The time is running out to make the decision to retire or not yet. And you have all your ducks in a row.
The “early out” package is very compelling and your spouse is anxious to get started doing all those things you talked about doing when you no longer had to punch the clock.
So now you are getting nervous. While it all sounds good from a financial perspective, you’re not convinced this is the right thing to do. What if you get bored?
Never thought you would ever see that coming…
But when you look at how your life was so full, so active and so…meaningful, you are not sure this life of leisure is for you.
And for most Baby Boomers, life in retirement that is one big golf game or one big babysitting for the grandkids has very limited appeal. Oh sure, it will be wonderful for a while not to have to deal with the morning traffic, or the crowded subways, or the unofficially-assigned parking spots, and give that time to enjoying the things you love to do, but will you be happy doing that 24 hours/7 days a week?
How about a second career? Yikes!! Seriously?!?!
Well, yes! Most Baby Boomers grew up in a world of giving back to our society, the “ask not what your country can do for you…” gang. And we got great satisfaction out of seeing the fruits of our labor as we made a difference in one or many lives. That doesn’t go away when we retire. Perhaps the intensity of that drive wanes, but somewhere buried in that ruble is a soul just crying to do something of significance. And now that we have the time, and hopefully, the money, we can find some meaningful second career to engage in.
Not a full time job, just a commitment to something that lights us up when we are doing it. If it becomes a job, you’re in the wrong place. If you get paid to do it, whoopee!
Don’t let it interfere with the plans you and your spouse made to do some wonderful things while you both have the health and financial means to do so. But consider all the great organizations, local and national, that desperately need contributions of time and money to continue the great work they do.
Start by asking yourself this: if I could solve any two problems in the world today, what would they be? Then, look for some organizations that want to eradicate that from the planet. Give them a call and talk about what they need and see if it is a fit for you. Hold strong on the time commitment you can honestly give. Part time can easily turn into full time if you let it.
Try it; you’ll like it!
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