Episode 75: Welcoming Possibility with Jeff Markowitz
March 9, 2022
Life’s opportunities aren’t always planned. And if you’re open to possibilities, the road can be filled with great, unexpected surprises.
In this episode, you’ll hear the story of a man who learned to embrace the unknown at a young age rather than follow a linear life plan, and how traveling off the beaten path led him to find a career with purpose.
Today’s guest and I go back nearly 30 years. I first met Jeff Markowitz during my early days in the financial services business; it was always a highlight to speak with him. Jeff is the author of five mysteries, including the award-winning dark comedy, Death and White Diamonds.
He spent more than 40 years creating community-based programs and services for children and adults with autism before retiring in 2018 to devote more time to writing.
Here’s a glance at our conversation:
- Why taking a gap year after school was the most important thing Jeff ever did
- How he successfully transitioned from teaching to becoming a mystery writer
- The life-changing impact of ‘practicing for retirement’ for more than 14 years
- What opportunities have made the most positive change in Jeff’s retirement
- The extraordinary feeling of walking out of the office for the last time
- Retirement timing for couples (when one spouse retires before the other)
