Kate writes:
I’m new to your website, it’s a great information source. Here’s my situation. I have worked at the same company for the last 22 years. I’m 54 years old and ready for a complete change in my life. I think I’m about to get a retirement package and so I’m thinking of a change to something related to helping people. I wouldn’t mind going back to school. I don’t know and I don’t know where to start or how to figure out what I want to do? Any suggestions who be greatly appreciated. Help!!
The Career Doctor responds:
I have enjoyed researching the baby boomers ever since I first worked at People Magazine — where this demographic group was thoroughly loved. And, of course, I am a member of the cohort.
And now as boomers move toward retirement, many experts are predicting that our current views of working and retirement will be totally revamped once these folks put their mark on this next stage in their lives.
For many, retirement will indeed no longer signal the end of working, but more so a career and lifestyle transition, where the retiree has multiple options — such as continuing to work, returning to school for additional training or education, becoming more involved in volunteer work, or simply enjoying leisure and travel possibilities — a mix of working, learning, relaxing, and trying new things.
Dr. Ken Dychtwald, author of Age Power, describes the transition between working and retiring as middlescence, which he says occurs to people sometime in their 50’s to 70’s. Middlescence is a time of growth and reinvention — and this the perfect time for you to consider a career change.
You can start planning for your next career stage by examining your likes and dislikes, and strengths and weaknesses. Start researching various “helping” careers. Conduct informational interviews. Consider talking with a career coach or other career professional. Remember to take your time.
Read more in this article published on Quintessential Careers: Working Beyond Retirement: For Money, Identity, and Purpose
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