While traveling on an airplane recently, I sat next to an IT exec in his late 50’s and we got into a lively discussion about second-act careers (shocking, I know).
But when I asked him what he had in mind for his second act, he sighed and said, “You know, I think about a lot of things. But I gotta admit that the thought of doing something really different scares me. I can’t get this vision out of my head that I’ll end up as a greeter at Walmart and then one day I’ll bump into an old colleague who will ask:
“Hey, didn’t you used to be…?'”
Ouch.
Resonate with you? Sure did with me.
Granted, my seatmate’s worry about becoming a greeter at Walmart may have been a bit dramatic, but his fear was understandable. The fact is that downshifting into a second-act career can involve a loss of status, influence and power – and that can be a real challenge for many professionals.
Of course, it’s not just the loss of prestige that worries people. The other day I was speaking with a colleague who said, “You know, I love the idea of doing something new. But I’ve worked damn hard to get to where I am in my career. I know so much and the thought of letting all of that knowledge go to waste just doesn’t feel right.”
Change in status.
Loss of professional identity.
“Wasting” all the expertise you’ve worked so hard to gain.
Fear of intellectual stagnation.
Worrying about how to answer when someone asks, “And what do you do?”
All of these are legitimate concerns. But here’s the thing. When it comes to choosing what you want to do in semi-retirement, there are no “right” answers. You might love trading in your business suit for a life as a tour guide, or a dog trainer, or a travel blogger or some other non-corporate role.
Or not.
If the thought of doing something wildly different in retirement, even if it means starting over or doing something others might consider “beneath you” feels exciting, wonderful. But if you can’t get comfortable with the idea, figure out a middle ground that allows you to downshift into a more flexible or entrepreneurial role within – or related to – your field of expertise.
What’s important is to figure out what matters most to you:
What is it about your career that you’ve found most satisfying?
Do you like being regarded as an expert?
Do you enjoy mentoring others?
Do you like to be in charge?
Does your work make you feel important?
Knowing – and being honest – about your motivators will enable you to focus in on truly satisfying retirement activities and more effectively choose a fulfilling second-act career. And when you do, you’ll be thrilled to reply when someone asks, “Hey, didn’t you used to be?”