Do You See Yourself Retiring?
March 3, 2008
My dad dreamed of his retirement. He worked over 30 years as a custodian, but in his heart, he was an entrepreneur and traveler. We spent long evenings talking about how he’d finally launch his hot dog truck or what towns we’d stop in during our RV trip across the country. He saved his most precious goals for his golden years. Only he never reached them. He died at 57, one month after he took early retirement. What a shame.
Given that history, I want to start my ‘transition’ a bit earlier. That’s what I call the journey I’m on now- my transition. I don’t think I’ll ever retire in the traditional sense of the word. I won’t stop working because it fulfills me and I need the money for life’s pleasures like travel and great food.
Retiring would be a disaster. I find it hard not to do something for 15 minutes let alone relaxing for 15-20 years! I don’t know about you, but I really like learning new things and being active. I stay current and I think that helps my outlook (and mind) stay youthful. In fact, my kids joke that I’ll have to live forever to accomplish all the projects I want to start (there’s the cookbook for college men, a blog for multiracial people, a magazine swap-meet…)
And, I’m not alone! Many boomers are starting a second act. Statistics suggest that 80% of boomers don’t plan on retiring at 62. That’s astonishing, don’t you think? According to an NY Times interview with Marc Freedman, the founder of Experience Corps and Civic Ventures, millions of boomers will begin to develop second careers, which he calls encore careers. We’re using our experience and expertise to drive businesses and social causes that enable us to give back and to look ahead with optimism.
This Marriage Thing blog is officially my encore career. It’s a great plan because I can do the things I love most: read, learn, and communicate wherever I am in the world and with a lot of flexibility. Although I haven’t done it yet, I envision blogging from the beach in Madrid, or sharing my experiences on a cooking vacation to Thailand. It could happen and it will.
What do you want to do in the bonus years?
PS Thinking about starting a business? I plan on talking about that in a later post. For now, check out Civic Ventures. It’s a business incubator for folks over 50. And, consider attending the What’s Next Boomer Business Summit It’s a unique opportunity to network and get ideas. The early bird rate is available until March 5th
Enjoy this post? Here are some more posts we think you might like:How are You Dealing with Being the Sandwich Generation?
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3 Responses to “Do You See Yourself Retiring?”
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Does anybody really plan on retiring (in the traditional sense) anymore? There are so many productive things that can be done with life, so much service to be done, and so many people to help. It’s almost a waste to spend one’s “bonus years” playing golf and driving an RV around the country.
I personally like Tim Ferriss’ ideas for “mini retirements.” Be a serial entrepreneur, make some money, take off for a while (6 mos - couple years), then do something else for money for a while. Sounds pretty ideal to me.
I loved his book, too, although I think he made it sound easier than it actually is. But the concept…oh baby!
Spending the bonus years resting and relaxing after 30 years of work doesn’t sounds ok to me It’s not MY choice but I know folks who enjoy that.
Recently, I met Tom and his wife who have 10 bonus years under their belts, traveling and learning. Is that productive to society as a whole, no. Is it wasteful, no, because they are growing rich in experiences.
You, my friend, might check out Marc’s Experience Corp, which is kinda like the Peace Corps for folks over 50. Thanks
d
Do I see myself retiring?Not in any conventional sense.
Like you, Dina, my juices get flowing by learning, trying new things, taking risks. I’ve been in my own business for the past 30 years and I don’t foresee giving that up unless I get really sick in old age.
One of the joys of the past years for me and my husband of 25 years (we’re in
our 60s) has been learning to ride horses, owning our own, and riding every weekend. So, no, our lives are pretty balanced and fun, and that includes our work, that we are both very invested in.