PASCO PROFILES: RETURNING TO WORK

Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 16, 2000

ABE GOLDSTEIN, 71, is a retired engineer from New Port Richey who went back to work part time as a clerk in the unemployment office. He was trained through the AARP's Senior Community Service Program:

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE PASCO? "They've got so much to offer and it's centrally located. It's so easy to go shopping."

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CONCERN OF RETIREES RETURNING TO WORK? "Their biggest concern is that they are afraid to be educated. They are afraid to go out there and go for it. I always say to people, you can try."

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED? "You have to have a personality. You have to know how to talk to people. And I do know how to use those dang computers over there."

HOW HAS THE BOOMING ECONOMY AFFECTED SENIORS' ABILITY TO RETURN TO WORK? "I think that a lot of companies are finding that senior citizens are more reliable . . . that senior citizens have a lot to offer."

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE FUTURE FOR OLDER PEOPLE RETURNING TO WORK? "I believe that some of these folks out there will learn to take a chance on what the government has to offer."

WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL CHALLENGES THAT FACE SENIORS RETURNING TO WORK? "They are afraid a little bit at first. Maybe they have no transportation or don't understand today's technology. But if they get trained, they'll come out ahead."

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