Why do you work?
Stop and think about it. Other than the income you derive from the various tasks and responsibilities you perform on the job, are there any other reasons you get up every morning before the birds do, drive your car in rush-hour traffic, get into the office and go to several meetings throughout the day that have yet to change life as we know it, and sit at your desk going through all the things you need to go through that are a part of what's been called, work?
You've been doing this for a long time. You've been putting up with office politics, with a lot of grief from your supervisors, peers and direct reports, and then coming home a bit less energized than when you left twelve hours earlier, only to face other issues on the home front. Other than the money, what has been motivating you all these years?
Hopefully, you have been able to derive a measure of satisfaction from doing those things that have tapped your creativity and utilized a good percentage of your talents, capabilities and unique gifts. Hopefully, you have followed your passion over the years and associated yourself with the types of jobs and careers for which you have felt a lot of enthusiasm, and from which you have been able to experience tremendous fulfillment.
If you are reaching retirement age, it may be time for you to look at a retirement calculator, assess your finances, and review all the things that have produced your fulfillment. If you are financially positioned to retire, should you? It seems like a silly question, but there's more to it than meets the eye. I don't recommend retirement to anyone.
Retirement implies you are no longer working. You've given up the treadmill described above for a villa somewhere off the coast of Spain. Sounds great, doesn't it?! Then why would I not recommend retirement? The reason is simple: People need to do creative things. They need to be involved and express their talents and capabilities to the fullest. It's not only a way of feeling useful or deriving an income; it's more importantly a requirement for sanity and longevity. Numerous studies corroborate this.
Does this mean you shouldn't retire? Do you have to remain on the treadmill until you die? Not exactly. You can get out of the "rat race" without retiring. Applying a new dimension to the word, retire, it no longer implies that you stop working; rather, you are no longer working for someone else. You can still have that villa, only now you can also be engaged in creating and expressing your talents. For many retirees, it means establishing and marketing their hobbies. For many others, it's about starting their own consulting business.
The important thing to consider as you approach retirement age is that over the years you have brought a lot to the table and have given of yourself in many, many ways. You can now take those same talents and begin to look at ways you can continue to apply them in a self-employed capacity. The rewards will be great. You'll be off the treadmill, you'll stay sane, you'll live longer, and that villa off the coast of Spain just got a new owner, you.
Copyright © 2005 TopDog Group All rights reserved.
David Richter is a recognized authority in career coaching and job search support. He has spent many years in recruitment, staffing, outplacement, counseling psychology and career management spanning most industries and professions. David founded TopDog Group in response to the needs of job candidates to have a higher quality of career coaching and support available on the Internet. David understands the mechanisms for success. He has formulated specific strategies anyone can use to secure interviews and receive offers. His extensive knowledge and experience sets David apart in this field, allowing him to offer a wealth of information and a vast array of tools, resources and strategies not found anywhere else. He has shown countless job seekers how to differentiate themselves and leverage their potential to the highest possible level, making a real difference in their careers. David holds both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology. David's website address is: http://www.procareercoach.com
Momentum as defined by Webster's is: strength or force gained... Read More
More and more people are looking to gain an edge... Read More
It is not realistic for HR Managers to believe that... Read More
Is every job description you read the same? No.Is every... Read More
Your personal appearance is a critical component of that all-important... Read More
A "blog" is simply an internet (web) log. Blogs are... Read More
The champagne corks have been popping to celebrate your promotion.... Read More
Generally, when you present yourself as a prospective candidate for... Read More
Does it seem that with every passing year it's getting... Read More
In Part One we'll look at how Positioning or "Coming... Read More
Looking for a new job?I'm about to reveal one of... Read More
In Part I, we covered how to grab the reader's... Read More
While more people are finding employment, more employed workers are... Read More
If you are concerned that your company might be planning... Read More
Moving into a new job always involves some degree of... Read More
One-day you're minding your own business and your boss comes... Read More
As children we often used to read stories where magical... Read More
While identity theft is nothing new, the Web has opened... Read More
What is contract programming, you ask? Well, when companies need... Read More
Being a reflexologist is one of the top five career... Read More
You can have outstanding ideas, yet never leverage them into... Read More
Even before I checked my calendar on Monday... Read More
Not everyone is cut out to be a mortgage processor.... Read More
Working abroad can be an exciting, rewarding and horizon broadening... Read More
Unemployment is depressing: financial pressures stress you out, looking for... Read More
I have to admit that I'm starting to slow down... Read More
What's wrong with an objective on a resume? The problem... Read More
Whether you are looking for a job, new clients or... Read More
If you are thinking about a career in culinary arts... Read More
To "sell" oneself on paper is not easy. Creating a... Read More
Some interview questions are asked so frequently that they've become... Read More
Dubai is home to an exciting, diverse, multi-cultural blend of... Read More
Cover letters are an essential ingredient to your complete résumé... Read More
It is a well-known fact that more and more people... Read More
After establishing a trusting relationship with the safety officer, it... Read More
A relationship expert once said that during an argument, there's... Read More
The tragedy for millions of people is that they never... Read More
Many people are working at jobs they don't want and... Read More
I'll be the first to admit that I hated my... Read More
Think you have gone as far as you can in... Read More
The increasing globalization of business has created a demand for... Read More
Telecommuting Interview Tips- By Nell TaliercioYou've made it! Your cover... Read More
So you are interested in seeking a job with an... Read More
For many people, interviewing is not a natural act any... Read More
Getting a job is not just about your performance in... Read More
During my job search I read dozens of books and... Read More
Your career, like any journey, has a beginning, an end... Read More
1. An attractive layout that is easy to read and... Read More
As an executive recruiter, I interview a lot of people.... Read More
Like huge anchors on cruise ships, other people... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment Careers, Jobs & Employment |
|