Hi:
Other emotional states around retirement are interesting to explore. Here are a couple more to consider.
Fortunate - these folks seem to recognize all the riches they have, both financial and emotional. The balance of riches may not be skewed towards money. If they have a comfortable lifestyle now and can afford to keep it, and have meaningful activities and deep relationships, well, that's pretty good in their minds. In fact, very good.
I've known people who work in large unionized environments who are forced to quit at 65. The emotion I've seen then is resentment. They don't want to leave their particular workplace. They are mentally involved, energetic, want to work, and like to work. To be told "you must leave", because of an arbitrarily set date is not great.
This has been challenged in court, and in many cases, upheld by the courts. A B.C. schoolteacher went to bat over forced retirement and lost. The whole process took until she was 76 years of age. Who knows if she wanted to retire then.
Of course, people can go out and get other jobs after sixty five. But if they have a long history with the company and are involved in projects and the ongoing operations, this may not satisfy.
What to do, what to do? More......
M.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Emotions Around Retirement
Hi:
How do you feel about retiring? It seems that this question evokes a wide array of emotions.
Some people can hardly wait! They are looking forward to the days ahead with anticipation. Actively planning their next stage, they surf the web, borrow dvd's of exotic places to visit and talk about it - a lot.
I've met some who say they have three years, four months, seven days, and then look at their watch and tell me the hours and minutes until they retire. That seems a bit macabre to me. Is it anticipation or putting in time in a job they hate? I think it's the latter and I somehow think they might be disappointed in retirement.
More on this tomorrow.
M.
How do you feel about retiring? It seems that this question evokes a wide array of emotions.
Some people can hardly wait! They are looking forward to the days ahead with anticipation. Actively planning their next stage, they surf the web, borrow dvd's of exotic places to visit and talk about it - a lot.
I've met some who say they have three years, four months, seven days, and then look at their watch and tell me the hours and minutes until they retire. That seems a bit macabre to me. Is it anticipation or putting in time in a job they hate? I think it's the latter and I somehow think they might be disappointed in retirement.
More on this tomorrow.
M.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Retire Early and Find another Job of your Choosing
Hi:
Many years ago, when I was much younger, around 40, I taught a job search workshop for people over 45 years of age.
We focused on the positive points of being an experienced individual and also looked at some of the stereotypes people have of “older workers”.
Looking at some strategies to overcome employer bias, we discussed our strengths, and how to educate employer to see past this bias.
In fact some studies, which I don’t have at my fingertips, find that older workers are very reliable. Their work experience has developed their communication, decision making, project management and time management skills. They usually don’t have childcare problems.
What I did find interesting, though, as it was alien to me, is that some older workers wanted to step down from top leadership roles. They wanted to work, but not necessarily be the boss. They might have a great deal to contribute, but like to see others step up to the plate.
I can see and understand it now though.
This shift of direction is quite a natural progression of the life-cycle process. In our fifties we are at a wonderful time in our lives. We are healthy, but now have different needs. Our perspective is broader, more inclusive and all encompassing and we can see other areas of interest.
This doesn’t mean we won’t do a good job or be bored. It fact we may do a better job because we are not in active parenting or facing the financial stresses of earlier years.
By the way, I think employer bias is melting quickly in this busy market. Workers in their fifties are energetic, committed and so very capable that they often have the edge.
M.
Many years ago, when I was much younger, around 40, I taught a job search workshop for people over 45 years of age.
We focused on the positive points of being an experienced individual and also looked at some of the stereotypes people have of “older workers”.
Looking at some strategies to overcome employer bias, we discussed our strengths, and how to educate employer to see past this bias.
In fact some studies, which I don’t have at my fingertips, find that older workers are very reliable. Their work experience has developed their communication, decision making, project management and time management skills. They usually don’t have childcare problems.
What I did find interesting, though, as it was alien to me, is that some older workers wanted to step down from top leadership roles. They wanted to work, but not necessarily be the boss. They might have a great deal to contribute, but like to see others step up to the plate.
I can see and understand it now though.
This shift of direction is quite a natural progression of the life-cycle process. In our fifties we are at a wonderful time in our lives. We are healthy, but now have different needs. Our perspective is broader, more inclusive and all encompassing and we can see other areas of interest.
This doesn’t mean we won’t do a good job or be bored. It fact we may do a better job because we are not in active parenting or facing the financial stresses of earlier years.
By the way, I think employer bias is melting quickly in this busy market. Workers in their fifties are energetic, committed and so very capable that they often have the edge.
M.
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