Oasis asks, ‘What’s next?’

PEOPLE recently retired, or planning to retire, can benefit from a free seminar to take place in a borough library. Retirement will be re-imagined at a seminar titled, WhatNextExec? to be held at Wokingham Library.

Launched by co-founders Andy MacNaughton, and Nick Maher, the seminar aims to give retired executives an opportunity to chart a new course in their post-career lives and redefine what retirement can mean for them in the community.

Andy already runs Men’s Oasis in Wokingham, which meets on the fourth Friday of each month at Wokingham Library.

The group brings together retired professionals who miss the mental challenge and social interaction of a work environment.

WhatNextExec? is a follow on.

It will include interactive discussion with opportunities to ask questions about strategies for re-imagining retirement.

Attendees can also connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential collaborations in a supportive environment, and hear inspiring stories of post-career fulfilment.

“Nick and I left full-time employment in our 40s, and it took us a long time to work out what to do next,” Andy explained.

“Many people want to make a difference in their community, and to find fulfilment in something worthwhile, but they don’t know how to do that.

“Women tend to be good at networking, knowing themselves, and making social connections when they retire, but men are more likely to feel lost and that they somehow don’t belong any more.”

During the seminar Nick and Andy will share insights to help others to move on.

“Full time work stops, but not work itself,” Andy said. “There’s a government initiative to get over 50s back to work.

“Not everyone wants to return to full time employment, but a lot of people do want to do something.

“Many of them need flexibility to work but not to be tied down by it.

“This seminar will talk about how to present themselves for the kind of opportunities they do want to take up, and how to embrace a new phase of life.

“It’s about how to keep intellectually stimulated.”

Andy MacNaughton’s career has been marked by leadership and adaptability.

Nick Maher joined Michael Page recruitment service in his early twenties, and by his mid-twenties held a senior management position, overseeing operations in Scotland.

The event will take place at Wokingham Library, on Thursday, May 23, from 5pm until 7pm.

■ To register interest, email: andymac99@me.com.

■ For information about Men’s Oasis, visit: Website: www.whatnextexec.com