.png)
What’s Next? Are you ready to Blossom and Create your Re-Joyment?
- Lisa Melara
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Did you know that … **
Younger brains have millions of connections and are faster, but older brains have billions
of connections and therefore have context and advantage but operate slower and with more intention.
38 million older adults are working? That is 2.5 times more than 40 years ago.
Over 50% of the workforce is 40 years or older.
In terms of average life expectancy, it currently hovers around 79 years of age, but at the start of the 20th century, it was a mere 54 years of age.
People are living longer, working longer and the younger you are today, the more likely you are to live to 100 years or more?
The existing paradigm of getting an education, working, then retiring, no longer suffices.
My experience talking to dozens of individuals who are approaching their late career years or are considering retirement find themselves unsure of how to answer the question, “What’s Next?” They aren’t seeking ideas about their financial portfolio or travel planning. Most I’ve encountered are curious about the design of this next phase of life. Many are unsure of how to recreate and envision their life when a “work identity” no longer suffices.
My own life journey has required me to pivot to and from leaves of absences, flexible work arrangements, full time corporate work, downsizing, entrepreneurship, consulting and coaching. I have shifted roles and identities many times.
Transitions are challenging. They are unsettling, and you are neither “here” nor “there.” Being in the state of “in between” takes patience and often a good set of resources.
Have you begun to think about “What’s Next?” What is it that you imagine? Would you desire part-time, contract, fractional, volunteer, a new business, going back to school, dedicated free time or all the above? Just imagine what is possible if you consider this a beginning and not an ending!
My practice is based on the idea that individuals can’t lean into what they have always done. As Marshall Goldsmith wrote, “What got you here won’t get you there.” My joy comes from helping someone become unstuck and begin to think creatively. My practice is designed to help "re-form, re-frame, re-create and re-juvenate." I prefer to think about retirement as Re-joyment. Does this definition capture some or your thinking?
Definition of Re-joyment: "'I'm curious. I'm not done yet. I'm willing to recreate myself. I want to enjoy everything I'm doing. I want to live my best life on my own terms. I'm unafraid to ask for what I want. I can create a situation where that can happen. I am valuable. I am viable and a contributor. I am wise and know myself. I am excited to keep learning about myself and others. I also know I need help."
Statistics show that enlisting the help of others, especially a coach is not only important but can make a huge difference in how this type of transition feels. Adaption to new strategies and generating ideas in the company of someone who is a “thinking partner” is highly recommended! Give this some thought. If you find yourself curious, visit my website and let’s meet to begin together!
** Source: NYATEP webinar entitled “Navigating Workforce Dynamics: Aging Population, Retirement and the Future of Work.” Heather Tinsley-Fix, AARP and Chandra Smith Thomas, NYC Department of Aging.