Char Campbell lives in Boulder, Colorado. At the age of 70, she is looking for a job, and retirement is not an option. Char divorced in 1991, is presently single, and lives in a modest apartment that serves her needs. Her health is excellent, and she is a self-described "woman of many hats."
While she has many degrees in psychotherapy, her empathic nature made her wonder if that was the right career for her, so she has developed a freelance graphic design business she can do from home, where she feels most comfortable. Community is important to Char; she reserves one-on-one time with her dearest friends regularly and attends contemplative dance classes, practicing in open spaces.
She feels most at home in nature, her happy place. Walking, meditating, and simply contemplating the wonders of Mother Nature make her feel alive. Her deep spirituality is evident in every gentle step she takes, her kindness emanating in her words. "I am happier now than I have ever been, and solitude is freedom," she says, focusing on the positive aspects of life while being able to feel the whole gamut of emotions without hesitation.
The last year off work made her realize just how busy she can be doing things she loves, and having to look for something to support herself is a hard reality of being a single woman with no grown children or relatives to help. Yet, she is grateful to be in a healthy body and mind, to be able to find meaningful work where she can be of service, uplift, heal, bring joy, and love to open people's hearts to the wonders of life.
To live authentically, perfectly imperfect, is a gift—one Char hopes to share with the right people who cross her path.
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How does it feel to be 72?
Why did you retire or why are you still working?
Why did you retire?
Why are you still working?
The moneyed world requires me to pay my way. I’ve worked since I was 14, when I sold Avon cosmetics door to door. Waitress, hotel clerk, office manager, limo driver, freelance graphic designer, psychotherapist, project manager, HR assistant were a few of my other titles. My choice of a gentle life didn’t allow me to accumulate the money needed for retirement.
A year ago, I left my eight-year part time job to see if I could find a more true-to-me livelihood. This past year of “wanna-be-retirement” has been GRAND. So many varied interests crowd in for attention. I’ve almost been busier than when I was working. Behind it all I wonder... What do I want to be when I grow up? How can I be myself and fit into the work world?
The truth is I want to be of positive service in the world in ways that allow me to live my best life, while helping meet some deep need of humanity. In most aspects that feels way too big. I’ve been in trust mode, staying open to possibilities, in hopes that some just-right opportunity will knock. If simply being myself paid a living wage, I’d be set.
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What do you look forward to?
What is your biggest concern?
Life expectancy 2023
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