I made “the decision” on a Wednesday, after thirty-five years with the same organization. I decided that I was going to retire, and the timing could not have been better. I was ready; after all, thirty-five years is a long time. But that left me with the question: So now what? What is my next step, my ensuing chapter, my 2ND ACT? In my new life as a retiree, when I now had the time and freedom to do whatever I wish, it was time to examine, question, and determine my encore career.

My entire professional life had been dedicated to the service of others. I have a passion for servant leadership. So, it made sense that I somehow continue on that path. That is why I launched 2NDACTLIVES™. In the more than forty years I worked in financial services, I saw the issues baby boomers, and now Gen Xers, faced as they planned for and entered into retirement.

My career had been devoted to training financial advisors to assist individuals in preparing for the financial side of their retirement. But as I spoke to folks from all types of backgrounds, from every economic group, and in every region of the country, I discovered the issues surrounding retirement go beyond merely accumulating enough in your savings and investments.

Today’s retiree could spend twenty years or more in retirement, so what will you do? How will you fill your time? Why will you join in and participate in life? What pursuits will enrich your “retired” life?

This is my why. The reason I started 2NDACTLIVES™. It started with my passion for servant leadership, connected with what I know, and linked to where I am in my current life.

So come along on the journey.  Let’s experience our 2ND ACTS together.

Marcia Janssen serves as the COO and is responsible for the day-to-day management of 2NDACTLIVES™.  She received her degree in Journalism from the University of Iowa and has worked as a TV news producer, a marketing specialist for a large financial services company and as a freelance writer. Since moving to Texas nearly 15 years ago, she has managed two successful start-ups that included a professional organizing firm and an assistant service specializing in high quality administrative support for real estate professionals.

While only semi-retired, Marcia is already busy building her amazing second act life. She lives very happily with her husband in Austin Texas.