At the same time as millions of baby boomers are reaching their retirement age, the promise of working hard until the age of 65 and then retiring to a life of leisure is fading quickly.
There are many reasons why this is the case: lower than expected returns on retirement investments; people not saving enough in the first place; inflation eating away at nest eggs; and improved health and life expectancy resulting in today’s seniors wanting to continue to be a productive members of society longer. At the same time, studies are demonstrating that continued intellectual, physical and emotional stimulation associated with working past the age of retirement have significant positive health benefits and actually increases life expectancy.
While people may want or need to work past 65, most don’t want to continue doing the same job they have been doing for years, nor do they want the stress associated with demanding bosses, long commutes and inflexible work schedules. They want the freedom of retirement, with the fulfillment and prosperity that comes with continuing to work. Luckily things are shifting. Today, more than any time in history people are able to choose the work that they love and continue to do it in a ways that are sustainable into later years.
Investing now in a second (or even third) career that has the ability to fulfill our emotional, intellectual and financial needs well into our seventies and eighties is possibly one of the best solutions for your retirement.
And, investing in yourself this way does not mean spending a lot of money, but rather spending the time and energy now to gear your talents, experience and passions toward work that is truly fulfilling. So, if you’re still wondering how you will be able to retire at 65, try shifting your thinking from retirement to ‘refirement’. This is where you do what you love, are a productive member of society, while continuing to earn a living in a way that best suits you. Just as you would save a portion of your income toward retirement savings, set aside time and resources to vision and create the next stage of your career. Begin by investing in yourself, that is where you will yield your highest rewards.
I refired my career seven years ago, when I left the corporate world after three decades serving multi-nationals like Aeroplan, Unilever and Nabisco. I now translate this knowledge to serve my true passion: helping individuals, entrepreneurs and leaders make a difference doing what they love and aligning with their highest potential and purpose.
Discover your life’s purpose. Reignite your passion and find the deeper calling of your life.
My proprietary process involves discovering your Zen Spot™—the ‘G Spot’ of your life—the place where your passions meet your purpose; where your skills and gifts combine to deliver you prosperity, ease and flow in your life. This is the place where the four principles of fulfillment—PURPOSE, MASTERY, TRUTH and FREEDOM—are in perfect balance. Learn More
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