Working Like You're Retired

When I started this journey of entrepreneurship almost 10 years ago, many people have asked me if I had already retired. I've often wondered why they ask me such a question, and have come to the conclusion that this question was really a reflection of my unconscious behaviour when I went about doing what I loved and wanted to do.

I remembered a time when I thought of work as something we endured until we could finally retire, and that retirement was a period where we didn't have to be emotionally and physically burdened with earning an income to LIVE COMFORTABLY. After spending over three decades in the corporate world, I've come to realize that the traditional concepts of work and retirement have changed beyond recognition, and I guess I came to embody this evolution in both mind and approach to what my career has morphed into.

Redefining Work and Retirement

Let's start by unpacking what work and retirement mean in today's world.

Work, in its essence, is any activity that requires effort and is typically done to earn a living. Every work week started with the blues on Mondays, and a sigh of relief come end of day Fridays (unless when I had to work on weekends, which happened all too often).

Retirement, on the other hand, used to be seen as the finish line - that golden period when you could finally kick back and enjoy life. No bosses to pander to, no presentations to do or business plans to write, and most of all, no worries on spending time doing what you always wanted to do.

It hit me hard when a person I respected and admired lamented one night over drinks

"we work for 50 years to enjoy the last 20 years of our lives".

It dawned on me then why is it that so many of us look at work and life as separate periods, often conflicting, and often a zero sum game? Why do we look at wanting a balance between these two elements as if they are mutually exclusive?

When I decided to leave the comforts of a corporate embrace, I wanted to be able to reflect my belief that having work need not mean having no life, and indeed the goal of integrating our beliefs and desires in the two should be attainable and become a mantra, even when you are starting out in your career journey.

Hence I named my coaching practice "LifeWork" Consulting, as a constant reminder to myself of this goal, to practice when I believe in, and to help others achieve the same ends.

So what's the Secret Sauce to Career Bliss ?

Now, you might be wondering, "How on earth can I work like I'm retired?" Well, for me, it's all about finding that sweet spot where your work doesn't feel like work at all. No monday blues, no Friday elations, everyday is a day to wonder and share...

Throughout my career, I've had my fair share of ups and downs. There were times when I'd wake up on Monday mornings feeling like I was headed to a sentence rather than a job. But there were also periods when I'd bounce out of bed, excited about the day ahead. The difference? Career Bliss...

So, what does it take to achieve this elusive state? Here are a few key ingredients I've learnt over the three and half decades of work life...

1. Passion: Find work that ignites your inner fire. When you're passionate about what you do, it rarely feels like a chore.

2. Purpose: Seek roles that align with your values and give you a sense of meaning. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

3. Growth: Look for opportunities that challenge you and help you learn. Stagnation is the enemy of happiness.

4. Balance: Ensure your work allows for a healthy work-life integration. All work and no play... well, you know how that goes.

5. Relationships: Foster positive connections with colleagues and clients. Good relationships can turn even the most mundane job into a joy.

When Career Happiness Feels Like a Distant Dream

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. "That's all well and good, but what if I'm stuck in a job I hate?" As it is, I've been there too. The good news is, it's never too late to redesign your career.

Here are some steps tried and tested by yours truly..

1. Self-reflection: Take a step back and really think about what matters to you. What are your values? What kinds of activities make you lose track of time?

2. Skill assessment: Identify your strengths and the skills you enjoy using. These can be great starting points for a career pivot.

3. Explore options: Relook at your current job or career, and see what tweaks you need to make to make everyday an exciting one. Or explore different career paths that align with your interests and skills. Don't be afraid to think outside the box! You would be amazed at what you can do, if you just try.

4. Network: Connect with people in fields you're interested in. You'd be surprised how many opportunities can arise from a simple conversation.

5. Continuous learning: Invest in yourself by taking courses or acquiring new skills. It's never too late to learn something new. Even now, at 62, I'm so excited by the rise of AI and its possibilities, that its become part of my daily routine to explore every new tool released.

6. Start small: You don't have to quit your job tomorrow. Start with small changes, like taking on new projects at work or volunteering in areas of interest. Find out what floats your boat!

7. Seek guidance: Consider working with a career coach or mentor who can provide personalized advice and support.

My Personal Journey

When I look back at my own career journey, every decision made led me down a path which made a lot of sense - at that point in time . Early in my career, I found myself in many high-paying but unfulfilling roles. Looking back, I've often wondered if I achieved success "too soon". I was doing well on paper, but inside, I felt empty. It took a lot of soul-searching and courage, but I eventually made the leap to a completely different field. In fact, making career switches became a normal practiced routine for me, that I was able to repeat this process multiple times in my career. But making the leap into the unknown world of self-employment was my biggest jump.

Was it scary? Absolutely. Did I have moments of doubt? You bet. But looking back, it was the best decision I've ever made. Today, I wake up excited about my work, feeling like I'm making a real difference.

And isn't that what retirement is supposed to feel like?

The Power of Mindset

One of the most important lessons I've learned is that working like you're retired is as much about mindset as it is about the actual work you do. It's about approaching your career with a sense of freedom, purpose, and joy - the same way you'd approach retirement.

This doesn't mean you'll love every minute of every day. Even in retirement, there are chores to do and challenges to face. But when you're working like you're retired, you approach these challenges with a different perspective. You see them as part of the journey, not as obstacles to happiness.

Embracing Change and Continuous Growth

Another key aspect of working like you're retired is embracing change and continuous growth. In retirement, many people take up new hobbies, travel to new places, or learn new skills. Why not bring that same spirit of adventure and learning to your career?

Throughout my 30+ years in the corporate world, I've reinvented myself several times. Each transition brought its own set of challenges, but also new opportunities for growth and fulfillment. It's this constant evolution that keeps work exciting and rewarding.

Embarking on a Journey of Career Redesign

If you're reading this and feeling inspired to make a change, that's great! But I know from experience that going from inspiration to action can be daunting. In fact, in the past 15 months, this topic of career redesign has been the most asked for workshop by various organisations.

That's why I've decided its time to make another leap - to bring together all I know about this into an easy-to-read playbook, to help others you navigate this journey.

In my ebook, "Career Redesign Playbook," I dive deeper into the strategies and tactics that can help you transform your career into one that feels as fulfilling as retirement. Whether you're looking to make a major career change or simply want to find more joy in your current role, I intend to make this playbook a step-by-step guide to help you along the way.

Right now, I'm floored by the amount of interest expressed so far, and I want to go a step further, and customise this book into something that is wanted by the reader. If you want to be kept informed of this journey, and also to give your own inputs into what you'd like to see in this book, just head on over to the link below

https://forms.gle/PDGA9RkToVzT6rhB7

Remember, life's too short to spend it counting down to retirement. Why not start living your best life now? After all, when you're working like you're retired, every day feels like a gift, not a grind. So, are you ready to redesign your career and start working like you're retired? Your next chapter awaits!