Over The Hill and Picking Up Speed

While enjoying a social gathering I found myself in an interesting conversation. A topic that seems to continue to come up, as my circle of friends grows older. Not long after, while moving some funds around at the bank, I found myself once again engaged in the very same discussion. The question posed in both cases seems odd to me. Obviously, I see the world quite differently than some.

“So, when are you going to retire?”, I’m asked.

“I don’t plan on retiring. Why would I do that?”, I respond.

“Then you can do anything you want and enjoy life”, I’m told with enthusiasm.

“But I am doing what I want and I do enjoy life”, I respond with equal enthusiasm.

The conversation in both cases ended quickly. In one case the individual was in their early 50’s and I quietly wondered what their plans were for the next 30 – 40 years. That’s a very long time!

Who decided that retirement provided some magic elixir offering satisfaction, happiness, freedom, joy?

Who decided it was some kind of “destination” to aspire to?

Forget 65! This age of so-called “retirement” was chosen in the 1880’s when life expectancy was 45. Yikes.

Who said that “60 is the new 40?” 60 is just that….60…. and the toothpaste is already out of the tube and once you are considered over the hill you are really just beginning to pick up speed.

Get ready for a demographic shock wave like no other. And as the boomers make their exit from the workforce, when skilled workers are hard to find, they will take with them knowledge, expertise and talent gained from years of experience, yet few organizations have taken measures to ensure that his knowledge is captured and transmitted to the next generation of employees.

There’s much too much to be done in this world for me to retire – with joyful expectation I wake up each day with the goal to make some kind of meaningful difference. Working and living a fulfilling and joyful life are not mutually exclusive of each other.

Become a Silver Seal and join in the revolution!