One of my friends asked me recently what was so great about being a baby boomer and the impending thought of retirement.  As a transition planning consultant I could have waxed somewhat un-poetically about all the virtues and attributes, but that would not be me.  Rather, I gave it to her straight – no chaser.  And after reflection, thought I would share it.

Living Longer

According to the U.S. Social Security Administration: A man reaching age 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 84.3, and a woman turning age 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 86.6.  And those are just averages – about one out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past age 90, and one out of 10 will live past age 95.  Think about it – we have up to a full one-third of our lives yet to live!

Your Emotions and Fears Can Be Resolved

Like it or not, there are probably some reasons why you are thinking about avoiding retirement – whether you own a business or not.  The thought of traditional retirement – like our parents – may give rise to fear of being insignificant, loss of identity, maybe even a fear of wondering what you will do with all your free time.  Taking stock of all this can give rise to some reluctance, I agree.  But what if you could systematically identify, evaluate, and resolve those emotions and fears?  Would that give you more confidence to plan for your future?

Choices Abound

In our parents’ day, retirement happened at 65. You spent time playing golf or tennis, traveling, gardening, and maybe visiting the grandkids.  Now? You can still do those things, but you have lots of other choices: you can work longer, you can travel – inexpensively, visit the grandkids with online video chat and in person, you can volunteer with non-profits, join fitness clubs, establish lots of new social connections, etc.  What’s not to like about these choices?

The World Really Is Smaller

Well, many scientists would disagree with me, but what I’m thinking of is the ability to communicate anywhere, anytime, with anyone, across the globe.  We can learn about other countries, cultures, religions, social causes, places to travel, and, as noted above, can travel there quite affordably.  We can develop new social connections in the virtual world – and don’t even have to leave our home – if that is what we choose.

You Can Give Back

In addition to being a transition planning consultant I also run a professional search firm. I get a good number of people who have retired you want to work part-time, and I’m not talking about being a cashier at a grocery store.  These people want to help other businesses benefit from their expertise, they want to give back.  So, I’ve started a Senior Business Consulting Program for just that purpose.  Working part-time has the benefit of creating new social connections, helping you satisfy your need for intellectual stimulation, and, providing you the satisfaction of helping others grown their businesses.

You Can Develop Your Own Personal Plan

In the first third of our lives we most likely developed a plan for our work career; in the second third of our lives we most likely implemented our work career plan.  Well, guess what, for the last third of your life, you really can develop your own personal transition plan.  You can define (and like every well-developed plan), and modify it as you implement it, your life beyond your full time career. 

Dr. Seuss – The Later Years

We all grew up with Dr. Seuss, reading all those books for ourselves, then our children, and now even our grandchildren.  They are filled with great lessons in life, and are filled with meaning and purpose that helped guide us through our lives.  However, we may not want to embrace the newest lesson from Dr. Seuss - so, what is your alternative to green prunes and bran?

Put A Smile On Your Face!