Lots of older baby boomer guys might feel depressed or question their purpose after they suddenly find themselves fired, let go, pensioned, downsized, retired or packaged off. But I know there are ways to continue living a full and satisfying life! You can still contribute to society in a valuable and positive way, besides playing cards with elderly ladies or taking up weird hobbies. You simply have to re-focus and find those hidden skills and abilities so long kept under the rug while you were holding down your 6-figure salaried position.

This stuff is particularly true if you have an in-house female, legally and contractually obligated significant other...aarrgh, political correctness...If you have a wife, is what I'm trying to say.

For example, you can become an automobile security consultant. While your wife is in the mall shopping, you can be napping...I mean guarding the car.

Years ago (while I was still working but holding down a part-time gig as an automobile security consultant) I fell asleep after giving up on the crossword puzzle, sitting in the driver's seat, parked in a mall lot somewhere while my wife was shopping inside. A knock on the window nearly killed me as my heart tore from my chest in surprise. It was a cop. I rolled down the window as quickly as I could, the newspaper falling to the floor and drool dripping from my mouth. The cop asked me if I was ok. I told him my wife was inside shopping and that I preferrred staying in the car than go shopping with her. He said he understood completely, wished me a nice day and drove off. He thought I was dead. I nearly died from laughing afterwards...

Here's another idea: fashion consultant. So when your wife asks, "Do these pants go with this blouse?" you'll know immediately what to answer. I'm really good at fashion advice. The last time I bought clothes for myself was in 1987. A package of three jockey shorts. They were too small and of course couldn't be returned.

How about a lifestyle guru or trainer? When your wife asks, "Does this dress make my butt look fat?" you'll know what to do. I'd suggest faking an epileptic fit or cardiac arrest. You can get into home decor so you'll know if the curtains clash with the wallpaper. Or become an etiquette advisor - "We have to repay the Browns for having us over for brunch. What do YOU suggest?" As an etiquette advisor, you can handle this one easily. Or try cooking...lots of guys like to cook, apparently. When she asks rhetorically, "What are YOU planning for dinner tonight?" you'll be ready.

So guys, don't despair...a new, fulfilling career is just around the corner...of course, if that corner is in your house you better make sure that it's appropriately clean, dusted and suitable for last minute visits by your wife's bridge club.