My sister went for a job interview last week. The company approached her. She had everything that employer wanted…total flexibility, years of experience and an attitude of wanting to be of service. She got an offer, which she accepted. The position is part-time, which she wanted because she has her fingers in another part-time job. She is also currently investigating a 7-month Certified Coaching Course in her field. My sister is 77.
Studies show that people who continue to work in retirement – whether paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, past the age of 55, are happier than their fully retired peers. Working can not only benefit you financially but gives one a sense of purpose by contributing their skills and knowledge, plus the benefits of physical and mental health, which are important to our overall happiness and contentment.
We must look at Retirement Coaching differently. Gone are the days when people retired and faded away – let’s embrace it as an adventure and look at it as an opportunity “Retire-To” rather than “Retire-From”.
There are many reasons to return to work:
Financial Benefits – picking up a part-time job can provide extra income, which can be valuable for covering expenses (prices are rising faster than income) or indulging in leisure activities; add security and stability (Organized Gold); continue to gather the latest financial data (Inquiring Green); make financial contributions to worthwhile causes (Authentic Blue) and financial freedom to live life to the fullest (Resourceful Orange).
Physical Activity – work involves movement, walking, lifting, or performing tasks and this contributes to overall health and vitality. Studies have shown that physical and mental health play pivotal roles in overall happiness. Engaging in work can create daily and weekly routine (Organized Gold); participate in individual activities (Inquiring Green); improve your well-being (Authentic Blue) and provide innovative, quick-acting, adaptable projects (Resourceful Orange).
Social Interactions – whether it’s with colleagues, clients, or customers, it all fosters social connections. These interactions combat feelings of isolation and loneliness by joining groups that share your interests (Organized Gold); seeking out like-minded individuals whom you respect (Inquiring Green); providing support and encouragement (Authentic Blue); having fun and being spontaneous (Resourceful Orange).
And a Sense of Purpose – I think this is important. We see that our differences are gifts. Having a role, responsibilities, and goals, gives one a reason to get up in the morning, and it adds structure and meaning to your day. Don’t assume that finishing work and retiring means giving up your goals. That sense of accomplishment, camaraderie, and the opportunity to make a difference can contribute to a retirees’ contentment by having the need to feel useful and make a contribution (Organized Gold); using your expertise in analysis & mentoring skills (Inquiring Green); getting involved with causes that allow you to stretch and grow, while improving and motivating (Authentic Blue); and getting involved in activities that allow optimism and structure (Resourceful Orange).
The latest census states the average length of retirement is increasing. How are you going to live those years? What kind of life do you want to lead?
Through Personality Dimensions® – Retirement Dimensions, people can explore their strengths and challenges, their interests and relationships in their journey of rediscovering what they bring to their retirement.
The good news is that you don’t have to make major lifestyle changes to move forward confidently.
BTW – my sister is an Authentic Blue, who works as a Nurse, and has her Personality Dimensions Level I Qualification. Long May YOU Run!
Susan Patterson is a Personality Dimensions® Master Trainer, Business Owner, Retirement Coach, Author, and Workshop Facilitator. She is still running. She can be contacted through LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/susan-patterson9352663/
One Response
Thank you for this article. I am 75 and still teaching at college part time. Many of my students are 40 plus and looking for a new career, a meaningful change. We start with personality dimensions and then explore so much more.
Carol