In the midst of moving and changing residential addresses, and at age 70, I finally found my second job: building Bankers Boxes. Maybe my skills will transfer to folding pizza boxes.
This is the perfect time to use humor, which means ending your career. Most people retire glumly. This must be done with a little planning and foresight, as well as joy and humor. The second best advice I ever received was to retire when you are completely debt free (other than your fixed expenses). The best advice I ever received was to not retire but rather retire into something.
Marc Freedman, a Yale-educated MBA, is the originator of the term “career encore,” an idea that connects life’s second acts to the greater good. Although new career and retirement recognize changing needs and desires as a single age, they differ in their perspective toward work in later stages of life. An encore career is about reinvention and continued contribution, while the end of a career is more about slowing down the pace and gradually moving away from active professional life.
Ending a career, where I currently find myself, is generally associated with a reduction in professional responsibilities and commitments as retirement approaches. This often involves a gradual transition from full-time work to part-time work or flexible working arrangements.
For example, a senior executive may leave their position and take a consulting role within the same company, working the same number of hours or fewer, but still sharing their expertise. This is the type of agreement I have with my current employer, a health insurance company.
If you are considering ending your career, here are some tips:
1. Plan ahead. Consider your financial situation and discuss your plans with a financial advisor to ensure a smooth transition to retirement. You want to have peace of mind knowing that you can continue to live a reasonable life without earned income, living primarily off your investments.
2. Gradual transition. Instead of abruptly stopping your job, consider working part-time, freelancing, or as a consultant. This allows you to maintain a professional identity while benefiting from more flexibility. By ending my career, I made sure I had the opportunity to travel to visit my grandchildren, including one who lives in Hawaii.
3. Mentoring. Use your experience and knowledge to mentor younger colleagues. This can be rewarding and ensure that your professional legacy lasts. Mentoring is important to me because I have an academic background and I love teaching.
4. Pursue your passions. Use the extra time to pursue hobbies or interests that you may not have had time for during your full-time career. These are hobbies and extracurricular activities that support your interests and differ from a “bucket list” which aims to prioritize the experiences, goals, and accomplishments a person wants to accomplish during the course. of his life.
5. Stay active. Stay physically and mentally active. Participate in activities that stimulate the mind and keep the body healthy.
Here are some examples of activities that can help keep the mind and body stimulated:
Physical activity
Walk or hike. Regular walks or hikes in nature can improve cardiovascular health and mood. Walking is my favorite activity.
Yoga or tai chi. These activities improve flexibility, balance and strength while promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
Swimming. A low-impact exercise that is great for overall fitness and joint health.
Bike. Great for cardiovascular health and can be done outdoors or on a stationary bike.
Strength training. Use weights or resistance bands to maintain muscle mass and bone density.
Gardening. Provides moderate physical activity and exposure to fresh air and sunlight.
Dancing. A fun way to stay active, improve coordination and socialize.
Mental activities
While reading. Regular reading can improve knowledge, improve vocabulary and stimulate the mind.
Puzzles and games. Crosswords, Sudoku, chess and other brain games can improve cognitive function.
Learn a new skill or hobby. Engaging in activities like painting, knitting, playing a musical instrument, or cooking can keep your mind occupied.
Take courses. To continue learning, enroll in classes at a local community college or online courses on topics of interest. As my passion for writing deepened, I enrolled in a narrative health care program at a local university and later helped teach.
Volunteering. Engaging in volunteer work can provide a sense of purpose and opportunities for social interaction.
Traveling. Exploring new places can provide mental stimulation and new experiences.
In writing. Journaling, writing a memoir, or creating (or contributing to) a blog can be mentally stimulating and creatively fulfilling.
Social activities
Join clubs or groups. To stay socially active, participate in book clubs, hobby groups, or fitness classes.
Attend social events. Regularly attend community events, concerts, theater productions or local fairs.
Connect with friends and family. Maintain strong social connections through regular meetups, phone calls, or video chats.
Mind-body activities
Meditation and mindfulness. Practices that can reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
Practice gratitude. Show appreciation and keep a gratitude journal to focus on the positive aspects of life.
Engage in the creative arts. Activities like painting, drawing or sculpting that involve both mental focus and physical activity.
By incorporating a variety of these activities into your routine, you can stay active and engaged, supporting your overall well-being as you transition into a new phase of life. Consider moving to a 55+ community with all of the aforementioned activities built in.
Remember that the process of terminating your career should be personal and tailored to your specific needs and situation. It's about making the transition to the next phase of life as fulfilling and rewarding as possible, even if it means folding pizza boxes!
Arthur Lazarus is an old Doximity Fellow, a member of the editorial board of the American Association for Physician Leadership and assistant professor of psychiatry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the author of several works on narrative medicine, including Medicine on Fire: a travelogue And Narrative Medicine: Harnessing the Power of Storytelling Through Essays.