I traded my career for a camera—and now I’m embracing retirement with purpose, passion, and new beginnings. This channel follows my journey with Fujifilm photography—creative photo quests, real-world shooting, and simple Lightroom and Photoshop tutorials. It’s about staying curious, creative, and fully alive in retirement. My earlier videos on resumes, LinkedIn, and job search strategies are still here if you need them.

#retirementlife, #retirementwithpurpose, #activeaging, #retirementhobbies, #fujifilm, #fujixseries, #xt5, #photographyover60, #creativephotography, #photoquest, #intentionalcameramovement, #multipleexposure, #lightroomtutorial, #photoshoptutorial, #learnphotography, #visualstorytelling, #encorelife


Bill Benoist

For most of my life, I avoided doctors.

I used to joke that I hadn’t seen one since I was in my 20s. Then in my 60s, I lost vision in one eye. That moment changed everything.

High blood pressure. Pre-diabetes. Weight gain. Words I never thought would describe me.

Recently, I made a decision to take my health more seriously. That included starting a GLP-1 medication to lose weight. I didn’t tell my primary doctor at first. Honestly? I was embarrassed. I was worried about being judged. I was worried about insurance problems. I was worried about a lecture.

Then something happened that forced me to schedule an appointment.

What I expected and what actually happened were two very different things.

If you’ve ever struggled with weight… avoided the doctor… or felt nervous about being honest about your health choices, I think you’ll relate to this one.

Watch the full video to hear the whole story — including the unexpected side effect and what I learned about trust along the way.

https://youtu.be/AQvMcY0qv7k

5 days ago | [YT] | 1

Bill Benoist

Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation and suddenly… the word just disappears?

It’s right there on the tip of your tongue, but no matter how hard you try, it just won’t come out. A few weeks ago during our Sunday family dinner, that exact thing happened to me. I stood there trying to remember a simple word while everyone waited. I have to admit… it felt a little embarrassing.

Later that night, I started thinking about something from years ago when I watched an older relative struggle with the very same thing. At the time, I wondered what they were thinking—and now I found myself in that exact moment.

That experience led me to look into something many of us quietly wonder about as we get older.

Is this just a normal part of aging… or something we should worry about?

In this week’s video, I share the moment that sparked this question and what I discovered after doing a little research.

If you’ve ever forgotten a word, walked into a room and wondered why you went there, or had a small “memory slip,” you may relate to this one.

Watch the video to learn more.

https://youtu.be/j0g-ht5bAX0

1 week ago | [YT] | 2

Bill Benoist

From the outside, my life probably looks simple. Maybe even… boring.

I’m not hopping on planes to exotic places. I’m not living on the road chasing sunsets. I’m not filling my calendar with tee times, social clubs, or big adventures.

Most days are quiet. Slow. Uncomplicated.

And yet, I wake up without pressure. I move through my day at my own pace. I spend time on the things that genuinely interest me. When I turn out the lights at night, I feel good about how I lived that day.

That doesn’t sound very flashy. But it feels like freedom.

In this video, I open up about what retirement looks like for me now — after leaving corporate America more than a decade ago, building a second career, and eventually deciding to step away from that too.

We all see examples of what a “dream retirement” is supposed to look like. But what if your version is quieter? What if it’s smaller… simpler… calmer?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your retirement has to impress anyone else, this video is for you.

Watch the full video. You may see your own life a little differently.

https://youtu.be/_SMBx_uqUgo

2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 5

Bill Benoist

One of my favorite features of the Fuji system is the film simulations — and if you're not using them, you're missing out on something really special!

Think back to the days of walking into a drugstore and choosing between different rolls of film — Kodachrome or Kodak Portra 400, or Fujifilm Velvia, and so many others. Each one had its own unique look and feel. Fuji has brought that experience into the digital world, and the results can be stunning.

In my latest video, I headed out to a local park and photographed the same subjects — colorful paddle boats and Kayaks by the lake — using different film simulations so you can see exactly how each one transforms your image.

Same scene. Same light. Completely different mood.

Whether you're new to Fuji or have been shooting with it for years, this side-by-side comparison will open your eyes to the creative possibilities sitting right inside your camera.

👇 Watch the full video to see all the film simulations the Fuji XT5 has to offer!

https://youtu.be/-0sZXIMYnNA

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the 🔔 so you never miss a new video!

3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 3

Bill Benoist

I finally made a move I’ve been thinking about for a long time… I upgraded from my Fuji X-T4 to the X-T5.

But this story isn’t really about specs, megapixels, or chasing the latest gear.

It’s about timing.

It’s about a decision I once regretted.

And it’s about something far more meaningful than a camera upgrade.

I took a risk on a “professional” camera before… and learned a surprising lesson. That lesson shaped this new decision in a big way.

What happened next involves a trade-in, a dream camera, and a conversation with my daughter that changed everything.

Let’s just say this upgrade has a bigger purpose than photography alone.

If you’ve ever wondered whether gear really matters — or if there’s something deeper behind why we create — I think you’ll enjoy this one.

Watch the full video to hear the whole story.

https://youtu.be/fGpDua4xQ_4

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 3

Bill Benoist

Ever feel like retirement is somehow busier than your working years? You're not alone.

There's a powerful principle that successful professionals used throughout their careers—one that helped them focus on what truly mattered while cutting through all the noise.

But here's what most people miss: this game-changing concept doesn't stop working just because you've retired.

In my latest video, I reveal how this principle can transform your retirement in two crucial ways: reclaiming your time from endless "busy work" and reshaping the thoughts that quietly drain your energy every single day.

If you've caught yourself saying "How did I ever have time to work?" or found yourself consumed by worries instead of enjoying the freedom you've earned, this video offers a practical framework to flip that script.

Your retirement should be about joy and fulfillment, not just staying busy with obligations that leave you exhausted and resentful.

Ready to discover how focusing on the right things could multiply your retirement satisfaction?

Watch now and let's reclaim what retirement was always meant to be.

https://youtu.be/zocTjLvoYdI

1 month ago | [YT] | 5

Bill Benoist

I just posted video #4 in my series for retirees who are thinking about going back to work part-time.

If you’re retired and feeling the squeeze from rising costs, missing the structure of work, or just wanting to stay engaged and useful, this video is for you. I talk honestly about what really works when you’re looking for part-time work in retirement—and what tends to waste your time.

I also share a true story from my own life that shows how part-time opportunities often appear when you least expect them. It’s a simple example, but it makes an important point that many retirees overlook.

This video isn’t about chasing titles or climbing ladders. It’s about fitting work into your retirement life in a way that makes sense for you.

If you’re even casually thinking, “Maybe I’ll work a few hours a week…” this is worth watching before you start applying online.

👉 Watch the full video and see if this approach changes how you think about finding part-time work in retirement.

https://youtu.be/I0sv61DfJ6Q

1 month ago | [YT] | 2

Bill Benoist

If you’re retired and thinking about a part-time job, this video is for you.

In this third video of my series, I talk about something many retirees overlook when going back to work: social media and LinkedIn. I explain why hiring managers often look at your online presence before they ever make an offer — even for part-time roles.

I also walk through why LinkedIn is more important than your resume, how to update your headline after retirement, and how to write an “About” section that reduces age bias and shows confidence, reliability, and flexibility. I even share real headline examples you can use right away.

If you’ve been retired for a while and your LinkedIn profile still looks like it did on your last day of work, this video will open your eyes. A few simple updates can make a big difference and help the right opportunities find you.

👉 Watch the full video and take the next smart step back into work — on your terms.


https://youtu.be/U_rhjakdAuM

1 month ago | [YT] | 3

Bill Benoist

Thinking about picking up a part-time job in retirement?

Whether you need to bridge the gap between inflation and your Social Security COLA, or just want to get out of the house, your resume is the first impression that matters.

In this week's video, I'm breaking down exactly how to update your resume for today's job market—even if there's a gap in your work history. I'll show you:

✅ How to address your employment gap upfront (so employers don't make assumptions)
✅ What outdated technology terms are aging you on paper
✅ Why your email address matters more than you think
✅ Three ready-to-use professional summary templates for different part-time roles

Whether you're eyeing retail, customer service, or front desk positions, this video gives you practical, copy-and-paste solutions to make your resume stand out for the RIGHT reasons.

This is part 2 of my "returning to work" series—don't miss it! Subscribe and hit the bell so you catch next week's video on updating your LinkedIn profile.

Watch now and get your resume job-ready!

https://youtu.be/GYJDFTFQpso

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 3

Bill Benoist

After a decade of career coaching and 25 years in corporate leadership, I thought I was done making career-related content when I shifted this channel to retirement topics in January 2025. But something's changed.

I'm hearing from more of you who are facing unexpected challenges—investments aren't performing as expected, Social Security cost-of-living adjustments aren't keeping pace with inflation, or early retirement plans need recalibration. The reality is that many people over 60 are considering returning to work, and the job market has changed dramatically.

That's why I'm launching a new series specifically for job seekers over 60. In this first video, I'm pulling back the curtain on interview dynamics that can make or break your chances—especially when you're likely interviewing with younger managers.

There are critical differences in how we communicate at 60+ versus 40, and understanding these shifts could be the difference between landing the position and watching another opportunity slip away.

Watch the full video to discover the two types of interviewers you'll encounter, and the biggest mistake most older candidates make.

https://youtu.be/pm_pb2_mOV8

1 month ago | [YT] | 2