health
A new start after 60: I became a grocer
Robert Solomon loves the early mornings, picking out the apples, tending to the broccoli and fussing up the dandelion greens. At 71, he says it’s the best job he’s had
TL;DR
- Robert Solomon, at 71, works as an assistant buyer in produce at an independent market in New York.
- He finds joy in the physical, creative, and 'low-fantasy' aspects of his job, which he began after pandemic-related hour reductions elsewhere.
- Solomon values the attention required for stocking and caring for produce like dandelion greens and broccoli.
- Despite past aspirations for careers like programmer, minister, or nurse practitioner, he struggled to find a fulfilling job until this role.
- He credits lessons from his mother, who ran a small shop, with helping him in his current produce work.
- Solomon feels physically stronger and mentally quieter in his current employment, considering it the best he's ever had.