David Buck is a highly imaginative guy who is resourcefully addressing an emerging need of overwhelming importance: the career shift that will become commonplace for adults at midlife.

David earned his BA from St. Olaf College and went on to receive an MBA from the University of Chicago.  His “first” professional life was spent in the real estate world-leasing shopping mall space and then working in development of mixed locations that combined retail and residential.

In his midforties, David started reckoning with an inescapable fact of life: It’s too short. “How can I leave a meaningful personal legacy?” he asked himself.  David met Jan Hively, PhD, who founded the Vital Aging Network.  She said to David, ” You are no different from seventy-six million other baby boomers who are now looking for more meaningful work.”  David took this as a challenge-how can people help each other to move toward meaning in life and work?

Together, David and Jan started developing in the Twin Cities a new social network called SHiFT, which continues to grow.  SHiFT offers new member-inspired programs including forums, interest groups, SHiFT Circles, and a Time Bank for sharing skills.  The organization is also working on a new project called Midternships: Internships @ Midlife , where people can take their interests and transferable skills into an internship experience.

SHiFT recognizes the “new arc” of most people’s working lives-they get it.  If you want some good ideas for your community or want to join in a grassroots community tailored to midlifers in transition, check out ShiFT. (www.shiftonlife.org)