Finding Your Purpose: It’s Never Too Late to Make an Impact
When Betty Louie closed her family’s retail stores in San Francisco’s Chinatown after decades of six-day work weeks, she could have simply retired. Instead, she discovered her true calling: becoming a catalyst for transforming the neighborhood she’d known her entire life.
A new form of retirement planning
When faced with retirement, Betty recalls wondering: “What am I going to do now?” The answer came in an unexpected form – a single email to a food critic that would spark a renaissance in Chinatown.
This email put into action a chain of events, from turning a simple property rental decision into a movement for community revitalization. She took a chance on rising star chef Brandon Jew and offered him something unique – cheap rent! With him, Betty went on to help launch what would become a Michelin-starred restaurant, now known as Mister Jius.
A good work spiral
This initial success opened Betty’s eyes to the broader possibilities for Chinatown’s transformation. From curating new street lanterns that showcase local history to bringing in trees that changed the neighborhood’s aesthetic, Betty’s vision has helped make Chinatown more vibrant and welcoming for tourists and locals alike.
“You don’t need permission to play this role,” Betty emphasizes, offering wisdom that resonates far beyond Chinatown. “You just need to go do it.”
Her approach to impactful career hours is refreshingly straightforward: notice what needs changing, take action where you can, and celebrate others’ successes along the way. Now known affectionately as “Auntie Betty,” she spends hours walking the streets with aspiring entrepreneurs, connecting people with opportunities, and watching with pride as younger generations take initiative in the community.
Finding work that’s worth it
Betty’s journey shows us that meaningful work isn’t about age or stage of life – it’s about identifying where you can make a difference and taking that first step. Whether it’s transforming a neighborhood, mentoring the next generation, or building bridges between communities, impact can take many forms. As she puts it, “Things come into your life when they’re meant to come into your life and when you’re actually ready for them.” Sometimes, the most meaningful chapter of your career might be the one that starts after traditional retirement.
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Georgi
As the visionary founder of Work That's Worth It, Georgi specializes in unearthing the unique inspiration and career desires of those seeking significance, both for themselves and for the world.
