Well, maybe not quite new, but a new incarnation of something I did in Philadelphia when my kids were small.

About eight years ago I got cancer (am now fine), which reminded me that I don’t have an infinite future. After the treatments were over and I had time to think my options through, I decided to leave Washington, DC, where I had been the head of Hillwood Museum’s development and membership departments, and move to a little cottage I have long owned near St Michaels, MD. The eastern Shore is beautiful and even something as simple as driving from St Michaels to Easton can be soothing.

But what to do with my time? I’m happiest connecting with people though work. I’m also a real estate junky- I’ve owned and renovated quite a few houses.

After exploring a few volunteer options, I resurrected a long-ago real estate career and I’m having a GREAT time! Buying and selling real estate is often complicated, and it’s really gratifying to be able to help my clients navigate what can be a very stressful process. Since I don’t depend on this for a living, I can work as much or as little as I like. Additionally, I can (and do!) take the jobs I want and give the others to my colleagues.

Starting a new career at seventy-plus has also given me a reason to interact with people during this most irritating pandemic: though I miss my children and grandchildren terribly, I’m never lonely.

So if you think you’re over the hill- you aren’t. And if you are thinking of starting something new- go for it! It’s only too late if you think it is.

All the best, Joni McInturff AKA Joan Wetmore Neavitt, MD