Let’s face it. We often equate our personal self-worth with what we do for a living and how much money we make.

For many of us, work defines who we are.

Work structures our lives so that come Monday morning we know where we are expected to be. Work provides an opportunity for us to meet new people and make new friends. Our jobs also provide us with an identity and a particular social status.

And let’s be honest; if you were too really reflect on the situation you would come to the conclusion that for the past 35 years you have been relieved that work has defined who you are. If you did not have somewhere to go and something to do 5 days a week, than you would have had to figure it all out on your own.

Most of us would rather be subjected to a painful dental procedure than have to deal with the pain of having to figure out who we are apart from what we do.

So when you exit the work force and you hang up the title that others have come to know you by, and MORE IMPORTANTLY that you have come to know yourself by, it should come as no surprise that you might feel unsure of your position in the world.

I am going to let you in on a little secret.

THIS IS NOT YOUR PARENTS RETIREMENT!

If you have managed to live to 60, guess what? Chances are you are going to keep on ticking for another 20 years if not more.

So SURVIVING the next phase of your life is not an option . Your job is to THRIVE in this next stage of life.

Dream a few dreams.

Take up a new hobby.

Start a new business.

Travel the world.

Become a mentor.

Share your knowledge

Volunteer – make someone’s life sweeter.

Hey you have been walking around this planet for quite some time. You have seen a few things, had a few experiences.

I know that you have wisdom to share.

I am reminded of my good friend Lin Schreiber's quote, "The abundance of problems on the planet could use your abundance of talent. What are you waiting for?".

And guess what. You have an obligation to share with us what you have learned.

Boomers have redefined every life stage, and will once again redefine the very concept of retirement to mean something very different than a well-deserved reward of rest and relaxation for a lifetime commitment of work.

Your job is not to survive retirement but to THRIVE in retirement!

Until next time,

To your retirement success!

Gillian

Gillian Leithman is the founder and president of Directions Third Age Consultants Inc, a company devoted to helping people prepare for their emotional well-being in retirement.

To find out more check out www.directionsrc.com

Drop me a line at gill@directionsrc.com