Do or Die Trying

Today more and more seasoned workers are staying in the workforce. No longer are people retiring at 62, taking their pension and social security to head to Florida. They stay on their current job past retirement age or they retire from the job and get another.

Some seasoned workers continue with employment because they have no choice. They need the money. However, increasingly more are staying for the camaraderie or starting their dream career.

It’s not always easy for people to stop their entire life to begin a career that will bring them a world of joy. Responsibilities to bills, mortgages, tuitions and family can delay a dream career.

Maybe, you didn’t even know what you wanted to be when you grew up. Now that you are finally grown and wise, you know with certainty, have the available time and income to transition to your dream career.

Some time ago, I read an article in the AARP magazine about a woman who retired from being a nurse. In her sixties, she went back to school to receive her law degree so she could practice geriatric law (I think, don’t quote me!). How cool is that!

My dad is about to retire soon and he has started taking some online investment classes. He said that he was always interest in investments and stock stuff. So, when he retires, he wants to be an active trader, a total change from his current line of work.

My aunt, a few years ago completed her bachelors degree. Now sixty-one, she will complete her master’s degree at the end of this year. She’s planning to go into non-for-profit management.

Age doesn’t stop you from going into a career you love, but death will. Start planning at least five to ten years before you want to retire. This will give you time to plan what you want to do or complete a degree if you plan to go back to school. Talk to your financial advisor about the cost of living expenses you will need to live on from your retirement money, while adding on new expenses of investing in starting a new career or business. Also, decide if you plan to use this career as another source of income or if you plan to strictly volunteer.

Even if you aren’t near retirement, know that even if you can’t see transitioning into your dream career now, there is still time for it in the future. While retirement may mean different things for different people, it really just an action we take in our life to end one chapter to begin a new chapter. Enjoy your life!