Jean Olson, age 70, describes her 13 years in the Foreign Service as an “odd and torturous path,” that included a successful class action suit against the federal government. Jean left the Foreign Service (stints in Europe and South America) for her hometown in Wisconsin to be her mother’s caregiver and to serve as (volunteer) President of the Village Council. At age 57, and ‘unemployed’ for seven years, Jean created a path to retirement. She rejoined the Foreign Service for seven more years, having to start over as a “baby diplomat” — a “lesson in humility.”  Jean choice of Las Cruces, NM. as her retirement home affords her access to a university, a cluster of good friends, affordable housing, and excellent Mexican restaurants. Best of all--no snow shoveling! Since her move, Jean has served on the Board of the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, worked with a Refugee Resettlement project, and is currently engaged with a children’s Literacy program. 

When I retired from the Foreign Service, I found a home in New Mexico with a university, good friends, affordable housing, and great Mexican restaurants. - Jean Olson

Connect with Jean 

Email: [email protected]