Mike Cohen had got to a point in his career where he needed to make it happen for himself.
Cohen was in his early 50s and a recent victim of a corporate bankruptcy caused in large part by the global financial meltdown. He and his wife had some money put away but by no means was he ready to retire.
And yet Cohen wasn't quite happy with his career as a corporate executive either. It didn't motivate him. At times it was difficult for him to be motivated enough to go to work during the more than 20 years he was in the corporate world. That never affected his performance but it did negatively impact his job satisfaction.
"My career had been determined by factors that were largely out of my control," said Cohen, a Huntington Woods resident. "It was time for me to take control and responsibility for my own professional life."
This is the theme of JVS' Prime Time! Expo, being offered on Sunday, Oct. 17, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, West Bloomfield campus. PrimeTime! Expo will help people 50 plus who want to reshape their lives. Workshops range from Could I Start My Own Business, to Social Media for the Techno-Phobic, Tips to Improve Memory, One-on-One Career Consultations, Estate Planning, Dream Interpretation, Skincare, and Healthy Eating.
The featured speaker is Nancy Anderson, author of "Work with Passion in Midlife and Beyond," a book designed to help older adults reach their full potential and make the money they need to retire.
Cohen is just one of the many professionals 50 and over who have received counseling from JVS and have decided to start a business or change their career path. Cohen admits that it was difficult to find a job in the corporate world following his firm's bankruptcy. He looked for nearly eight months before finding a job and once he found one it took him only a few months to realize that it wasn't going to work out.
"Mike was assisted by the various programs available at JVS. This included identifying his passion, his skills and his needs and translating them into the world of work," said Zipora Golenberg, JVS supervisor of Career Development Services.
"At JVS, he learned that he had more in common with entrepreneurs than large company corporate executives," said Paul Blatt, director of Business and Career Services.
Fortunately Cohen had something to fall back on. He had apprenticed under a professional furniture maker in the 1990s and had shown a real interest and talent. However "life happened" - he and his wife had children and Cohen had to take a job that paid well and had benefits.
"It was always an interest or a hobby of mine but I just never had time to do it," Cohen said of his furniture and wood making.
A few years ago the Cohens were pricing custom-build cabinets for their kitchen and were shocked by the costs. So they dug an expanded basement and did the cabinet work themselves and still saved money over what a custom job would have cost. Thus was born a basement furniture making shop.
"Making furniture and such products - that's what I am passionate about," Cohen said.
In the past year Cohen has redefined himself. He is the owner of Ecosmart Furniture, a firm that designs and manufactures finished furniture products from reclaimed lumber.
He already has achieved success, both selling designs and products to designers with retail stores in the area, and providing other pieces for commission.
"There are times I get up in the middle of the night because a furniture design pops into my head and I need to get it down on the computer," Cohen said. "It's exciting. You have to make your own breaks these days."
"Mike Cohen's story is a perfect example of how JVS programs help people uncover their hidden talents and put them to practical use. He shows what professionals 50 and over can accomplish as entrepreneurs with a great idea and passion even in this challenging economy," said JVS COO Leah Rosenbaum.
This 2nd Annual Expo allows attendees to gain knowledge, advice and tips to help further their professional and personal lives.
JVS career counselors will be available during the EXPO for individual brief counseling on re-careering. There is no charge to attend. CEUs for Social Workers who attend each session are available.
Pre-registration is appreciated. For information, contact (248) 233.4213 or visit www.jvsdet.org.
Published: Wed, Oct 13, 2010
