I Can't Wait Until I Retire - Then I Can Do Something I REALLY Enjoy!
I’ve been reading the New York Times Best Seller, “The Three Signs of a Miserable Job: A Fable for Managers (And Their Employees)” by Patrick Lencioni. The book’s main character is about a former CEO that sells his company for more money than he’d ever need, but soon realizes that “retirement” isn’t really what he wanted to do day-in and day-out.
The Retirement Myth
Retirement for some is the day many will finally be able to do something they really love, but why do you have to wait until 55/65/70? If you are living for retirment, are you really living?
What tends to happen for many retired people is after they take that much needed break from work for 3,6, or 12 months, they soon realize that they are bored to tears. They also realize they have lost that sense of being “needed”.
How To Retire
Some will buy that RV, vacation home, or travel the world. They live their life in a state of adventure. They have a “purpose”. For some it is constant tinkering around the house - gardening, building that new addition, etc. But for others it is a life of watching “The Price Is Right” or doing mundane day-to-day chores. Retirement is about finding something you love to do, and doing it. Otherwise, you lose your purpose and part of your identity.
Something I Love To Do?
If you want to live a life of joy, then find something you love to do that fills your day with happiness. Create a plan to do something you love whether you are currently working, retired, or considering retirement.
If you are in a miserable job, then find a better one. If you are retired and are sick of watching TV all day, then consider doing something that gives you a sense of purpose. Having purpose will help you live longer! As AARP writer Dan Buettner says, “Add years to your life - by adding life to your years”!
If you are over 50, there’s a great website for those of you who don’t want to “retire”. It’s called Senior Work Solutions, and they help retirees who may be tired of being ”retired”. This wonderful company helps those retirees gain a sense of need by matching them with companies who are in need. For example, if the CEO of a company needs to be out for an extended time (surgery, leave of absence, etc), Senior Work Solutions has a database of ”retired” CEO’s who can step in for a short time. But, their services aren’t limited to corporate management. They help everyone from all careers and positions.
Start Now
Do something you love. Start now. That doesn’t mean you have to quit your job if you are working. It means that you can take one small step (a class, making a connection, or researching a potential career change) today to do something your REALLY enjoy!
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Jay Markunas is one of the co-host for The Job Search Boot Camp Show. Together with his partner, Angela Loëb, he hosts for The Job Search Boot Camp webcast series – 3 evenings to career success. http://www.JobSearchBootCamp.net