Oftentimes, people look at retirement as a beginning where freedom, leisure and life intersect. Others view retirement as the beginning of the end – the end of purpose and adding value. The truth is neither of these mindsets are correct.
Incorrect Mindset: Retirement is a Beginning
Life begins at retirement is a misnomer. The genesis of this mindset stems from society’s view of retirement. It’s sold as a permanent vacation when you can finally live free from the burdens of a career. You are told the pinnacle of life occurs when you longer have to work and can enjoy the fruits of your labor. It creates a “someday” mentality and a life-deferral mode of operation. One of the biggest dangers to subscribing to this mindset is retirement can quickly become all about you if done incorrectly. Again, this is a falsehood. Enjoying life, having experiences and taking time for rest are all wonderful. However, you must understand the reason vacations were enjoyable was because they were preceded and followed by adding value. Retirement is a big life-change, but you must break free from the mindset that life begins where work ends.
Incorrect Mindset: Retirement is an End
Retirement is the beginning of the end is also not correct. The mindset says retirement is the end of working, adding value, being productive and ever being able to learn or grow. People that accept this mindset tend to have a skewed-view about their own value. They feel as if they can’t or shouldn’t work anymore for various reasons. Perhaps, they have accepted society’s standard of reaching 65 or 66 years of age or they have been forced to leave a career because of workforce changes. Regardless, the retiree is left with a feeling of loss. The truth is you are the most powerful and valuable generation on Earth. The philosophy of being Repurposed is rooted in time, talent and treasure. Statistically speaking, if you reach 65 years of age, you can expect 20 or more years of high-quality life. Regarding talent, you have more talent and life-experience than any other generation. And, by default, if you are able to choose not to work you are in the top 1% of the world’s wealthiest people.
Correct Mindset: Retirement is a Continuation
Again, retirement is a big life-change, but it should look more like a continuation of life and purpose. You were created to have purpose and that does not change in retirement. Some fundamental attributes of being Repurposed are growing, learning, and adding value. Retirement should be one of your most-exciting seasons. Not because you don’t have to go to work, but rather it’s a time to try new things and impact more people. Think of retirement as the ultimate assignment of stewarding your life. You used your time, talent and treasure during your working years. How are you going to continue to use them in retirement?
Jerrid Sebesta
Co-Founder of Retire Repurposed
