Three Rules to Follow When Launching a 2nd Career for those 55+
I know what you’re thinking. You really don’t want a 2nd career. You’ve worked hard all your life and now all you want to do is chill out.
I completely understand.
But the reality is that when you retire, there’s going to come a day, when you look about and think: What the heck am I gonna do today? Worse: What the heck am I doing tomorrow?
The clock will hang over you like an armed-guard—unwilling to let you pass through what seems like an endless afternoon. Every time you look up, it’ll be two o’clock. Groundhog day. Now how can that be, you’ll think. Wasn’t it just two o’clock a few hours ago?
So if you’re over 55, here are three tips to help you get prepared for that big day when you’re at the company retirement party, or worse, when security shows up to walk you out the door. If you’re planning on being carried out on a stretcher, covered with a sheet, you can stop reading now.
- Seek Opportunities to work with Start-ups or Non-profits in Your Community
Why “stop thinking” just because you prefer to sleep late in the morning? Now’s the time, when you hold that impressive title, to work with those companies that capture your interest and build relationships. Whether you’re a volunteer, or step into a paid consulting role, having some place to go three times a week when you stop working can be a blessing between all those tennis and golf games.
- Do What Gives You Pleasure
Make your daydreams come true. If you’ve always wanted to paint, sign up for an art course. Go on to Meet-up.com to search groups in your area engaged in hobbies from hiking, baseball, attending lectures, whatever strikes your fancy. Commit to going to at least one event a month for three months. You’ll get to meet some terrific people, and many, like you, will be looking for structured activity to give balance to their lives. Plus, you’ll learn a lot.
- Go Easy on Yourself
Change is hard. No doubt there will be moments when you feel lost and confused. It happens to the best of us. On those days, just recognize no one is perfect. Welcome to the club.
