Embarking on Your Encore Career: What's the Purpose if it's not Fun?
From Lin Schreiber, 6/5/2009 9:42:43 AM
If it’s not fun, you’re not doing it right! ~Bob Basso
If you’ve been doing the series of reflective processes and exercises I’ve shared with you in my recent blogs, then you should have a stronger sense of the “real” you. Having identified your expertise, values, dreams and desires, you’re ready to explore some of the many options available in the wonderful world of encore careers.
Remember, I define an encore career as a new stage of post-retirement, that’s purposeful, meaningful, and joyful. It’s work on your own terms; work that matters, and work that’s fun. Now that you’ve earned the freedom to have fun, as you journey toward your encore career, it’s important to find work that you really enjoy. Tap into your passion, and your work will automatically be fun. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Express yourself creatively. Do you have a creative side that’s never been fully expressed? Have you always wanted to act, paint, or write but never pursued the dream? It’s not too late. My client, Jean, is a perfect example of someone who began living her creative dream later in life.
After “retiring” from a successful career as a therapist and completing her second Master’s degree in her 60’s, Jean was struggling with what might be next for her. In our coaching, she uncovered her passion for writing, and in fact, had quite a large body of unpublished work. She also had three ideas for books, and decided to write the “easiest” one first, and got it published.
Jean’s second book is currently being shopped around to publishers, and she’s working on her third book. Her passion for writing has led her to a side career speaking and leading workshops and retreats around the country, and she’s having a blast. By allowing her rich, creative side to flourish, she’s thriving in unexpected ways.
Follow your calling. Is there something you longed to do when you were younger but didn’t have the discipline to go for? What’s been “calling” you most in your life? What if you answered the call?
That’s what John (eventually) did when he retired from his 35-year career in the military. He knew he would continue to work, but wasn’t sure what would be the best fit. For the first few years he tried out a number of new things: selling solar panels, training to become a paralegal, and even trying to launch a home business. They didn’t make his heart sing.
Since he was quite young, John wanted to become a minister. In college, his lack of discipline made it challenging to pursue this, so he entered the military. Nearly 40 years later, he had the discipline and the ability to accomplish whatever he set his mind to, and answered the call to ministry.
Now in his late 60’s, John is minister of his own church and is loving every minute of it.
Create a business around what you love to do. Are you an entrepreneur at heart? What’s your passion? How could you marry the two?
Darlene was downsized from a high-pressure sales position in a major financial institution. She needed a break, and took time off to recharge. She played with the idea of turning her passion for quilting into her lifelong dream of having her own business. She created a business plan, and took the first tentative steps toward getting the business off the ground.
After four months, she started to worry about her cash flow, and went back to work in sales. Two months into the new position and she was clear it was time to be her own boss. She’s devoted herself totally to the business, has had a successful launch, and is on target to meet her plan this year.
And, of course, she’s having the time of her life.
Each of these extraordinary role models didn’t land in the perfect encore career right off the bat. Each one kept exploring until they locked into “it.” Each has a purpose that’s fun, and is making a difference.
What would give you a purpose and be fun, too? I’d love to hear your ideas!
