State can help with Internet job search

The Boston Public Library is one convenient location where prospective job seekers may find Internet access. (Evan Richman/Globe Staff)

Q. I have been laid off from my job at a telemarketing company in Bridgewater. I received two weeks of severance pay and I am now collecting unemployment insurance. My problem is that I cannot afford to buy my own computer and I realize that having access to one is necessary for doing a thorough job search.

Previously, I was always able to use the computer supplied by my employer to get on the Internet. I need to know if there is a computer service I can use for this purpose that is not expensive?

A. The Massachusetts State Employment and Training Resources division operates One-Stop Career Centers. These centers are located throughout the state and they all have free computer access for your job search.

In addition to free use of the Internet, they offer free use of their software and laser printing facilities for typing, duplicating, and sending your resume. They also provide free use of a fax machine and other related services.

Most importantly, the centers maintain an active listing of job openings supplied by Massachusetts employers and available to you.

I have heard that the staff and the career counselors are helpful and they offer free courses and workshops to improve your career planning and job search process.

A few examples are: How to post your resume on the Web and Internet job boards, interviewing techniques, and training in computer programs such as Excel and Word.

These centers are usually open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Many also have evening hours on Wednesdays.

For more information on these state services, including a listing of the 37 centers, their addresses, phone numbers, Web addresses, and directions on how to reach each of these locations, check these websites: www.mass.gov/careercenters, www.etrcc.com, www.yourcareersource.com, and www.jobnetboston.org.

Other ideas for computer access are public libraries, Internet cafes, and, of course, friends or relatives.

A. Retirement has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. In the past, the expectations for retirement were pretty simple - you stopped working and kept busy or not. Today's generation of retirees expects more. They expect to choose how they want their retirement to be, but the problem is that most people have little idea of how to go about making retirement choices. Part of the reason for this is that retirement conjures up mixed emotions and an internal conflict between the desire for the freedom of not working and the worry about living each day without enough to do.

There now are many members of the baby boomer generation who, like you, are struggling with similar issues and considering alternative approaches to retirement. People turning 60 are currently the largest segment in the total US population. Due to this intensely increased interest in the subject, there's a lot more information available today than ever before. New Internet sites, books, seminars, and even transition or retirement coaches are emerging.

I spoke with Bill Roiter, author of "Beyond Work: How Accomplished People Retire Successfully," who suggests that it may help to think of retirement as having four challenges that must be met to live a happy and satisfying life beyond work.

First, understand and manage your finances. Many people cautiously ask the question: "Will I have enough money to live as I want?" The answer is found during discussions with a trustworthy financial adviser. To find such a professional, begin by talking with others who you already trust to identify good advisers and then create a list of important questions to ask when you meet.

Additionally, you should understand your physical status. As you plan your health options you will find that the best medicine for good health is knowledge.

You should also create your social network with people who add to your life. If you are not good at this you can find a coach who will teach you how. Some retirees wonder how they will spend their time - and with who they will spend it. Roiter found that this particular challenge is a hidden fear among many people considering retirement. But there are ways to build friendships. For instance, you can take a course or courses in subjects that interest you and get to know others who share your enthusiasm.There also are many college "lifelong learning" programs for retirees and near-retirees.

Lastly, get to know what makes you happy and satisfied and build these things into your life. Many people find that this is the most difficult challenge - learning what makes them truly happy. Learn what it is that you find productive, enjoyable, and meaningful. Often, work and family provide this information during a career-focused life, but as you retire you will have fewer external demands guiding your life. You will now find yourself able to, or even forced to, live life as you want. It can be quite a challenge for some people to have these new-found freedoms.

Roiter says that as he conducted his research, he found that people considering retirement tend to have two conflicting thoughts about it: Excitement and worry. These thoughts combine to push some people toward retirement and at the same time, away from it. But the important thing to remember is that retirement has few rules and is open to your own definition and, in your case, your wife's definition and personal preferences for what it should look like.

For more related and detailed information I suggest that you check out these websites: www.workingdifferently.com, www.2young2retire.com, and www.beyondwork.net.

Linda J. Lerner is an executive coach and a human resources consultant to small businesses and to individuals. She can be reached at Linda@Lernerconsulting.com.