Empty-Nest Syndrome
“Being an ‘empty-nester’ doesn’t mean you have nothing to do, but rather, you can do anything!”
It’s so quiet. A second cup of coffee, the newspaper, and hey … the car is still in the drive. And then it hits you. No school carpool to run. No cupcakes to bake for the fundraiser. And no soccer practice. Dinner isn’t a rushed affair between homework, sports activities, music lessons and bedtime. In fact, a bowl of soup or a sandwich might be just the ticket … when I get around to it.
And, that’s it — choices! The kids are in college or married and we can do whatever we want. Some see this as a selfish view; others cheer for personal freedom.
Maybe you want to learn to square dance — a group meets at the American Legion Hall on Dayton Street. Or how about throwing a pot? Glazed and Amazed on Main Street has all the materials, instructors, and a kiln. Aria Art Gallery, also on Main Street, offers the chance for developing your artistic side with classes in oils, pastels and water color. And if up to now you have only been pursuing sports when you had the time, golf and tennis are offered at our local health clubs.
This new aspect of free time will put you in touch with others in the same situation. Try to develop these new friendships, and use this as a chance for personal enrichment, and become more than Dick or Jane’s mom or dad.
Hopefully, you have planned well and have some disposable income to indulge yourself a bit. Always wanted to cruise to those romantic, far-away places? How about visiting those beautiful, old cathedrals of France and the classic museums of Germany? Now is YOUR time to do this!
Have you always wanted to learn another language or write a novel? Edmonds Community College has extension classes in a variety of disciplines, from Beginner Spanish to Writing for Publication.
This may be an opportunity to cut back a little and take a part-time job in a related field to free up some time to explore new opportunities. Use this break to launch that job into a real career by taking classes to learn new technology or advanced math courses.
And our community always needs the resources of volunteers, whether with the Art Center, Edmonds in Bloom or the thrift shop, your time is a valuable asset to these organizations.
By all means use this time now as a gift from your young adult who has flown-the-coop. Don’t sit by the computer waiting for his or her email or a phone call. If you have done your job of raising a confident and resourceful individual, he or she will contact you when, or if, they need help.
Meanwhile, don’t rent out their room, and keep the washer and dryer tuned-up, because Christmas Break will be here before you know it.
Time to explore
Edmonds Community College offers non-credit courses from beginning drawing to advanced aerospace training. Continuing Education Coordinator Buddy Todd said a lot of planning goes into the schedule, keeping in mind community interests. “Our courses allow people to dip their toes into the water and if they decide they want more, we can help.”
Ready to take those artistic talents to a new level? Todd suggests their nationally acclaimed EDGE program. “The eight-week course includes what you need to know when turning your hobby into a profession — visual arts from a business standpoint. We cover taxes, copyright laws, how to court galleries, and how to photograph your work. We end with a graduation ceremony / gallery opening to showcase participants’ artwork.” The curriculum was developed by Artist Trust and also provides training in goal setting, developing a portfolio, marketing, grant writing, and how to exhibit your work.
If you express art in the form of words, City of Edmonds Arts Commission has inspired writers for 30 years at Write on the Sound, held this year October 2-4. For all levels and genres, the conference covers tips to jumpstart your creativity, character development, how to find a story, and the pros and cons of self-publishing. This year’s special guest: Rick Steves.
The Business Training Center, a division of Edmonds Community College, has a host of classes to help make a change in career, from real estate pre-license to Advanced Aerospace Training that teach high-tech skills needed for current and future manufacturing environments.
How do you market your business? Hire and keep employees? Where will you locate your business? The U.S. Small Business Administration is an excellent resource to guide you in starting a business. Topics on their website include how to develop a business plan and obtain financing, understanding rules and regulations, and business law.
You have an idea. You have options. You have tools and resources. Now is your time!
