Retirement or Semi-Retirement?

Retirement without purpose is like playing baseball without a bat.  Something is missing.  People dream of retiring, but seldom have a plan of what they’re going to do to stay busy.  Even after doing some travel, going fishing, joining the local quilt guild, working on projects around the house, or spending more time with the grandchildren, you still need something else.

Retiring without an agenda can be lethal.  We’ve all heard stories of people who skimp and save all their lives to retire and then either keel over or fall into extreme boredom or depression.  Part of what keeps us going is being needed.  A lack of need and purpose in life leads to atrophy.

So instead of retirement, consider semi-retirement.  Here are some of the virtues of semi-retirement:

• You continue to earn money, which most all of us can use.
• You stay active with purpose, but on a much more relaxed schedule.
• You keep your mind sharp by continuing to learn contemporary things.
• You maintain a disciplined structure in your week, which is always helpful.
• You still have flexibility in life, which is the newest and best form of luxury.

When my children were in college, I insisted that they work part-time to fill some of their otherwise “free” time and to add some structure to their week.  The same is true for retirement.  Semi-retirement can also include part-time work or involvement with your favorite charity, especially if you don’t need the income.  That may be the best of both worlds for you.

So consider semi-retirement if you haven’t already and let me know what you think and how you do.

Here are a few Business & Life Tips to think about….

Business Tips:

• You need a succession plan when you’re nearing retirement age but aren’t sure what to do about the future of your business.
• Keep your day job. The routine is good for you, even if a little boring. Boredom forces you to take risks. Risks take you to new places.
• It is important to get off to a good start on a project, venture, activity, or life itself, but it is far more important to finish well.

Life Tips:

• Instead of retirement, try semi-retirement. Never stop the 4Cs of life: creating, changing, contributing, and caring.
• To be truly fulfilled, take your dream and formulate a vision. Then take your vision and form a realistic plan to achieve your goals.
• If you don’t have a plan and a purpose, you are living life as a reaction to things around you. Be proactive. Take charge of your life.

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