Planning Ahead for Your Next Life Stage
by Janet Skeie August 20, 2008
Do you define yourself by the work you do or your profession? Most of us do. This description of ourselves is practical while we are still working for pay. How do you define yourself when you no longer get a paycheck? Have you thought about it? I clearly remember a conversation that occurred shortly after I left my paid job. At a social gathering, someone asked me what I did and I answered “recently retired”. That was the end of the conversation with this person! It was apparent to me that without a work description it was too difficult to continue the conversation. I no longer say I am retired because I am not. Now when I am asked “what do you do” I respond I am the co-editor of a book, Mapping Your Retirement (www.mappingyourretirement.org), the co-founder of a new non profit organization and a volunteer. The responses from others are much different.
If you are thinking of retiring or recently retired, how will you define yourself? It is an important question that deserves some thought. Perhaps you are interested in more active leadership roles in your community. VAN’s new program, ALVA Leadership development for the rest of your life (www.vital-aging-network.org), will help you develop new skills. The program is being offered in three locations; Century College in White Bear Lake, Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, and Northwest Technical College in Bemidji. ALVA starts October 10 and runs for 8 months, meeting once a month. This will be a great opportunity to develop new leadership skills and network with others who are interested in making a difference. Registration is open, call 651-917-4635 or visit the website.
I think my definition of myself will change several more times in this stage of my life. So, give it some thought, be adventuresome, now is the time to follow your passion, get involved and make a difference. How do you want to define yourself in 5 years, 10 years? Think about it.