subject: Work Reorientation [print this page] Work Reorientation or the amount to which you have emotionally distanced yourself from taking your personal identity from your work.
Some people are forced into retirement, or haven't truly figured out what they will do each day once they are retired. Whatever the reason for leaving work, it's true that many people caught up in this dilemma are heavily invested yet in work. Work is a HUGE priority in their lives.
Bill is a 58-year-old male, who recently sold his business and is now working for the new company. He was finding this arrangement frustrating since he no longer made decisions to progress the business or had much control over how the business ran. Bill had several issues that he wanted to work on: he wanted to find satisfying work if he decides to leave his current position with the new owners of the company. He disagreed with how they were running the business and felt if that could not be worked out, he wanted to look for more satisfying work. Unfortunately, he wasn't sure what type of work would fulfill him, or whether he wanted to work part-time or full-time. Since Bill had been a workaholic, pouring his time and energy into the business, he had made little time for hobbies outside of his work and wanted to explore that possibility. At the time, Bill was suffering a second round of cancer, and was concerned about his health and happiness, since he thought he had conquered this completely the first time and was quite surprised and disappointed that it had reoccurred. He also wanted to find activities that would contribute towards his wellness.
Bill was clearly still VERY invested (to the point of over-invested) in his work. This became one of his focus factors. A focus factor is an area in your life that we focus on to progress you towards your retirement.
Bill was not a happy camper. He questions where his life is going and realizes he needs to take steps immediately. Bill hasn't developed interests outside of work, and doesn't know where to turn. He feels much older than he really is and his illness drains him, making him feel older than his age in years.
In a coaching relationship, Bill finds a sounding board to discuss his concerns. He'll make some significant life changes to impact his wellness. His non-working life will have some direction, and generate some options. He wants to get more involved in leisure activities with his wife and for himself. A coach can help him assess where he is currently at, help him with insights, help plan a roadmap for the future and help him get started with the process and steps.
Some areas he'll want to pursue can begin by getting more information about travel, especially by tour bus with travel clubs, purchasing a motor home, playing bridge, woodworking or stained glass making, exercising, perhaps through a health club so he enjoys it as a social activity as well as enjoying the health benefits, and volunteering at an agency or hospital. Bill's homework consists of doing more research at the library, finding volunteer agencies and doing informational interviews to help narrow his focus both in the volunteer and travel worlds. Armed with this information, we review and discuss what options will be right for him.
The coaching also looks at his current employment, his concerns about staying with the company, and his options for other employment. Some of the coaching focus is on how to interact with his new bosses so he can discuss his feelings and concerns. He's set some work goals and felt that he could work toward them, rather than react to his circumstances. His wellness and illness are discussed and perspective becomes a key coaching topic.
Bill decided on a phased retirement, meaning that he would work at his current position for three more years and then leave that employment. Over those three years, he will gradually cut back his work time, and explore more leisure and travel opportunities. At this time, Bill is contemplating moving to a warmer climate for part of each year. He also committed to making changes in his attitude around the current employment and is taking a more proactive role in his work. He will continue to explore his leisure interests, and commit to the volunteer opportunities he chooses. As for leisure, Bill has settled on bridge, travel and exercise and will continue to find ways to enjoy those... his wife will explore some of those with him. In the coaching process Bill, after completing the initial coaching sessions, will work on this path and check in with his coach on a regular basis. He feels that closer to the time of his phasing out he will start up coaching again regularly as he would like the support.
Your Assignment:
What are some positive things about your job you will be leaving? What things will be gained by leaving your job?
Contrary to what many believe, when people retire, personal productivity does NOT nosedive. Achievement may actually increase, because you are finally doing what you love.
Some strategies for change are:
A. Plan for another career after 'work'.
B. Go back to school/college/university.
C. Take up vocational/service career.
Think about your work you have done. Prior to moving into retirement, you need to ask yourself: how emotionally distanced are you from your career?
If you're looking for ways to figure out what your retirement will look like, and you know you definitely DON'T want to leave it to chance, contact me for a 30-minute 'Get Acquainted Session' to see if there are ways I can help you. Simply email me at Tracey@NewFaceOfRetirement.com and we'll set up a time to chat.
