By Barbara Poole
Career Coach

Perhaps it is because I am writing this column on my birthday, or perhaps it’s because my work life has felt like a marathon as of late, but regardless of the cause, I’ve been thinking about retirement.

Daydreaming, really, because I don’t foresee retiring anywhere on my radar screen for at least the next 15 years. Even then, I expect to still be enjoying the coaching profession way too much to even consider calling it quits.

I do imagine downshifting when I get to that point, however, and limiting myself to working with just a very few clients whom I thoroughly enjoy.

It turns out that I have a lot of company out there. I might even be the poster child for a generation of baby boomers who are in the process of completely redefining the hard stop that has traditionally defined retirement.

Increasing age expectancy is probably the largest single factor impacting what is called the “New Retirement.” With Americans living longer, there is simply no reason to be put out to pasture for the next 20 years with no real productive pursuit. Economic considerations are another issue: many people simply can’t afford to finance a lengthy period with no additional income.

For me personally, the most exciting element that is shifting the notion of retirement is the growing recognition that the third act of life can be a time of tremendous creativity and contribution. For many people, the later decades are when they come into their greatest ability to synthesize the learning and wisdom from their earlier years and use it to have a profound impact on the businesses and causes they touch.

A recent Business Week survey found that 67% of those hitting traditional retirement age said they wanted to continue to work, but they were interested in positions that involved lower stress, flexible hours, roles dictated by what they would enjoy and the opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Author Angeles Arrien, who wrote “The Second Half of Life,” points out that for many people, the driving force in their later years is about creating a sense of legacy through activity that will have a meaningful and significant impact on the world.

Several months ago, I had the privilege of participating in a workshop with Dr. Arrien, who shared that the benchmark she uses to determine how she will spend her time is based upon asking herself what will have a positive impact on the planet for at least the next 200 years. That’s much more inspiring than the prospect of spending my twilight years playing bingo or shuffleboard at some elder community in Florida.

With more retirement options available than ever before, along with the latitude to say “no” to retirement altogether, comes a range of critical questions to be addressed. As you contemplate what the notion of retirement might look like and feel like for you, and regardless of whether that is two years or 15 years away, consider the following inquiries:

What role does work play in your life right now? If it is primarily a means to an end, then the traditional concept of retirement might be appealing for you. On the other hand, if you are passionate about what you do and derive a great deal of personal satisfaction from your work, consider whether it is something you would really be willing to walk away from.

What are the lifestyle elements that matter most to you? Do you enjoy living in a spectacular home? Does the freedom to travel appeal to you? Do you see yourself living a simpler, less complicated life with a few good books and a close-knit group of friends?

What are the subjects that have always piqued your interest that you’ve simply never had time to pursue? What natural talents and abilities of yours have been untapped by what you have done professionally? What would it mean to you to be able to delve into some of those areas now?

How do you want to leave your mark on the world? Does it involve something that you currently do or might do for a living, or is it the quieter work of spending time with your grandchildren or volunteering at a hospital? What activity will enable you to feel like you are making a difference that will be felt and remembered in a meaningful way?

The wonderful thing about the New Retirement is that there are no right or wrong answers. If you are reaching that age where you’re beginning to ask yourself questions of “What next?” give careful consideration to what matters most to you and what you are inspired by at this stage of your life. Your roadmap will be found in your heart, and it won’t steer you wrong.

Barbara Poole is a leadership and career development coach with Success Builders Inc. E-mail her at coachbarbara@successbuildersinc.com.

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