We pondered this on a recent vacation to the shore. The plan was to include a little bit of business but most was just rest and relaxation … good books to read, interesting restaurants, galleries and museums to explore. Because we are fortunate enough to have a career that we love, it is a strange idea ... to think of giving it up; however, one of these years we will.
There were a few things that we talked about as important in planning for this phase of life. Here are a few of our many thoughts.
One recommendation that we would make is to plan psychologically for this change. Relaxing for a few days with few plans can be wonderful when you are used to non-stop activity. That may not be the case when faced with an empty schedule. It is hard to go from the structure of work to more flexibility in life with fewer deadlines and commitments. Begin thinking about it, both regarding all of the benefits as well as the potential challenges of these changes.
Visualize out loud with each other as well as with friends and family, to make the picture more real. Think about how you will spend days and nights, not with a set schedule in mind, but with some idea of how much time you want to have for leisure and how much you would like to be productive. Think together about places that you want to travel, relationships that you want to nurture, volunteer activities that you want to pursue, projects that you want to tackle.
Ponder together as well about what new ways you will define yourself and what that will look like and how that will feel. Many people, men especially, tend to define themselves by their jobs. When you are now a “former” manager, therapist, attorney, police officer, etc. will that affect the way that you think and talk about yourself? Do you think it will have an affect on how others view you? How do you feel about that?
We will continue to share our thoughts about these changes and would certainly welcome yours as well.
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