What do you do if you're an airport manager facing challenges in late career and retirement?

1 Mentorship Legacy

Cultivating a mentorship legacy is an invaluable way to contribute to the future of airport management. By sharing your expertise with younger professionals, you create a ripple effect that benefits the industry long after you've retired. Consider identifying potential mentees who exhibit a passion for airport operations and a desire to learn. Your guidance can help shape their careers and ensure that your knowledge and experience continue to influence airport management practices. This is not only rewarding but also a way to give back to the field that has been a significant part of your life.

2 Financial Planning

Financial planning is a cornerstone of a stress-free retirement. As an airport manager, you've likely been disciplined in handling budgets and financial forecasts. Apply that same rigor to your retirement planning. Engage with a financial advisor to review your savings, pension plans, and investment strategies. Ensure that your financial roadmap aligns with the lifestyle you envision for your retirement years. It's never too early or too late to refine your financial strategy to secure a comfortable future.

3 Health Priorities

Your health is your wealth, especially as you approach retirement. Airport management can be a high-stress job, and it's crucial to assess and address any health concerns as you transition out of your role. Schedule regular check-ups, prioritize physical activity, and adopt a balanced diet. Remember, maintaining good health will allow you to enjoy the fruits of your hard-earned retirement, whether that means traveling, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

5 Succession Planning

Effective succession planning is vital for a seamless transition in leadership at the airport. Start by identifying roles that are critical to operations and assess potential internal candidates who could fill your shoes. Work with human resources to develop these individuals, providing them with the necessary training and experience. Your proactive efforts will help minimize disruption when the time comes for you to step down and will demonstrate your commitment to the airport's ongoing success.

6 Embracing Change

Embracing change is part of life, and retirement is one of the most significant changes you'll face. It's important to remain flexible and open-minded about this new chapter. Explore hobbies or interests that you may have put on hold during your career. Consider part-time consultancy work if you're not ready to leave the industry entirely. Retirement is an opportunity to redefine your purpose and engage with life in new and fulfilling ways.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?