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True StoriesPeg Heglund: Former Nurse Launches Job Placement Service for Mature Workers
The Career Make-Over, which is a regular feature of the Los Angeles Times Sunday business section, pairs expert consultants and advisors with individuals looking for a change or more happiness in their present career. Peg Heglund spoke with Helen Harkness, executive director of Career Design Associates in Dallas and the author of "Don’t Stop the Career Clock: Rejecting the Myths of Aging for a New Way to Work in the 21st Century" (Davies-Black Publishing, 1999). Harkness convinced Peg that she might be allowing age stereotypes to limit her career options. "We set a trap for ourselves by thinking we peak in our 40s, and then for the next 40 or 50 years just decline physically until our death," Harkness said. "This is a sick view of aging that we need to get rid of." She suggested Peg consider "resetting her career clock" by visualizing herself 20 years younger, and begin taking an inventory of her skills and interests. Skills Inventory Peg Heglund had been a nurse for 30 years when she and her husband, Larry, headed off to California in their new RV. Larry accepted a job and they enjoyed "a couple of magnificent years" together. When Larry fell seriously ill, Peg turned down several job offers to nurse him. After he died, she took a job at a local hospital, but within six months she was laid off in an organizational change. "I vowed not to be put in this position again and walked away from my profession as Registered Nurse," she says. "These were difficult times. I was living in a strange part of the country, my love was gone and my life work was finished. Out of these ashes came my long dreamed of business: Regeneration, a consignment shop." As owner/manager of a small business for four years, Peg acquired many skills including management, marketing and retailing methods. She had used computers for her business and is familiar with relevant software programs. She knew how to interview and do research (she had spent some time in Ireland doing geneaological research). The mother of eight also had excellent commucation and "people" skills. At Helen Harkness’ suggestion, Peg began to explore career options that could take advantage of her varied work experience and her desire to be of service. This ultimately led her to Deborah Russell, senior program coordinator for economic security and work issues for AARP in Washington and a specialist in senior career issues. As a result of their conversation, Peg came upon the idea for a new career that excited her: "a job placement service for people 55 and older." As she told the Los Angeles Times: "What I’m finding is that there are so many seniors like me who want to get back in the parade, be useful, and make a little money in the process. I’m always at my best when I’m doing what I love, and this is definitely that kind of opportunity." Local reaction to the make-over article had been "tremendous and emotional. I have been meeting with people and employers interested in supporting this venture." Peg said. When she shared her idea with her peers, many responded by asking if they could register with the service, and a few asked about possible positions with her new firm. Peg was also contacted by an independent producer interested in doing a documentary about her, and that project is in progress. Undaunted With millions of baby boomers reaching their mid-50s, there is no shortage of mature workers. An often-cited AARP study indicates that 80% of this population plans to keep working after their reach official retirement age. Yet, despite the lowest unemployment in 30 years, employers have not been recruiting within this population, according to a 1998 study sponsored by the National Council on Aging, citing difficulties in how to access this age group. Although another AARP study indicates a preference for younger workers, Peg sees it differently: "A growing number of experts are warning that the future workforce won't rely on Generation X, but on the ever-expanding pool of older workers and retirees. With the unemployment rate hovering consistently around 4%, companies are already scrambling to keep up with the demand for qualified employees. Employers benefit from the knowledge and work ethic of seasoned employees. Mature workers find companies willing to be flexible to their needs. Everyone wins!" Recently, Peg Heglund took delivery of database software to create a registry and settled on BACK TO WORK as the name for her new company. It has begun placing people in both part- and full-time administrative, light industrial, and home health positions, and is open to "whatever else may show up in the process," according to its founder. Job seekers pay a $25 application fee and their information -- including skills, education, work experience, volunteer/community service, interests, availability and "Dream Job" -- is stored in the database for a year. Employers will pay placement fees starting at $300. "The business is well on its way to being a huge success," Peg says. "I placed a woman who just moved to California from New York and was having trouble finding work, with a financial planner. It is a great match and the employers has offered his offices for the documentary." Peg Heglund "couldn’t be happier" at the way her life is being made-over since she volunteered for the Career Make-Over back in July. "Meaningful work and being of service is life’s greatest gift," she says. Getting Started Peg Heglund’s web site, http://www.recareering.com is collecting information from both employers and mature workers. She welcomes your thoughts and ideas as her new business evolves. recareering@yahoo.com Other relevant articles on workplace issues: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/000605/nycu/main.htm http://www.experienceworks.org/mw_home.htm Home | True
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Veteran nurse,
Peg Heglund, 68, found herself alone, out of work and "at a loss at what I was going
to do with my life." The lifestyle at Leisure World, a retirement community of 9,000,
in Seal Beach, California, had proven no match for her energy and desire to be of help to
her peers, many of whom had also had their fill of leisure. So Peg wrote a letter to the
Los Angeles Times, volunteering for the newspaper’s Career Make-Over. From the moment
the article appeared, her life began "to move in a very exciting, unfamiliar
direction."