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55 Years Young and Working Remember when you thought that people who retired were “old” ? Remember the days when someone retired and there was a big party, a gold watch and the retiree really did stop working? Remember when retirement was something you planned for and decided on? Well, retirement really should always be by choice. Unfortunately, it isn’t always. Some of us are forced into an “early retirement” through downsizing or plant closings or some other reason beyond our control. While you may be able to start collecting a pension, it may not be enough to sustain your desired standard of living or…you may just not feel “old enough” to retire. Sometimes you think you want to retire, but then once you leave your old career, you change your mind and can’t go back. 55 isn’t what it used to be. 55 used to be gray hair and rocking chairs and knitting and golf. 55 now is just as likely to be power walking and highlights in the hair and …..working. So what do you do if something beyond your control is trying to force you into “early retirement”? First of all, don’t take it sitting down. March on down, drive on down or jog on down to Cortland Works Career Center, at 99 Main Street, Cortland. The Center is a partnership of many local agencies specializing in employment assistance. On site partners include The NYS Department of Labor, Cortland County Employment and Training, Employment Connection (a division of the JM Murray Center), Experience Works and other local agencies. The Center offers a variety of services for people of any age. Our Resource Room has computers that anyone can come in and use for job search, typing resumes and cover letters, researching career changes and vocational assessments. There are phones, fax machines and copiers at your disposal. Staff can assist in job search, resume writing and career assessment. In addition, there are federally funded programs designed specifically for people 55 and older who are looking for training and employment opportunities. Maybe you haven’t worked in a long time, or maybe never worked outside the home. Perhaps you have some physical limitation or never finished your high school education. Maybe you don’t think you have anything to offer the workforce anymore. Well, we believe the workforce still needs you. If you meet financial guidelines and are over 55, you may ---PAGE BREAK--- be eligible for free computer based training and paid work experiences. Call for an appointment today. You decide when you want to stop working. Until then, put Cortland Works Career Center to work for you. Cortland Works Career Center 99 Main Street Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 756-7585