for as long as she remembers, carol adler has always wanted to work in the office.
Learning new systems and being around people was her - thing-. It brought fulfilment. For many years, she has prided herself as a skilled professional in various administrative roles, but now, at 69 and nearing retirement, Carol found herself in need of more balance to spend time with her grandchildren. Instead of saying goodbye to the job she loves, Carol decided to go part-time.
With the help of Randstad, she transitioned into a temp role as a part-time office coordinator for the Department of Health WA. What she discovered was a new world of work with the flexibility to suit her new lifestyle.
before starting temp work with the state government through randstad 6 years ago, carol had worked in various industries.
From role to role one thing remained unchanged - Carol’s appetite for knowledge. Back at the start of her career, she studied stenography and some years later she was in the very midst of technological development. Carol says she was ‘very lucky to get into the workplace before the email was a thing’, so she ‘could be part of the ongoing learning process and develop the skills the new world of employment required’.
Since the start of this year, Carol has moved into a part-time role for the WA Department of Health as an office coordinator.
In this role Carol says her days are never the same:
It could be anything from day to day, logging IT requests, procuring stationery items, making sure the invoices are paid but mainly it’s assisting the team and supporting the director. I see the programs my team is working on and my role may just be in support but it is an integral part of ensuring that the program is successful. I love being a part of it. For me, comradery is a big one, I like the social aspects of working with people.
part-time work is something that continues to challenge her and provides learning opportunities while serving as a ground for social connection.
The flexible nature of her new role tailors to her new pre-retirement lifestyle and, as a grandmother of five and an avid member of the community, Carol likes to keep things busy. Even with the talks of retirement on the horizon, Carol is set on intentional living. Dusting off the old pottery wheel and picking back up her old passions, going on cross-country trips with friends, and hitting a zoo with the grandchildren - retirement doesn't have to mean slowing down.
Rather, for Carol, it’s all about spending time wisely.
I’d like to have systems in place before I declare I’m ready to retire. I’m afraid to do nothing with my time, so I want to structure my days. I still need to work out exactly what I like to pursue, but generally, I plan to look after my health and wellbeing, spend time with family and keep active.
carol’s unmatched zest for life and appetite for learning is nothing short of inspiring.
At 69, Carol is eager to try new things and is in no rush to have it all figured out. On her next assignment with Randstad, Carol says she won’t be ready to retire for a while. Not for as long as she’s needed in the office and is able to work part-time. The newfound lifestyle is just what she needs on her gradual transition into retirement, while still bringing value to her team.
