I am fortunate in that I have a severance and medical benefits to rely on for the near future. My job was terminated due to a company downsizing. My job was working at a biotech company on Drug Clinical Trials.

I have done some investigating and am aware there may be some potential types of jobs in this field in the Ocala area, though spotty and few.

I also know there may be remote (work from home) contract positions in my field as well, but I think it might be best - moving to a new area - to have an office to go to in terms of daily structure and meeting people. My job for the past few years was in an office that was targeted and part of a corporate acquisition, and for 2 years it became kind of hollow shell and lacking in any sort of good daily camaraderie that can be a very positive part of the day. So I've been longing for that sort of interaction for a while.

I also hope it's not pie in the sky sort of thinking, that maybe there is a career transition I could make. The concept of this is kind of rejuvenating (if possible). Perhaps there may be jobs/functions in the Medical/Hospital community that I'm just unfamiliar with for which I have transferable skill sets, and could learn the rest on the job; and hopefully, they would have an open mind and see me as a viable candidate. Perhaps some sort of project type positions (or something else). The tricky part of course is seeking out such positions when you aren't aware that the positions exist to begin with.

Due to decisions I've taken with some finances, I should be okay taking on a job with a lower income (I hope) - even though that's scary - I think it's possible. I'd really welcome something that would be a refreshing change, and where I could work with others who really like what they're doing.

I am optimistic and looking forward to making things great!

While I appreciate all feedback - I also imagine that the sliver of population I was directing the original message to may not exactly be the people perusing this website on a daily basis.

That sliver? How important is it to connect to someone in your exact age group?

Like someone said a couple of posts back, if you don't mention it no one will know how old you are, and if we don't mention it, you won't know exactly how old most of us are.

There are several clinical trials currently going on in Orlando. http://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-...tes/FL/Orlando

My husband and I are both under 55 (53 and 51) and just purchased a home in the villages. We will both continue to work when we relocate. I also had the same fears at first which I have since overcome. The fact remains you make your own time and you get out of it what you put into it. We will be relocting in June but will make several trips for long weekends till then. Maybe we should start a new club "Under 55".

PM your thoughts.

I don't qualify, but that actually sounds like a very good idea! Of course, as time goes on, members would "graduate" out of the club.:cryin2:

You might want to look at the medical schools (UFL, USF, UCF) for potential jobs. All would be a fair hike for a daily commute (60-90 minutes). You might want to contact before you relocate.

The longer you are off the job market (and the older you are), the harder it is to find a position. The same reduction in NSF and NIH money that is driving downsizing in DC will be true here - perhaps worse.

I would suggest looking for a job first and a house only after you know where to be.

Talk to the alumni association at your college - they can put you in touch with fellow alums in your field who are either working or know your field. (There are, for example a bunch of Purdue pharmacy grads here in TV.) Also talk to the placement folks at your college.

Oh yeah. One last suggestion. Listen carefully to the advice that the folks here give you. Many of us retired here from professional careers. Several folks had full careers in HR. Many were hiring managers. We're aren't trying to discourage you from moving here. However, many of us have weathered career storms and watched others weather them. We're trying to help. Honest.

Suggestion....spend a month or two here, maybe with your mother (if that is possible). Look at employment opportunities, but more importantly, get the lay of the land. Then decide what is right for "you".

He is so right. AND a person who is contemplating making a major life change and move without the apprehension you are feeling would be quite unusual.

Good luck. Hope you love it here and stay.

Another misunderstanding of the 80/20 rule. What the federal law says is that in order to be declared and over 55 community, 80% of the homes must have at least one person over the age of 55 living in them. If you do the math, it is possible, though very improbable, that 80-90% of the residents here could be under 55.

But to answer your question, I don't know if there is a way to tell exactly how many under 55 residents there are. I can tell you by my experience that there are a good number and you will not feel out of place. The other thing is that a lot of the over 55 people seem to be a lot younger. As I read in a story this morning, "The Villages is a place where older people come to get young".

It's the truth. I am back on birth control pills again.

Spot on advice!

Hey, there's always teaching. You know, anybody can do it and the pay is awesome. (not to mention the time off)

Seriously though, we are always looking for science teachers.

OP did not say (or I missed it) what type of career path he has been on. As others have mentioned, a decent paying job may be the largest challenge.

The newer areas will have the "younger" residents but age here in The Villages means very little after you settle here. Good luck--you are in for a real "adventure".

I am sure your friends will miss you!! :(

The only thing I would like to add, is that you might want to actually secure a job before you move all of your things down here, especially if you hope to have a good job in the Villages. If for some reason you have to find work over 30 -60 minutes away, it would be much easier to commute to visit your Mom, than to commute every day for work. Unless you have a really good back up plan, you may not want to think about a part time - at least initially. You should get a feel for prices of things. We came from a fairly large area, but have found that groceries and eating out in TV and the surrounding areas are right much more expensive than where we used to live. But with TV being such a large area, I am sure that you will hear different things from different people

Thanks!