Options For Bored Retirees
Q: My husband and I have been retired for three years. We are in our late fifties, we both have great pensions, but the retirement honeymoon is over. Both of us need to get out of the house. We're looking for a second career. How do we deal with this transition? C.K., Montreal
A: Think about a startup. Do you know which demographic is responsible for the fastest growth in successful startups? The 55-plus age group, according to a recent CIBC survey. The options for people of your experience, lifestyle and security-level are quite broad. That said, there are a few challenges:
You need to figure out how much time you want to give to work; whether you want to work professionally; and whether you enjoyed your work before.
Your key challenge will be answering the "what" question, before the "how." Many retirees quickly become disillusioned when they return to the workforce. You don't want to go through all the effort this entails only to be disappointed.
Have you had a particular dream or desire that you have not pursued but would like to? Paul Henderson once said, "Most professionals wish they would have taken more risk." Is there a risk you wish to take?
For your second career, you might consider looking for a hybrid -- maybe not exactly what you did, but a blend of your past career with some new angles.
Q: How do I deal with a leadership transition issue? My current boss said she was going to retire last year, but she has decided to stay one more year. I will be taking her position when she finally leaves and I have declined other options for the sake of this opportunity. Now I'm worried she may change her mind again. W.R., Edmonton
A: Ah, the Jean Chretien question: When are you leaving? Maybe you ought to speak with Paul Martin, the Prime Minister, instead of me. Knowing when to leave is a key question for any leader and anyone who aspires to step into that person's shoes. Waiting requires a fine balance between being loyal and taking action.
If your relationship is strong, I would suggest a face-to-face with your boss. Explain your dilemma and your expectations. I would also let her know that if she is planning to stay beyond another year that you will reconsider your decision to take over her role. Obviously, this should be represented as a reality rather than a threat. It is essential to be fair to both you and the organization.
A: Think about a startup. Do you know which demographic is responsible for the fastest growth in successful startups? The 55-plus age group, according to a recent CIBC survey. The options for people of your experience, lifestyle and security-level are quite broad. That said, there are a few challenges:
You need to figure out how much time you want to give to work; whether you want to work professionally; and whether you enjoyed your work before.
Your key challenge will be answering the "what" question, before the "how." Many retirees quickly become disillusioned when they return to the workforce. You don't want to go through all the effort this entails only to be disappointed.
Have you had a particular dream or desire that you have not pursued but would like to? Paul Henderson once said, "Most professionals wish they would have taken more risk." Is there a risk you wish to take?
For your second career, you might consider looking for a hybrid -- maybe not exactly what you did, but a blend of your past career with some new angles.
Q: How do I deal with a leadership transition issue? My current boss said she was going to retire last year, but she has decided to stay one more year. I will be taking her position when she finally leaves and I have declined other options for the sake of this opportunity. Now I'm worried she may change her mind again. W.R., Edmonton
A: Ah, the Jean Chretien question: When are you leaving? Maybe you ought to speak with Paul Martin, the Prime Minister, instead of me. Knowing when to leave is a key question for any leader and anyone who aspires to step into that person's shoes. Waiting requires a fine balance between being loyal and taking action.
If your relationship is strong, I would suggest a face-to-face with your boss. Explain your dilemma and your expectations. I would also let her know that if she is planning to stay beyond another year that you will reconsider your decision to take over her role. Obviously, this should be represented as a reality rather than a threat. It is essential to be fair to both you and the organization.
posted by Alan Kearns at 1:24 PM
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