Many times it was not intentional but I have retired – or been retired – as an editor at least 7 times.

One was when MacLeod and I left the Dispatch-News because we could not get along with our partners. The last was in 2006 when I left the Chronicle to start Riverbanks Press, a book publishing company.

When the economy crashed into an Obama wall 2 years later, the editor and publisher graciously invited me to return.

With all this practice, you might think of me as a retirement expert. I’m not. But one of these days I really will have to retire.

My friend Andrea Nierenberg sent this sage advice on retirement from Karen Kromer Lynch who retired in 2008 from IBM and started her life’s next chapter.

Karen has become a volunteer in many community activities where she lives in Maine. Here is her advice for those of us considering retirement or who have done it and are bored with daytime TV.

In picking a church or other group to volunteer, think “What’s in it for you?” More important, “What’s in it for them?”

• Start with what you can provide to the organization. Strive to learn what you can do for others first and foremost.

Retirees offer talents and resources to volunteer organizations based on decades of experience. Many organizations need volunteers to fulfill their missions. As you identify where you wish to volunteer, understand that you will be networking with others with whom you share interests.

• Know yourself. Be clear about how much time you can volunteer and stick with your commitment. This can change over time as you become familiar with the needs of the organization and your interest.

Learn all you can about the organization Listen carefully to how things are done. You must gain trust by being consistent. Understand their expectations of you. Organizations have their own structure, culture, processes and procedures, etc.

• Training can take less than an hour or 3 months or more for your role. Network with trainers and other new volunteers.

You will be able to bring your own expertise. Share your gifts, and network with others interested in your area of expertise.

• Fundraising From annual appeals to yard and bake sales, volunteers use many tactics to raise money to support their mission. You may enjoy working with a team to enhance sales and donations.

• Joining the board of an organization where you volunteer is a great way to introduce yourself to others and find out if joining the board to help appeals to you.

As for me, I’ve volunteered to teach a 6-week class on retirement at the Lexington Shepherd’s Center starting April 25.

You can join me to hear guest speakers on local history, volunteering opportunities, how to stay fit and healthy, having fun with grandchildren and other senior interests.

I’ll let you know more about this later.

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