As we move forward in our lives, we always look back at what we’ve done in the past. It’s important to recognize what we have accomplished, as well as understand where we could have done better. These two areas can eventually help us make decisions that will positively impact us as we transition out of the workplace into retirement.
Oftentimes, we think of our careers and our personal lives as two different and divergent paths, not necessarily meant to meet. However, many times, these paths do converge; and we can use the lessons learned in both, as we move into our new, retired life.
- Self-care is priority #1: Working full-time, going to graduate school and participating in philanthropic programs during my career was exhausting, and these were the reasons that I tried to keep on top of my health. I always had a personal trainer and, many times, joined a gym. And now, as I am a few years into retirement I realize how important it was to do that, and to continue to keep up my level of physical activity to ensure good health.
Self- care is both physical and emotional. While I was wrapped up in my career, there was a tremendous amount of stress involved. I was always meeting difficult deadlines, presenting in front of large audiences, and being involved in highly proprietary, analytical work. I could only influence my scheduling and responsibilities if they aligned with those of my managers.
Now, in retirement, while I still have a daily schedule to follow, I am much more in charge of what takes place, both as a teacher, as well as an entrepreneur. I am much calmer, and I don’t let the small things ‘get to me.’ Taking this attitude, makes for a much easier day, and really helps the self-care, emotional process.
- Your work is your mantra: When I was working in Sales Administration, I was very much involved with financial, operational, and analytical work. I always prided myself on delivering accurate information on which people could make important decisions; and I became known for this within my division. And now, in retirement, I am working as an assistant teacher, where attention to detail, good organizational skills, and patience are vitally important. In both of these instances, I became known as someone on whom people could depend.
- I was always interested in using my organizational and procedural skills to help others. In one specific instance, I was directly involved with helping to secure a grant that was used to fund a significant not-for-profit initiative. Again, in this instance, I became known as someone who could get things done.
This is one of the most important lessons that I learned during the course of my lifetime and in my professional career. It is so important that, whatever you do, you do well, and with the best of intentions. It will affect so much of what people think about you, as well as how they will interact with you.
- People are depending on you. For the past few years, I’ve been teaching part-time. Teaching, like working in corporate, requires organizational skills and a lot of planning. However, sometimes unplanned events take place, and I cannot come to class. But, the class still needs to be taught; if not by me, by someone else. So, I have created lesson plans that a substitute can use if I am not available. If you are in a position, whether it’s personal or professional, where others are depending upon you, you must be prepared. Also, if you are not able to show up for a specific event, or at a specific time, you must call and let all concerned parties know.
- Being on time is important. During the last years of my primary career, I was commuting a great distance each day, with several transportation connections. It was grueling, but I made it work. While my day was extremely structured, it made me aware of the importance of being on time. Now, as I am teaching, it is crucial that I am on time. In some cases, I am relieving other teachers, and being prompt is important. Even in my personal life, I am very aware of the importance of being on time, whether it’s for a hair appointment, or for a social gathering. Of course, there are things totally out of our control, when we are not able to be someplace in a timely manner. However, if that is the case, then we must be considerate; and, contact the parties to advise them that you will be late.
- Grit, knowledge and perseverance will take you a long way. I knew, early on, that I wanted to get an advanced business degree. I had started working right after I finished my undergraduate degree; however, I did not have the funding to pursue an MBA. I was very fortunate that the companies I worked for paid for my graduate education, but it took a lot of grit and perseverance to keep up a grueling schedule that involved both my career and graduate education. But, I kept my eye on the prize; and after 6 hard-working years, I received my MBA degree. Oftentimes, it takes a lot of work to achieve a lofty goal; but with hard work, it can be done.
All of these life lessons have provided the incentive for me to become a Retirement Journey Advocate and provide guidance and support for people with retirement on the horizon, as they plan to pivot from their workplace to retirement.
(Thank you to “Silvia” for Pixabay for the photo.)