ParkTalk Podcast

S30 Episode 02: Finding a Fun Retirement Job

After a 40-year career in the health care field, Don retired and then found not just one, but several fun, part-time jobs at the Naperville Park District. In this episode, he explains how these different jobs have enriched his life.

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Quotes from the episode:

Referring to his job in park maintenance one day/week: “I weed, I plant, I mulch, I prune, I water. The first year they spent time training me and liked what I was doing. I like this, too: they trusted me enough to say, ‘this is your park. We want you to just take care of it. Tell us if you need something. These are our goals, here is a booklet about all of the plants. And if you need help with something, tell us what you need and we'll work with you.' And they're very responsive about that.” – Don

“You go from working 60-70 hours a week for all of those years – you just can't shut that motor off. So what do you do with all that energy? You dial it back a little bit and you find things to do that you really enjoy and this is what I enjoy. And most of the retirees that I work with here (at Fort Hill), they really enjoy it too.” – Don

“I was able to focus on job opportunities within the Park District, because there are so many. If you want to work outside, work outside. If you want to work indoors, work indoors. If you want to work with kids, work with kids. They've pretty much got it all. If you're set financially and you want to do something that serves your community, and that's how I look at it, this is great for anyone who wants to make a good, happy retirement.” - Don

Current Job Openings at Naperville Park District

To see the current job postings at the Park District, click here.