As you approach retirement, one of the most important topics to consider is how you will develop and define your new social connections. While you are working, you are in contact with people every day. Although they may not be your ‘best friends,’ these interactions provide opportunities for discussions and the exchange of ideas. You can use the skills that you acquired during your career to help you create new friendships and connections as you pivot towards retirement.
START TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE ONE YEAR BEFORE YOU RETIRE:
About one year prior to my official retirement from a successful, 30-year career in the Beauty Care Industry, I connected, through Linked In, with a woman who had created her own Women’s Empowerment Network and Business. We had remained in touch for that entire year, and I had explained to her my plans for my eventual exit. After I retired, she asked me if I wanted to be a presenter at her next event. I was excited, yet a bit scared at the same time. Why, I thought, would anyone find what I had done interesting? However, the opportunity intrigued and challenged me, and I agreed.
WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED DURING YOUR CAREER?
One of the strengths that I had acquired during my career, and which I enjoyed immensely, was the ability to create and deliver presentations. I always prided myself on being prepared, carefully researching my facts, and rehearsing at least twice before the actual event. And, yes, I had spent my entire work life in a most exciting industry and company; and I had accomplished a great deal during my career. All of this made for a very interesting story. And so, I went into that day feeling confident, excited, and a bit nervous.
HOW DOES YOUR LIFE and CAREER RELATE TO OTHERS?
I was extremely gratified to see how many women attended, and several of them asked me questions afterwards. The consensus was that the audience was very interested, and some of them definitely related to what I was saying. Most importantly, out of that presentation came several key friendships which I have kept to this day. I discovered that many of these women and I had a lot in common, and we now share our successes, opportunities and ways to help each other.
This first presentation led me to do 2 others that I completed during that year. With each presentation, I was more positive, more empowered, and excited to make new connections. Most importantly, with each presentation, I widened my social interactions and still maintain the contacts today.
HOW CAN THIS HELP YOU?
You might want to start to keep a detailed checklist of your career strengths and life learnings, at least one year before you exit your career and pivot into retirement. These positive traits will go far to help you transition into your new chapter.
(Thank you to Windows – UNSPLASH for the photograph).