Docent Life

Hitting it Rich in Retirement

Old folks gushing over their grand kids joke that if they had known how much fun they were going to be, they would've had them first. I haven't had such familial leanings, but I think about that joke a bit when I reflect that if I had known how much I enjoyed museum work, I would have not waited until retirement.

Well never too late. And as I've gleaned from the earlier work life, when it's for your bread and butter you may have a little less freedom to choose your hours and tasks. And your boss doesn't have to be grateful for free labor and may be more demanding.

Regardless, it is still a good lesson learned late that seeking enjoyment in your work should never be discounted. After retiring, I had a paying part time job working for the city tourist bureau that opened my eyes to my interest in local history. And as we often assisted visiting tour groups with their itinerary, I observed the docents at various venues. As luck would have it, the Reynolda House Museum of American Art offered a docent training program. Although art was not my big draw (oh, a pun), I took it and it has been the best thing to happen in retired life--docent life!

In this section, I will write articles mainly to help me hone my craft and presentations. But perhaps you will find some of the information I have unearthed or perspectives I have to be of interest.

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