the ASTD info-line series and conducted several train-the-trainer programs.

I have also been handling volunteer speaking assignments for about 8 years in 5 states. These are about one hour long for audiences up to 100 people.

I enjoy T&D very much. I have strong speaking and critiquing training and public speaking skills and a positive attitude. I am in the process of getting my BA in education by long-distance. I need to relocate from NY to the Boston/Providence area for personal reasons. My question is, what options might be available for me to work part-time using my T&D skills? I would like to continue spending much of my time doing volunteer work.

--Corey Creed, New York

Answer: It would appear that you have the start of a good game plan for the next phase of your work life. It is quite common for someone retiring to have a desire to use their experience and professional skills to volunteer in a meaningful way. How wonderful that you as a mature adult are obtaining a bachelor's degree. The combination of an education major and your training and public speaking skills will make you an asset to any community service organization.

A couple of ideas to help you find a volunteer position, after relocating and settling into your new home:
· Check in with the non-profit organizations in the Boston-Providence area (particularly the education-related ones).
· Contact the local SCORE Office (Senior Core of Executives), which is always looking for talented people to help in offering services to small businesses.
· See if there is a volunteer clearinghouse in Boston for you to register with.
· Read the local newspapers; many times they will list local volunteer opportunities.
· Join the local ASTD Chapter and network, as this is a great way to meet T&D specialists and the chapter itself may offer training volunteer opportunities to non-profits or members may be aware of such opportunities.

You have a wonderful diverse background that will help you to integrate into your new community.

--AR