If you’re thinking about doing something ambitious in your “retirement” years but don’t know where to start, here are some suggestions from Maddy Dychtwald, cofounder of Age Wave, a consultancy on trends in aging.
If you’re thinking about doing something ambitious in your “retirement” years but don’t know where to start, here are some suggestions from Maddy Dychtwald, cofounder of Age Wave, a consultancy on trends in aging.
Start planning. While you’re still working full time, start imagining what you’ll do next. Ask yourself questions like: What really motivates me? What have I always wanted to do since I was young? What do I want my legacy to be after I’m gone? “You have a limited amount of time on this earth,” Dychtwald says. “What do you want to do with that time to make it the most meaningful?”
Start exploring. Find people who are doing what you’d like to do and ask to speak to them, even if you don’t know them, Dychtwald suggests.
Stay humble. To get started on your chosen new path, you may need to brush up on your skills, go back to school or even take an internship. “If you’re accustomed to being the boss at work, then that will require a shift in mindset,” Dychtwald says.
Consider alternatives to full retirement. You may be able to retire gradually. Talk through options like flexible hours, part-time work, sabbaticals and mentorship positions.
Talk with your spouse or partner. Make sure you understand each other’s expectations and concerns about your lives at this stage.
