Here we go! I’m trying to capture some ideas which might be relevant and useful regarding the impending transitions that baby boomers will face any time now- RETIREMENT! For so many people of our generation, this word implies the end, finality, done, over, kaput, as well as rest, recreation and the big slow down. That may have been true of our parents’ generation and what their retirement looked like. But now, with median life spans of 82 and 86 for men and women, there are at least 20-40 years in the next phase of life, and that is a LONG time to sit on the couch, play golf, or take up knitting. None of those things are inherently bad, it’s just that it probably won’t be enough. Enough to get you jumping out of bed and greeting the day with a smile or the energy to sustain a groundhog day-like existence. Rather, this group of boomers need more– more purpose, more fulfillment, sometimes more money, and more active living. One of the best parts of this transition that is overlooked is MORE TIME! But how to spend that time is the question.
What has proven to be true is that people spend more time planning for a two week vacation than they do for planning how they will spend the next 25-30 years! Also, for the transition to be fruitful, calm and positive, it needs to be addressed in a thoughtful and specific way, BEFORE the transition begins. The dilemma for many is that while they are engaged in work, there isn’t time or mental space to project what life will be like in the next chapter. But if some time is spent in a 3-5 year window, or for some even earlier, prior to the transition, to dream, analyze, and research what the future looks like, the success of the transition increases immensely. That analysis can be aided and directed with the help of a retirement coach.
My hope is that as a retirement coach, I can guide people in finding their true purpose and meaning that will make the post-career life as enjoying and fulfilling as possible. In future posts, I’ll talk about the role of a coach and how using a coach can greatly benefit those who are searching for MORE in their next chapter. Also, some ruminations on the common stumbling blocks for individuals and couples in transition, as well as ideas of how to fly forward in this new life ahead. Cheers!
Flying Forward in Retirement! 