I Love My Job

By Mickey Frederiksen

I used to believe changing careers in midlife was akin to flyinig solo across the Atlantic. I could only imagine Charles Lindbergh's relief and overwhelming sense of accomplishment upon his safe landing. But who knew the biggest risk I would take would lead to a six figure income at age 64?

After spending 25 years as an entrepreneur with my husband in retail, I was offered a job in the very industry I had abandoned to become self-employed. Since our retail business was cyclical, the liklihood of a steady paycheck, with benefits, was too attractive to ignore. My husband wholeheartedly supported my decision in making this transition even though it would leave him alone to run our business. I unwittingly promised him I would continue to work with him on weekends and holidays while working at my full time position. After all, a seven day work week had become our way of life. I look back now and wonder, "What was I thinking?"

It was exciting to get dressed in my newly acquired business suit and report to work. I felt like a kindergartner on the first day of school. I didn't realize just how much I had missed the workplace. Engrossing myself in my new schedule, I discovered the freedom of not having children at home with a rigid schedule to maintain. My mind became like a sponge absorbing all the new technology I had missed over the years. Computers were my nemesis. I thought I would never "get it", but suddenly one day the light went on and I learned computers really are our friends. My original position, upon returning to work was as receptionist in a busy escrow office. Even the phones had become more technical, but nothing could deter me from learning all there was to know.

With each new day, patience and tolerance became my mantra. The business world had drastically changed in the last 25 years. The most noticeable change was that of the younger generation and their choice of business attire. Somewhere in time, the office environment had taken a casual turn. My maturity enabled me to overlook many of the fashion faux paws. The one constant source of irritation, however, was the misuse of the English language. Having been an "A" student in English, it was difficult to digest the use of "these ones and those ones", along with "me and Jack went to the game". Ouch! I knew if I corrected them I would only make enemies of my co-workers. So I decided to give my working relationships some space and perhaps slowly work in the grammar lessons at a more opportune time.

New possibilities were presented to me as I steadily progressed. I was offered a position as Assistant Manager. It would give me the chance to work with a long time friend who had remained in the business while I went off to become an entrepreneur. I hesitated accepting at first, due to the fact it had only been a year and a half since returning to the workplace. Feeling fortunate to even have a job at my age, I never expected to make a move that would turn out to be the missing link in my life. After examining my options, I decided to take yet another risk and accept the new position.

My ability to listen more than talk began to shape my new career. There had been no formal management practices in place in the company before I was hired. My entrepreneurial experience enabled me to practice smart business sense. A program of goal setting and recognition for a job well done was put into action. My first order of business was to meet with the employees and customers to hear them out. As I listened to their complaints and problems, it became evident communication was lacking between the two. With the full support of the President of the company, I was able to achieve progress. Telephone etiquette and office protocol were set in place. This was the first step in providing intelligent, courteous communication between the company and its' customers.

Customer service classes were scheduled for all employees. New equipment was installed where necessary. Hiring and firing policies were enacted to bring more qualified professionals to the company. The prior employees were complacent and had no motivation to change their thinking toward the customer. Their mentality was stagnant. There was no role model to emulate and no desire for change. The challenge was like an adrenalin rush for me. I was driven to succeed. Determined to change the negative mindset into a positive environment had become my goal. Training classes were implemented to give the employees confidence when dealing with the customers.

Over the past few years, a new attitude has developed and customer service is now a priority. Salary increases are routinely given with the steady rise in company profits. Today, experienced professionals are constantly sending resumes for my review. Ninety five percent of the original workforce has been replaced with new employees who are eager to make a difference. Award luncheons are held annually with trophies presented to all who have earned them. Employee morale has vastly improved. Monthly newsletters are published highlighting the superstars of the month, along with customer surveys extolling the virtues of our service.

I am happy to report the proper use of the English language has made a resurgence in our offices. We have implemented word games in each office whereby everyone is given a chance to learn and not be singled out when they make an error. It is music to my ears when I visit the offices and pick up bits of conversations between our employees and their customers. They are all very confident and proud of their new vocabularies.

It has been nearly 6 years since transitioning from entrepreneur to the workforce. My life and career have blossomed in ways I never dreamed possible. Public speaking has become my passion. Sharing with others how they too, can achieve personal success at any time in their life, is my mission.

I thank my husband of 45 years daily for his constant care and support in helping me to grow as an individual. He has also made a drastic lifestyle change. Since selling our business 2 years ago, he has retired. Our quality of life has improved as we spend more time together on our free weekends and holidays, for the first time in 25 years.

Being a regional manager for a 10 branch escrow company is a daunting task at any age. But at 64, the wisdom and experience gained throughout my life, allow me to handle the daily challenges of a demanding career and still maintain a loving relationship with my husband with more ease than when I was younger. You are never too old to try something new.

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