Bill Benoist - Finding Passion After 9to5

Retired career coach now embracing retirement with purpose, passion and new beginnings. Creating videos on retirement lifestyles, staying healthy, and finding encore careers and side hustles. I will also do videos regarding my passion for photography. Older videos, yet still relevant, remain available for resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn and job search strategies.

#retirement #retirementplanning #retirementlifestyle #earlyretirement #aginginplace #seniorfitness #emotionalwellbeing #digitalphotography #photography #creativephotography


Bill Benoist - Finding Passion After 9to5

Just uploaded a new video about a practice that has genuinely transformed my daily routine and creative thinking - Morning Pages from Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way."

This simple habit of writing three stream-of-consciousness pages each morning has been life-changing for me, even though I failed at my first attempt years ago!

The practice creates mental clarity, helps solutions emerge naturally, and has made me more optimistic overall.

In the video, I share my 12-week journey, how I structured my approach (one chapter per week), and why this book has impacted me more profoundly than any other.

If you're looking to unlock your creativity and bring more purpose to your days, check out my full experience with Morning Pages here: https://youtu.be/2TMABmMPLUQ

6 days ago | [YT] | 0

Bill Benoist - Finding Passion After 9to5

Friends, I want to share something personal that might save your life.

In 2019, I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I learned I was averaging 33 breathing interruptions every hour while sleeping.

The scariest part? I had NONE of the typical symptoms. It was only after a diagnosis of Central Retina Vein Occlusion that led to the sleep apnea discovery.

Did you know untreated sleep apnea makes you THREE TIMES more likely to die prematurely?

Yet half of those prescribed CPAP machines abandon them within a year.

Getting used to my CPAP took months, but it's reduced my premature death risk by 61%. I never skip a night.
Check out my latest video where I discuss my sleep apnea journey and how I discovered I had it.

https://youtu.be/zNKXhd1eTds

1 week ago | [YT] | 4

Bill Benoist - Finding Passion After 9to5

Do you worry about losing your independence as you age? You're not alone.

In my latest video, I explore this common concern that affects so many of us in retirement—the fear of becoming dependent on others for our daily needs and personal care.

While there are no guarantees in life, I share insights on how most of us can take meaningful steps to reduce this risk and maintain our independence longer. We'll explore practical approaches that can work for people with various abilities and limitations.

This isn't about pushing unrealistic fitness goals—it's about finding what works for YOUR situation to help you age on your own terms.

If staying independent matters to you (as it does to me), this video offers perspective and practical strategies you can consider starting today.

https://youtu.be/hfvu1tcFVKA

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

Bill Benoist - Finding Passion After 9to5

Ever catch yourself measuring your retirement against someone else's highlight reel? You're not alone! In my latest video, I'm getting real about the dangerous habit of retirement comparison and sharing a game-changing strategy: gratitude.

Turns out, retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. Each of us has a unique path, shaped by our experiences, choices, and yes—our financial backgrounds. But here's the secret: true fulfillment comes from appreciating YOUR story.

I'll show you:
• Why comparing yourself to others is a fast track to disappointment
• A simple morning technique to boost your retirement mindset
• How to interrupt negative comparison thoughts instantly

Want to transform how you think about retirement? This video is your roadmap to a more grateful, purposeful life.
https://youtu.be/vPbX63wpXzU

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 3

Bill Benoist - Finding Passion After 9to5

Has anyone else noticed how turning 40 mysteriously transforms you into a "protected class"? Nothing changes in you, but suddenly the world treats you differently. And this shift only intensifies with each passing decade—from uninvited AARP subscriptions at 50 to "senior specials" at restaurants by 55.

But it's when Medicare kicks in at 65 that the real changes begin. My recent experience with a broken CPAP machine left me shocked. Instead of a same-day replacement for this "essential" equipment, I was told to wait 10-14 days! I ended up fixing it myself with YouTube tutorials, only to receive an outdated replacement model later.

"That's how Medicare works," they said.

We deserve dignity and agency regardless of age. Watch my new video where I rant about navigating these frustrating experiences and refusing to be marginalized simply because of a number.

https://youtu.be/5vlp1wk73NE

1 month ago | [YT] | 3

Bill Benoist - Finding Passion After 9to5

Ever wonder what happened to those passions that lit up your younger self? My journey might sound familiar.

As a troubled teen, photography saved me - taking me from straight F's to college at 19 with a photojournalism degree. Then life pulled me in another direction. Ten years in banking and another 25 years in technology. During this time, my cameras was sitting in a closet collecting dust.

It wasn't until after leaving corporate America that I picked up a camera again - initially just for YouTube videos. But something magical happened. That forgotten spark reignited and grew into a full-blown passion.

The greatest gift retirement offers? Time to rediscover what once brought you joy.

What passion have you set aside? What creative pursuit or hobby is waiting for you to return to it?

Watch my latest video to hear the full story of how rediscovering photography transformed my retirement. Sometimes the second act is even better than the first.

https://youtu.be/ruR5Di5kmaA

1 month ago | [YT] | 4

Bill Benoist - Finding Passion After 9to5

Ever wondered how different generations view financial success? I just dove into a mind-blowing survey that reveals some shocking salary expectations!

Did you know Gen Z believes they need almost $587,000 to feel successful, while baby boomers are set at just $99,000? Meanwhile, the actual average salary is around $60,000.

The real story isn't about the numbers – it's about how our perception of success changes with age. As someone who's been researching generational differences for years, I found this fascinating.

Curious to hear your thoughts! What does "success" mean to you? Is it about the paycheck, or something deeper?

Watch my full video breaking down these surprising insights here: https://youtu.be/WSKQiLsMZNk

1 month ago | [YT] | 4

Bill Benoist - Finding Passion After 9to5

The workforce transformation I warned about is accelerating. What began as "silent firing" has evolved into public layoffs across tech giants like Meta, where even top performers are being let go.

Behind this trend? Companies are strategically replacing traditional roles with AI specialists or automating positions entirely.

I can't help wondering what the work landscape will look like for Generation Beta (born 2025-2039). Will jobs even exist as we know them?

For my fellow Gen Xers and Boomers caught in this transition: your skills remain valuable! Consider sectors less dependent on cutting-edge AI—banking, real estate, law—all still need experienced professionals.

Maybe it's time for that encore career you've always dreamed about?

Check out my latest video exploring the full impact of AI on our careers and what we can do to adapt: https://youtu.be/BcP3Eqs_jTg

1 month ago | [YT] | 2

Bill Benoist - Finding Passion After 9to5

Meet Keith Cuddeback, who at 76 proves it's never too late to reinvent yourself.

After careers as a San Francisco radio DJ and real estate broker, Keith faced cancer head-on and made a life-changing decision.

He bought a van named Joy, beat cancer, and now travels America capturing its natural wonders through his lens.

From Death Valley's stark landscapes to East Texas swamps, Keith's photography rivals the best in the field.

He's traded his iMac for an iPad and country club membership for a nomadic lifestyle, proving that retirement can be an adventure rather than an ending.

Want to be inspired? Watch our full conversation about how Keith turned his lifelong photography hobby into a passionate pursuit that's redefining his golden years. His story might just change how you think about your own future.

https://youtu.be/ry-qzWE1g60

2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 8

Bill Benoist - Finding Passion After 9to5

Ever wondered how AI could make retirement more enjoyable? In my latest video, I'm breaking down four fantastic (and completely FREE) AI tools that can help make your retirement years more fulfilling: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek.

Don't worry if you're new to AI – I'll show you exactly how these digital assistants can help with everything from writing emails to your grandkids to finding the perfect volunteer opportunity. They're surprisingly easy to use, and I promise you don't need any special tech skills!

I've created a step-by-step guide that's perfect for seniors and retirees. You'll see exactly how to get started and make these tools work for you. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby, find part-time work, or just stay connected, these AI helpers can make it all easier.

Click below to watch the full video! 👇

https://youtu.be/er_QCgt9qUE

What AI tool would you like to try first? Let me know in the comments! 💭

2 months ago | [YT] | 3