Boomers
“Work is not the end but it’s a means to an end.”
“If you enjoy your work, then it isn’t work.”
This website journey was initiated by personal experience in my own family, however, it’s confirming to now read multiple news articles endorsing the concept of retirement avoidance. A recent headline: “70% have no plans to put the brakes on their career,” suggesting a large numbers of baby boomers are telling researchers they don’t want to retire. In fact, an AARP survey indicated most boomers intend to work past 65. With approximately 75 million boomers in the U.S. and 10,000 turning 65 every day, this is a seismic shift in perspective. Full disclosure: I am one of those millions.
In the mid 1990’s, the average retirement age bottomed out at 62, yet according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, it is now 65 and climbing. I have often read boomers are the best educated generation in history making them highly qualified to continue utilizing their skills and experience. And I would add, bestowing their wisdom upon the next generation. Many boomers now find themselves immersed in the most prolific years of their careers and wish to carry on and remain productive. Despite conventional stereotypes perhaps reminiscent of the free-spirit 1960’s, we like to work and for the most part, we enjoy what we do. I find it disheartening to hear someone implying they look forward to retirement, and surely there are workplace circumstances or health issues dictating this critical life strategy. Clearly the market crash of 2008 and the subsequent recession blew up a lot of savings accounts.
But could it be a significant career change is preferable to checking out of the office and joining in at the bridge table?
Everyone has had a dream, every little boy wants to be a fireman, everyone should have some specific adventure in mind, and most everyone has a hobby of some form. I personally believe the noblest of acts is volunteerism. Perhaps you have seen a viral video of “ICU Grandpa” – aka David Deutchman – who has been rocking babies in the NICU of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for 12 years. It is a powerful statement from this treasure of a human being who emphatically states he gets much more out of the experience than do the babies.
Midlife, retirement years are a perfect phase to try something refreshingly new and rethink your personal trajectory. F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “There are no second acts in American lives.” I respectfully but vehemently disagree. He also said, “Genius is the ability to put into effect what is on your mind.”
What’s on your mind?