topic Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT in Community Chat

DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

Shanus — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 13:45:05 GMT

Oh well. Retirement from my jewelry business may have been short lived. Several galleries have contacted me in the last 2 weeks that they are receiving requests for special orders (since my jewelry is no longer in their cases).

I assume with Mother's Day, bridal season and graduation, people are thinking about jewelry gifts. I mentioned in my SHANUS LIVE FROM THE MALL post, that I may be going to a gem show next month. That is in preparation for my decision to go back in business.

I suppose I could do "special order" only which would mean not working full time to fill the galleries' cases, drive around to check their inventory, replenish items sold, etc.

I could also set a time frame of now through June 1st, taking orders which would be completed and delivered by June 15th. I'm definitely no longer interested in doing shows or selling inventory from my studio. There's a separate entrance & stairs up to my studio so customers do not wander through the house. That would interrupt my work, even by appointment only, and I'd be back to full time jewelry design and production.

One thing to keep in mind is I have no crafts' people working with/for me. Each piece is one of a kind. I design it, make it, file/finish/polish each piece and then set the stones.

Although I love the work and never stopped making jewelry as gifts to friends, family and myself, it's an entirely different thing to be back on a scheduled day with deadlines. It's quite flattering to be asked & the income is great.

Those are the facts. What should I do?

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

hoosieroriginal — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 13:50:22 GMT

Maybe put the word out that you will be doing "special requests only" - like weddings, birthdays, etc. It is very flattering when they request a reorder - that's a tough decision.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

software — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 13:52:27 GMT

How would any of us know the answer to your question?

Obviously you retired for a reason.

@Shanus wrote:
Oh well. Retirement from my jewelry business may have been short lived. Several galleries have contacted me in the last 2 weeks that they are receiving requests for special orders (since my jewelry is no longer in their cases).

I assume with Mother's Day, bridal season and graduation, people are thinking about jewelry gifts. I mentioned in my SHANUS LIVE FROM THE MALL post, that I may be going to a gem show next month. That is in preparation for my decision to go back in business.

I suppose I could do "special order" only which would mean not working full time to fill the galleries' cases, drive around to check their inventory, replenish items sold, etc.

I could also set a time frame of now through June 1st, taking orders which would be completed and delivered by June 15th. I'm definitely no longer interested in doing shows or selling inventory from my studio. There's a separate entrance & stairs up to my studio so customers do not wander through the house. That would interrupt my work, even by appointment only, and I'd be back to full time jewelry design and production.

One thing to keep in mind is I have no crafts' people working with/for me. Each piece is one of a kind. I design it, make it, file/finish/polish each piece and then set the stones.

Although I love the work and never stopped making jewelry as gifts to friends, family and myself, it's an entirely different thing to be back on a scheduled day with deadlines. It's quite flattering to be asked & the income is great.

Those are the facts. What should I do?

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

Preds — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 13:53:06 GMT

Do what your heart and head tell you to do. You are in control now. Only you can decide what is right for you. Either way, Good Luck!

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

happycat — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 14:00:05 GMT

Do whatever you feel would make you the happiest. I do think its very cool you have a following, so you must be very good

I'm editing to add, maybe it would be good do to go the special order route. I don't think I would go back full time. Unless you are bored with retirement.

Since your son and his family will be coming to stay with you for a while, I don't think I would want to back to full time work, but thats just me.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

I am still oxox — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 14:15:59 GMT

You are now in a position to do what you want and when you want, set your own deadlines and take on the designs you want. You are in the drivers seat so to speak.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

just bee — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 14:22:18 GMT

@Shanus

The best way to find out is to just do it. If it feels wrong, stop.

Incidentally, how do you put a retirement date on artistic expression/talent?

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

Carmie — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 14:27:29 GMT

IMO, You have to ask yourself if you're really ready to retire.

Just because you are really good at what you do and people enjoy your work does not mean you have to come out of retirement to oblige them.

You're either in or out.

If you do want to retire and YOU feel the need to make a few pieces here and there, then do it on YOUR own terms. Taking special orders will only put you back to work full time.

If and when you do decide to make something special because you want to, put it aside until you have a few pieces, then sell them outright to a customer directly or to a gallery or studio.

This will make your new pieces scarce and the demand higher and you will be able to sell at a higher price. Less work for more money and no obligation for you to meet deadlines, etc. Just work if and when you feel like it.

If you are not ready to retire, then it will be business as usual.

Only you can decide what to do.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

Yahooey — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 14:57:35 GMT

As others suggested- a few special pieces by request only. If that is too much then retire completely. You sent the timeline for those requests so it doesn't interfere with vacation, visits from family etc. To do what you love and be in control on pricing and scheduling is the ultimate. You can always retire again. Most people who want to come out of retirement will have to hit the pavement- send out resumes etc. You hold the power in the palm of your hands. Best of luck to you.

I think what you do is so cool. If you don't mind, can you answer a question for me. I bought a piece of sea glass wrapped in silver colored wired in Bermuda for my 55th birthday. It wasn't expensive, perhaps $30 or so at a crafts gallery. I loved it and wore it on a cord. I didnt take it off. The silver started to turn copper colored. Why? I swim in a pool, was that the problem? I haven't worn it in a year. It makes me sad when I look at it now. I don't even know where to go to have it wired again, it was just a simple free form. Sorry for intruding on your thread.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

Quse — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 15:39:43 GMT

What about setting up a website? You could make pieces at will, on your own time, and post them on the site. Many ecommerce sites allow you to set up"groups", so you can post pictures with info, but different pricing (1 for retail, 1 for wholesale) You can also choose whether or not to require a wholesale signin and/or minimum order.

It would require a fair bit of time to set up, but once it's there and you get a system going, it basically runs itself.

Etsy is one option, and they now have a wholesale site too.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

sidsmom — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 15:47:57 GMT

@just bee wrote:
@Shanus

The best way to find out is to just do it. If it feels wrong, stop.

Incidentally, how do you put a retirement date on artistic expression/talent?

@just bee

My sweet departed sissy made beautiful knitted sweaters.

She knitted regardless if anyone purchased.

In fact, she felt funny selling her passion, so to speak.

Either it's a business or it's not...

but the knitting would've always been there.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

SeaMaiden — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 15:59:50 GMT

@Shanus Good Morning to you!!

It is nice to be flattered. It is nice to feel needed. Maybe in retirement you feel useless and bored? Perhaps you miss the income and/ or need it again.... If so, perhaps making to order special pieces may be good for you.

On the other hand, if you are enjoying NOT having to meet deadlines or have to produce as you did when working your business, you are enjoying doing just what you want to even if it is just reading a good book or traveling and such.... then I would opt out of the proposal to make jewelry again.

Enjoy your retirement doing what you want to do without demands. Life is short, and you should now just enjoy the time you have doing what you want to now. You can be productive in retirement without working. Many people have a hard time doing that.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

hckynut — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 16:42:40 GMT

@Shanus

After reading your whole post I think you answered your own question of "what should I do"? I try to answer many questions on a couple of these forums, but you are the only one that can answer the one you have asked. I think maybe you are not really looking for the answer, but maybe just others thoughts and or attention. HEY, you got mine, it worked!

ETA. Sounds like you were/are a very successful business woman.

hckynut(john)

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

Tinkrbl44 — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 16:47:12 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
Oh well. Retirement from my jewelry business may have been short lived. Several galleries have contacted me in the last 2 weeks that they are receiving requests for special orders (since my jewelry is no longer in their cases).

I assume with Mother's Day, bridal season and graduation, people are thinking about jewelry gifts. I mentioned in my SHANUS LIVE FROM THE MALL post, that I may be going to a gem show next month. That is in preparation for my decision to go back in business.

I suppose I could do "special order" only which would mean not working full time to fill the galleries' cases, drive around to check their inventory, replenish items sold, etc.

I could also set a time frame of now through June 1st, taking orders which would be completed and delivered by June 15th. I'm definitely no longer interested in doing shows or selling inventory from my studio. There's a separate entrance & stairs up to my studio so customers do not wander through the house. That would interrupt my work, even by appointment only, and I'd be back to full time jewelry design and production.

One thing to keep in mind is I have no crafts' people working with/for me. Each piece is one of a kind. I design it, make it, file/finish/polish each piece and then set the stones.

Although I love the work and never stopped making jewelry as gifts to friends, family and myself, it's an entirely different thing to be back on a scheduled day with deadlines. It's quite flattering to be asked & the income is great.

Those are the facts. What should I do?

@Shanus

I have a few questions about your retirement planning .... like how old are you and how is your health? What are your retirement plans? Are you planning to do a lot of travel ... or what? Do you have a SO that weighs in on this, and, if so, are they already retired? You say "coming out of retirement" .... how long have you been retired now?

It sounds to me like you expected to stop abruptly and then ..... do what? Were you planning to sell your business?

Many baby boomers are transitioning to part time jobs. Could this work for you?

I like the idea of having everything you do going forward be on a website, and that's all there is. Or perhaps you like doing special orders

I get the impression that you haven't fully thought out transitioning to retirement. In a perfect world .... what do YOU want?

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

Shanus — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 17:05:01 GMT

Hi @Tinkrbl44. Age 68, health perfect. Hubby has no plans to retire for 6-8 yrs. so long trips not an option, just usual vacations. Since he owns the firm, can take time whenever except end of Dec. through mid April (tax accountant, financial advisor, etc.). Money not the issue although my income was "nice", but used that to replenish materials and keep the rest for pedis, easy pays (😜) and my stash. His income more than enough to support us, so $ doesn't enter decision.

Selling on a website or Etsy for example was never an option for me since I have no employees & don't mass produce anything (not even 3 rings the same).

In a perfect world, after I "retired", I never thought this decision would come up....so you're right, never planned for it.

Thanks for questions that help me to think this through.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

dex — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 17:06:16 GMT

@Shanus I think it is very flattering to be respected and regarded for your talents.I think if you get back into business you will become full time just because you have to complete each piece yourself.Dont forget about the deadlines that you say you don't miss.I would sure enjoy seeing some pictures of your pieces though.I agree with the poster who said if you go back and it doesn't work out for you...just retire again.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

Shanus — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 17:12:02 GMT

@SeaMaiden. Good Sunday to you. Haven't had time to settle into "retirement" yet before the option popped up again. One foot back in business and the other getting used to be no schedule & having free time to enjoy. Certainly not bored or feeling useless since I still paint, have yoga class, friends, enjoy reading, NAPPING, and now son & family moving in temporarily.

Oooooh. Didn't consider that will continue through July. I may have made my decision....at least until after they're on their own.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

SahmIam — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 17:12:56 GMT

Do private orders on your terms.

My dearest friend does this; I do silver work/detail work for him when he asks. He takes the orders and completes them on a schedule that works for him; everyone knows this upfront. Those who want his pieces have no issues with it. He loves it.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

Shanus — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 17:17:26 GMT

@Carmie. Love your ideas. If demand is there now, it will either be there later or not.

I have continued to make jewelry. To answer someone else's question re: knitting sweaters (?). No, don't have to sell. Wouldn't have done this for 30 yrs. if it wasn't fun and did not love it.

Re: DECISION TO MAKE: OUT OF RETIREMENT

Shanus — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 17:20:44 GMT

Hi @just bee. You can't. Once an artist always an artist. I paint, design jewelry, make jewelry, do silk or dried flower arrangements for local boutique, store windows for another...I don't have to have a business per se.