retirement life Archives – Unretirement Project

Is It Safe to Use Social Media for Marketing in Unretirement

April 11, 2018 by Keith Lauby 2 Comments

By now, we’ve all seen the articles about Facebook and their use of user information. It has caused a number of users to delete their accounts. Some brands are doing the same. So, I thought it would be a good time to talk briefly about online privacy and social media.

Over the years, social media has become an integral part of our lives. We engage with family and friends on Facebook or our business associates on LinkedIn. Or we monitor trending stories and its entertaining commentary on Twitter. The question people are asking – is our information safe?

Recently, I wrote about using Facebook to help with marketing in unretirement. For years, I’ve used Facebook for my marketing and I will continue to do so, simply because there are more advantages than disadvantages – as long as you’re smart about it.

First of all, know and understand your privacy settings. Every social media site has them. I recommend spending some dedicated time getting to know how every type of social post is handled. Can everyone see it? Only friends? With Facebook, you can start by seeing how others view your page. Click on your profile and, in the bottom right corner of your cover image there are three dots – that’s an extended menu. Click on it and select “View as . . . “.

The difference may be subtle, but you will notice a prompt to send yourself a friend request and an “Add Friend” button. You’re on the right page! From here, carefully read over your Intro box. Does it have the right information? Is it sharing information you don’t want to share here? Any changes in your information can be made using the “About” tab (be sure to quickly click on your profile again first to get back to interacting as you). You should select each heading listed on the left side of your profile and make any edits in the field as needed.

After you confirm your information is correct, it’s time to focus on your privacy settings. On the far right at the top of your Facebook page is a down arrow. Click that and select “Settings” from the drop-down menu. Select “Privacy” on the left to confirm your settings and edit them as needed. After that, select Timeline and Tagging on the left. That will give you a breakdown of your posting types and who can see them. From here, you can select “Edit” for each type of Facebook action and select who can see them from the drop-down menu.

Every social platform has their own version of a privacy setup. Get to know them! In fact, it’s a good idea to schedule an annual social media audit because sites tend to fine-tune their settings over time.

Social media is, and will continue to be, a major force in shaping our communities and culture. It offers vast opportunities! So, don’t be afraid to take advantage of everything it has to offer. Be smart and be aware. And, above all, be safe. It’s really not that hard to do.

What We Are UP To – March 2018

March 28, 2018 by Sharlyn Lauby Leave a Comment

Watching | Learn@50+

> Did you know that AARP members have access to an online learning library? Their course catalog covers everything from how to back up your iPhone or iPad to an interactive video focused on the age you should consider drawing Social Security. I’ve signed up for a couple of career related webinar sessions to see what they’re all about. Stay tuned…

Reading | Online Comics

> Keith and I stopped subscribing to the newspaper years ago, but one of the things we miss is the comics. It always feels nice to start off the day with a laugh. Well, did you know that you can get your comics online? We’ve found two sources: GoComics and Comics Kingdom. They’re cheaper than a newspaper subscription and you can even get some classic comics like Funky Winkerbean and Beetle Bailey.

Remembering | All the Houses

> We recently organized our photo collection as part of our upcoming move. It was very cool to see pictures of all of our homes together. And even though they were in different cities, how similar they were in terms of style and color. As much as we might change as individuals and even as a couple, some things stay the same.

Working On | A New Look for Unretirement Project

> Now that the blog is a year old this March, we’ve been working on refining our brand a little. Over the next few weeks, you’ll see some subtle changes. One thing I’m very excited about this the new banner and avatar on our Twitter account. If you’re on Twitter, I hope you’ll follow us at @UnretirementPro.

Feeling | Exhausted

> Thank goodness we’re done with all of the decluttering around the house! Now it’s all about getting the house ready to put on the market. Rearranging furniture, taking down personal stuff, and staging the house. It is kinda weird seeing your home without any mementos, pictures, etc. But March is the time for us to focus on our next adventure.

Planning | Taxes!

> It’s that time of year – March quickly brings April taxes! Getting our files together, meeting with our accountant, filling out forms. When we started consulting, Keith and I made the investment into getting an accountant. And I mean it when I say it’s an investment. If you really want your accountant to help you, they have to get to know you. It’s an investment of time (and money) so they can help you plan and file your taxes.

Loving | Speidel Twist-O-Flex

> My dad had a Speidel Twist-O-Flex band for his watch. I might have even had a Twist-O-Flex band for one of my first watches. Well, now I have a Twist-O-Flex for my Apple Watch. Yep, Speidel is making their famous Twist-O-Flex bands for Apple Watches. I love the juxtaposition of a high-tech watch with a retro band.

Geeking | Amazon Services

> I’d like to think that everyone has ordered something on Amazon at some point. But did you know that you can now order services (like house cleaning) via Amazon?! We saw a deal for a full-day (6+ hours) of house cleaning and decided to give it a try. Keith is an excellent cleaner, but he wanted a little something extra before we put the house on the market. If they do a good job, we’ll try them again when we move into our rental in Gainesville.

What’s UP with you?

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the Wynwood Art District in Miami, FL

Fitness Matters in Unretirement So Get Creative

March 21, 2018 by Keith Lauby Leave a Comment

Our pursuit of fitness changes over time. It’s not that we stop pursuing it – we can’t. But rather, how we do it and the tools we use to get there evolves as we age. And when you work for yourself, you may have to get creative where your fitness is concerned.

Please understand, I’m not a medical or fitness professional. But I am a business pro who is always looking for ways to keep healthy and fit. Ways that align with a hectic schedule. When I worked in corporate offices, some of my daily activity was walking to meetings, warehouses, and a variety of other workplaces. Now that I work in a home office, I’m looking for a different solution to help me keep active.

After reading that the Deskcise Pro from FlexiSpot won a 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Award, I jumped at the chance to give it a test drive. The Deskcise Pro combines a standing desk and exercise bike in one compact piece of equipment. It has a very small footprint, so it doesn’t get in the way in my small office and it easily rolls wherever I want it. But don’t worry, it won’t roll around as you’re using it because it has an innovative feature that locks the wheels when you’re pedaling.

I’ve always believed that accessibility was the key to consistent use of any exercise equipment. It becomes even more important as we age. After waking up one morning with a stiff neck, I just used a spring lever on the Deskcise Pro to raise up the desk so it’s a little more comfortable to read on my laptop. You can also move the desktop a little closer just as easily. When my legs a little sore from too much yardwork, a dial on the Deskcise Pro main console lets me dial in just the right amount of resistance. And a screen allows me to track speed, distance, calories, odometer and revolutions per minute (RPMs).

Even if you don’t want to pedal, you can still be active. A spring lever adjustment can quickly convert your bike into a standing desk. Let’s face it, you I won’t have an excuse not to keep active anymore! And that’s important to me when I’m working from a home office.

Working in unretirement can bring a few challenges and fitness can be one of them. If you’re looking to keep up your activity in a home office, but don’t want to invest in a lot of different equipment or lose work time at the gym, consider checking out the Deskcise Pro. It’s a simple but creative solution that offers a lot of flexibility.

6 Lessons Learned from Decluttering

March 14, 2018 by Sharlyn Lauby Leave a Comment

As you may know by now, we’re moving in a few months to Gainesville, Florida. To get ready for the move, Keith and I have decided to declutter our home. Whether you’re a fan of Marie Kondo’s “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” or Margareta Magnusson’s “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning”, decluttering is the process of removing unnecessary (and unwanted) items from your home.

Because we want to move as little as possible, this decluttering project was more than Spring cleaning. We opened every cabinet and drawer, pulled everything out, and consciously made the decision whether it stays or goes. Along the way, we learned a few things about how to approach the process.

Make a pact that it’s okay to part with sentimental items. I am so glad that before we started we had a discussion about sentimental items like photos, wedding stuff, gifts from family members, etc. We agreed that getting rid of this stuff wasn’t a reflection of our relationship. We certainly didn’t get rid of everything but, our 30+ year old wedding cake top that’s been collecting dust…gone.

Enjoy the memories, even if you choose to part with the item. Every time we started cleaning out a room, we found ourselves going down memory lane. And that’s fine. Just because something has a memory attached to it, doesn’t mean you have to keep it. Keith and I enjoyed the memories, had some laughs, and then decided it was okay to part with the item.

It’s exhausting, so take your time. Because we went through every square inch of every room, it took time. And because we would get distracted by the memories, it took even longer. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the process. We did one room a week, so it took us almost three months to declutter our home. I’m really glad we spaced the process out because we weren’t rushed and didn’t end up tossing too much or too little.

Sometimes the decision is to move it, not get rid of it. One other thing we noticed about our stuff is that sometimes the answer wasn’t to get rid of it, but to move it to another room. Pictures, bric-a-brac, pillows, etc. are great examples. We loved the item but wanted to see it in a different place. So, experiment a little. Especially if one person in the family really likes something and the other persons are kinda “meh” about it.

Decide the best way to dispose of the item. I told someone recently that the hardest part of decluttering wasn’t making the decision about what stays or goes, but how to get rid of it – trash, destroy, recycle, donate, junk, etc. That’s another reason to space out your decluttering project. There’s only so much you can set aside for disposal at one time.

Remember to dispose of confidential information properly. When you start gaining some momentum in your decluttering efforts (and you will), it might be tempting to toss big boxes of paper away. Be cognizant of what’s on that paper and find a secure way to dispose of tax records, personal papers, etc. Also, don’t forget to dispose of old prescriptions in a responsible way as well.

While on the surface, decluttering might seem like a chore (and it is), we had some good moments going through all of our stuff. It’s also incredibly satisfying to get rid of old things we don’t need or want anymore and find them a new home. So, whether or not you’re planning a move, decluttering could be a way to clean up and bring new life to your home.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby at Le Tub, the best burger joint in South Florida

What We Are UP To – February 2018

February 28, 2018 by Sharlyn Lauby 4 Comments

Disclosure: Occasionally we receive free products for review or include advertising links in posts, but no one impacts the honesty of our opinions.

Watching | Black Panther

> We’re big fans of the Marvel Universe, so we’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of Black Panther. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so all I’m going to say is … it lives up to all the February hype. Try to find time to see it on the big screen.

Reading | Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife

> Mary Roach is without a doubt one of my favorite authors. I really appreciate the way she explains science in a casual, conversational tone, with just the right amount of dry wit. In this book, Roach dives into the subject of the ghosts, spooks, and the afterlife. What I like most about this book is that she gives the topic the respect it deserves, regardless of your beliefs.

Remembering |Our 1-Year Anniversary

> We started Unretirement Project one year ago in February and we’re so glad we did it. Thank you for reading our articles and sharing your thoughts with us. We’re looking forward to more good times as we continue on our unretirement journey together. ICYMI – This was the first post that launched this blog.

Working On | Growth Matters Network

> I have a new project that I’m working on with SAP Small Business. I’m part of a small group of business professionals who will be having regular conversations about business, marketing, talent, etc. on the Growth Matters Network. The discussions are open to everyone, so if you’re interested join the network and be a part of the conversation.

Feeling | Accomplished

> Keith and I have been downsizing and decluttering little by little over the past few weeks. It’s amazing how one minute we feel like we haven’t made a dent in the project and the next we look around and say “Wow! Look at how much we’ve done!” There’s still a lot to do after February, but we’re getting there. And it feels great to be accomplishing things.

Planning | Lifestyle Journals

> Plum Paper has a new offering that’s caught my attention – lifestyle journals. They focus on meetings, travel, meal planning, budget, and gratitude. All with the beautiful style we’ve come to expect from Plum Paper. I’m very tempted to give one a try.

Loving | Stainless Steel Straws

> A few years ago, I read about using stainless steel straws for beverages. I was a little concerned about whether I would like them in general. And Keith was concerned about cleaning them. But our concerns were unfounded on both fronts. Great for smoothies, easy to clean, and good for the environment!

Geeking |Apple HomePod

> Yep, we did it. Broke down and got ourselves a HomePod. We still have our Amazon Alexa but wanted to give this one a test drive as well. We’re still trying to figure out HomePod’s full capabilities, but I will say that the speakers are noticeably better than Amazon.

What’s UP with you?

8 Things I’ve Learned Writing a Book

February 21, 2018 by Sharlyn Lauby Leave a Comment

I know a lot of people who have writing a book on their bucket list. I was one of those people. I wrote my first book, Essential Meeting Blueprints for Managers, in 2015 and my second, Manager Onboarding: 5 Steps for Setting New Leaders Up for Success, came out in 2016. My third book, The Recruiters Handbook: How to Source, Select, and Engage the Best Talent, is scheduled to be out over the next couple of months.

The reason I’m mentioning this is because writing books is a very interesting experience. After each one, I take some time to think about the writing process. Think of it as a personal debrief. For those of you who have also been thinking about writing a book, here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Know why you’re doing it. There are many reasons to write books: money, experience, etc. Your reason will help you make decisions about the process – especially when it comes to publishing (i.e. self-publishing versus niche publisher versus big name publishing house). Believe me, there’s a huge learning curve here.

Be open to inquiries. You don’t need a literary agent – unless, of course, you want one. You can get a book deal from an email. If you’re a blogger, keep in mind that publishers might be reading your blog to see if you have book potential. And if you’re not a blogger, but you want to eventually write a book, maybe starting a blog is a good first step.

The process takes longer than you think. There are proposals, research, outlines, writing, revisions, etc. I would say that every book I’ve written takes well over a year from idea to publish. When you commit to a book, it’s a long-term project. You have deadlines. Be prepared for the writing process to be a very big priority in your life.

Find a routine that works for you. And your friends and family. Speaking of long-term projects, one of the best things I do is establish a writing schedule. Keith and I agreed that Saturdays would be “writing day”. This kept me on track and I didn’t feel guilty about locking myself away. Figure out what works best for you so you can meet both your writing and family obligations.

Always ask yourself, “Would I buy this?” It’s great to write a book because you have something to say. It’s another thing all together to get people to buy it. One of the things I really enjoy in my book writing process is the part when reviewers are given my draft for comments. They were asked, “Would you buy this?” I got some terrific feedback which only made the final version stronger.

Editors exist to make the outcome better. If you plan to write a book, get ready for people to critique and edit your work. Looking back, I’m grateful for the writing opportunities I’ve had with publications like Mashable because it allowed me to get used to people editing my work.

While writing a book is a long process and a lot of work, I really do enjoy it. And if presented with the right set of circumstances, I’d probably definitely do it again.

Is writing a book on your unretirement list?

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby at the 34th Street Graffiti Wall in Gainesville, FL

How to Start a Blog In Your Unretirement

February 14, 2018 by Keith Lauby 2 Comments

Blogging started back in 1994. At that time, they were mostly the work of a single individual about a single subject. In 2017, it’s estimated there are more than 440 million personal and corporate blogs in existence. And they cover far more subjects that we can even begin to imagine.

Blogging can be a very satisfying pastime. Sure, there’s a learning curve – just like there is for everything. But today, it’s easier than ever and there are plenty of resources to help you along the way. Done right, a blog can even be monetized to provide a source of revenue in your unretirement.

If you are considering blogging, there are 5 things I would recommend giving careful thought:

Think about the platform. There are many places to blog. Sites like Google’s Blogger have been around since 1999. In recent years, Tumblr has become extremely popular. This blog (and our first one, HR Bartender) are on a self-hosted WordPress site and it has worked very well. Just do your homework about what platform you want to blog on.
Figure out why you want to blog. Maybe it’s because you have something you want to say. It might be to find clients for your consulting business. Or to directly make a little extra money. But it’s important to know why you’re blogging, because it will drive other decisions along the way.
Never say never. Be open to opportunities as they arise. The reasons you blog may change over time. Just understand how that change impacts other aspects of blogging. For instance, if you just blog for fun, you can immediately publish whatever comes to mind. If you want to monetize, your readers and potential sponsors may have different expectations.
Carefully choose your blog’s name because, no matter why you blog, you will need to market So, develop a name that helps you accomplish your blogging goals (see #2). Just remember, it can be very hard to successfully change your blog’s name and rebrand down the road.
Think about how much time you want to spend. Blogging can sometimes take a lot of work. You might start off slow – maybe once a week. Then put yourself into the shoes of your audience. Knowing what your audience wants is important when deciding how long a post should be or how frequently to publish.

Don’t worry, these considerations aren’t designed to scare you. Taking a little dedicated time on the front end should help eliminate a few frustrations down the road. And, if you’re curious why the list has little to do with writing, it’s because we all have something to say. That part you’ve already taken care of!

Do you have any questions about blogging? Let us know and we’ll try to answer them!