My mom was a bit younger than I am now when she retired from her adjunct faculty position at Marylhurst. It was a difficult choice as she loved what she did, but an autoimmune illness informed her body it was time. She didn’t have the energy to be the dynamic instructor others had come accustomed too. Me? Although a layoff forced me to consider it, in the end I chose retirement, even if it took a few months of contracted project work for me to recognize I was indeedd ready. And, of course, my passion for writing was further enticement. (And that adorable grandkid.)

When I finally started using the words “retired” earlier this year, although it felt odd, most unusual was how I didn’t feel the loss I expected. No, I was surprised to realize both how much I loved my profession, but how ready I was to leave it, at least in a traditional form. What I too recognized, is how I hope to always mentor others: I most enjoy those coffee or zoom calls with folks new to the field. (I like to tell them my finest skill is as a “professional matchmaker” – I have had the amazing opportunity to connect with terrific colleagues throughout my career.) The world of public health and industrial hygiene was a surprising but perfect match for me. I too am upset over recent losses in our field (funding, regulations, scientific backing) that were critical throughout my career. I do try to hold out hope that we will see our way back to support all workers, science based solutions and health in all dimensions. And in the meantime I’m here to support others newer to the journey.

Just as I figured I was done attending professional conferences, favorite activities in my past, I got an invite to join this October’s Northwest Occupational Health Conference. While I will miss not seeing my retired friends who once attended, I am eager to better get to know those newer to the field. I appreciate the conference planning team who invited me to give a keynote address, lead a workshop on journaling for well-being, and even have my (non-industrial hygiene or public health) books available in the exhibit hall! I’ll also encourage pre-orders for A Map of Her Own as it will release the following week. Heading to Bremerton? Please find me!

For those unable to attend an in-person event, I’m setting up a remote option. I’m eager to offer a Zoom book group discussion (yes, read the book first after its October 14 release – soon you can order from the usual places) hosted by the AMAZING Pam Walaski. I first met Pam when invited to be on ASSP’s Committee for Professional Affairs (COPA). Sometime after that, Pam began reading my books. A Map of Her Own touches safety and work more than any of my prior books, so I’m hoping those with an interest will plan to join us on Thursday, December 4 via Zoom at 4 pm Pacific Time/7 pm Eastern. Stay tuned and sign up soon on my Events page.

And for those from around here? Here’s a reminder of my in person events: