I often blog about the important role affinity groups play in a career transition. Affinity groups based on gender or age offer a unique type of bond and networking opportunity and today I learned about a group with an incredible support system and bountiful networking options. The Transition Network or TTN is a rapidly growing organization for women over 50 who are attempting to redefine and embrace the next stage of life in a personally fulfilling way. The organization hosts a number of career transition and special interest groups to help women explore their transition experiences. Women are given the opportunity to share their stories of job search or shifting to part-time, consulting, or volunteer work. They also discuss the social and emotional implications of transition and rely on each other for support and advice. Members can also take advantage of numerous education programs on jobs and career transition, finance, health and wellness, social issues, and technology. In addition, TTN hosts several social events such as walking tours, theater events, and museum visits. The Transition Network recently published a book, “Smart Women Don’t Retire: They Break Free,” which offers options to the traditional model of retirement and shows women how to create new and exciting work and volunteer opportunities and how to discover new outlets for creativity and passion. If you are a women nearing age 50, 60, 70, or even 80, TTN is an excellent resource for networking and building community.
Hi Barbara,
Your affinity groups mention is meaningful.
Do you also include the idea of creating vehicles of shared
work with network members? It could be meeting at a session
or joint project, or asking for comments on a letter to a
common friend….
Solid contribution.
Dan
Hey Dan!
This is a good point. I think vehicles for sharing work is important. The Slide Show application now available on LinkedIn is a nice way to do this. Google Docs is another one worth looking at.