For most of corporate America, tied to the daily grind of routines, some which are still in-office, the idea of retirement can be a dream come true.
However, as people live longer and remain stronger and more able-bodied than previous generations, the possibility of working well into our golden years is an attractive option to many, especially those who are seeking a second wind.
Career changes aren’t a new trend; people, on average, change careers approximately four times and have an average of twelve jobs throughout their lifetimes. However, the new job is typically a variation of the last one until a leap of faith is taken to really switch it up.
But changing careers at the end of a traditional corporate or specialized role is more about desire, passion pursuits, and creative endeavors. Recently, a 26-year veteran of my current employer retired to go back to school, pursue an acting career, and take courses in astronomy so he can one day travel the world doing astro-photography.
Even my mother, bored with retirement, transitioned her inventory management skills from forty years in medical administration into a flexible career in retail, which also allows her to lead her Homeowners Association as its president, where she’s hastily making changes that benefit her community’s residents.
Why would professionals who worked their entire lives choose to keep working into retirement? Human beings are industrious, requiring mental stimulation and physical activity to remain active and healthy. Why not allow a little money to flow in at the same time?
Second winds afford people a chance to live out their childhood dreams of being authors, park rangers, or actors without worrying about the financial consequences of taking risks by doing something different. With retirement funds protected, retirees have the freedom to experiment in new arenas, including entrepreneurship.
But when to start a second act is equally important. Side hustles can be disguises for twilight career changes. YouTubers, Teachable instructors, and professional coaches are all second-wind opportunities that can be part-time pursuits that turn into full-time passions in the future.
Always wanted to work remotely from your home office? Starting up a business after retirement can give you the right amount of focus work and personal fun time. Flexible work projects can be taken on the road while traveling to the next vacation destination.
The pandemic changed the way we work and live, and now it seems to be changing the way we retire: on our terms, with flexibility, and creative imagination to become the version of ourselves we always wanted to be.