A series of bereavements inspired Amanda Wheal to become a celebrant after 30 years of teaching
After a long teaching career, Amanda Wheal took what her friends called a ‘brave’ step and trained as a celebrant. She had to learn about the business side too, which was challenging. But she has never enjoyed life so much. If you are looking for ideas after retirement, Amanda could inspire you too.
The former secondary school teacher, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, says: ‘I was getting a bit disenchanted with teaching and was thinking about retiring when my brother died unexpectedly.
‘I was very involved in the funeral and we had an incredible celebrant. I just thought that was something l’ll really like to do.’
After completing her training while continuing to work as a teacher, Amanda established her business in 2020 and has now won awards for her work.
'I didn’t plan to retire as early as I did but, once I had completed my training, I was so keen to get started that I just went for it,’ she says.
‘I've had the most wonderful two years, it’s just been incredible.’
Seas of Resilience: Amelia Dalton's journey from darkness to mastery
Frances Harper's journey from secretary to filmmaker - a new start after 60
There's no such thing as old age! Dancing through the decades with Jane Waring, Happy Dance.
Paul Owen dispels the misconception of sales and suggests that unretirement could be the perfect time to explore this path
Is Michael Skapinker’s journey the perfect unretirement story?
From corporate career to an empowered unretirement and personal fulfilment - Elton Mouna shares his story and advice on embracing change fearlessly.
The next big demographic shift is on the horizon says Avivah Wittenberg-Cox.
From BBC Radio Producer to Teaching Fellow: A Career Shift Story with Layla Painter
Have you ever felt like your job wasn’t fulfilling enough? Neelie Verlinden did, and she decided to take action
Accenture partner Matthew Edwards doing volunteer work while still maintaining his full-time job – unusual for professional partners – enabling him to help nurses in Kenya by designing a training app
Finding purpose after losing your dream job
‘I felt spat out’ says, Eleanor Mills when made redundant from the Sunday Times. But it opened new doors – and happiness
Strap in for the roller coaster career and life of Ande Lyons, particularly after she reached 50!
A holiday led corporate sales director Michelle to early unretirement
AI, data privacy and cyber security – Lord Tim Clement-Jones brings experience to these debates
Journalist Peter Davenport travelled the world on top stories. Now in his 70s, he’s on Instagram with his Italian jackets and ties!
Dr Angela Herbert MBE marked her 61st birthday by launching Made on Purpose with a focus on girls and women
Andy Briggs is passionate about employers really thinking about age diversity. How should they do this?
African dance was the road to happiness – Genny Jones qualified as a teacher of African dance, shortly after her 60th birthday
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Aligned Money Show
Gorse Culture PODcast : The H.R. Detective Agency!
HCI Leadership Revolution
The Ramsey Show
Planet Money