Back to selling insurance...once again

When I sold my book of benefits insurance business 2 years ago, I signed a formal and final contract with a 2 year non-compete agreement. Said clause stipulated that I would not seek an agent of record commission-able status from any clients listed in the "sold" book of business, nor would I try to sell any new products to these same listed clients. While many of my agent friends in the business own the opinion that these non-compete clauses don't hold up in court because a person has the right to make a living, I agreed to hold to the agreement anyway. I signed the agreement, I received fair compensation, and the ethical and honest thing to do, in my opinion, was to honor the agreement.

As of the end of this month, stated 2 years have ended. While part of me yells "open season!" another part of me, says: go slowly, be cautious, don't burn any bridges, and think carefully. A few of my old clients I expect will be glad to have me back in the business; a few old clients I would prefer to leave with my former agency, for various reasons. A few have even kept contact with me for the last 2 years and have already said they are looking forward to my return - which  makes me feel very grateful for loyal clients.

Meanwhile, I haven't been sitting on my duff reading paperbacks and eating bonbons...well, not too much. Recently, I completed certification and licensing with 3 Medicare Advantage insurance carriers; I've signed on one new group client; my agent of record letter is formulated and ready to go out to a choice listing of former clients. I've contracted with IBC bank and will spend time at a local grocery store pharmacy twice a week with an Medicare Insurance product booth and also at my local IBC bank - who will help with leads and application submission during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period that starts next week, and runs until December 7th this year.

I've also been asked by H & R Block to manage one of their local tax preparation offices this year. Last tax season, I worked part time at one of the HRB tax offices and really enjoyed the work, the people and the educational knowledge opportunities related to taxes. In my spare time this summer and fall, I've completed and passed numerous tax courses and also passed the first Tax professional certification course. While I'm not sure -exactly- how I feel about the thought of managing people again, the tax pros will be working for commissions and HRB just needs someone to manage the "office" - or at least, that's what I've been told. I hope that I am up to the challenge, but it's only for 4 months, and ends around April 16. I can do anything for just a few months! wish me good fortune?

So why do I continue to review job listings on LinkedIn and others? Is it because I am still not too sure about this "semi-retired" status? I really don't think I want a full time 8 to 5 job, anyway. I suppose it's just habit....I'm not "employed" so I need to keep looking, I guess. Crazy, heh?

This week, we are in the midst of plumbers and tilers and drywallers who are remodeling out guest bath that had broken tile and very old shower fixtures.

Being able to "oversee" the jobs, and just actually be here while stuff is happening (and doors are opening and staying open and Coco runs around barking and trying to get in everybody's way) has been a Godsend. We couldn't have had the remodeling done so efficiently if I wasn't here and flexible about workers coming and going.

This week, I've been at home every day, all day. Next week, I will spend most of the week (and the next 2 months, also) at the local HEB grocery store and at 2 IBC banks. Hopefully, I will find lots of baby boomer 65+ prospective customers and will sell a lot of insurance products to happy beneficiaries. I'm actually looking forward to getting dressed up every day and being busy, helping people find good product fits for their needs.

It's a good life!