Maybe it’s my age that is causing me to attract clients that are . . . well . . . my age. You see, I seem to be encountering more and more individuals who are approaching retirement age (whatever age that is), or who have retired. Over and over again, I hear stories of individuals who look forward, with great anticipation, to the day that they punch out at work for the last time. They may even throw a party or do something special to commemorate the event.
Now they can sleep in, relax, catch up on unfinished projects, and even just do nothing if they want. But time and time again I hear about how great retirement is for about two weeks, and then the individuals ask themselves the question – “Now what?”
“Now what?” is a great question because retiree’s often have many productive years ahead of them, and Mondays still matter. I have a friend who is a retired psychiatrist. Yet, while he no longer goes into the office every day, he volunteers his time once a week at a clinic for those who can’t afford care. I know another individual who retired from the insurance industry and now volunteers three days a week at Head Start. And still another friend who is a retired school administrator who volunteers with Hospice.
Now you may ask – why aren’t they just taking it easy? My thoughts are that we are created to love other people and to continue to make a difference as long as we are able. And besides – while I love old television shows, like Andy Griffith, M.A.S.H., and many others – there are only so many episodes you can watch. Besides, we weren’t created to watch life float by, but to be in the stream – living life! Have a great Monday!