Of a Certain Age- How Early is Early Retirement?
I wrote the post below nearly two years ago and as I get ready to save the world from glare and heat yet another day; retirement is the furthest thing from my mind.
Thank heavens my health has let me do what I do every day without missing a beat (literally!)
There's plenty of kick left inside.
See you at SEMA!
Mike Feldman
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11/19/2007
Just returning from a UF (Go Gators!) event put together by my son; it might be somewhat natural to consider the last year and the complete change in my daily routine from the corporate games to an independent business owner.
After all; the kids at the event yesterday were all 30 or so years younger than me and if that doesn't make you feel ancient; what on Earth will?
Having accumulated 33 years with one company (OMIGOD!)you tend to believe that's where you will end your career. Unfortunately or fortunately (depends upon one's perspective) the path to long term retirement has changed from the olden days and whether you plan for it or not your entire perspective can be altered in a flash!
On a humorous note; I had over the course of many years gathered an impressive amount of 3M Logo shirts, jackets, sweaters and tee's. That red logo was so ubiquitous my friends would joke that I hadn't bought a shirt with my own dime for 33 years. When the final day came- -I boxed every single 3M Logo shirt, jacket, tie (yes. .indeed!) and "donated" them to a 3M dealer in the Midwest USA. I assume he looks splendid in my old attire. .?? The alternative was a huge bonfire (of the vanities?)
Here's my tip for anyone who suddenly faces an unexpected career choice. Consider all of your options and stay calm!
Thank heavens my health has let me do what I do every day without missing a beat (literally!)
There's plenty of kick left inside.
See you at SEMA!
Mike Feldman
###
11/19/2007
Just returning from a UF (Go Gators!) event put together by my son; it might be somewhat natural to consider the last year and the complete change in my daily routine from the corporate games to an independent business owner.
After all; the kids at the event yesterday were all 30 or so years younger than me and if that doesn't make you feel ancient; what on Earth will?
Having accumulated 33 years with one company (OMIGOD!)you tend to believe that's where you will end your career. Unfortunately or fortunately (depends upon one's perspective) the path to long term retirement has changed from the olden days and whether you plan for it or not your entire perspective can be altered in a flash!
On a humorous note; I had over the course of many years gathered an impressive amount of 3M Logo shirts, jackets, sweaters and tee's. That red logo was so ubiquitous my friends would joke that I hadn't bought a shirt with my own dime for 33 years. When the final day came- -I boxed every single 3M Logo shirt, jacket, tie (yes. .indeed!) and "donated" them to a 3M dealer in the Midwest USA. I assume he looks splendid in my old attire. .?? The alternative was a huge bonfire (of the vanities?)
Here's my tip for anyone who suddenly faces an unexpected career choice. Consider all of your options and stay calm!
- The skills you have acquired during your career are marketable despite what you may initially believe.
- Don't listen to people who tell you that you are too old to start something new!
- Go with your heart! Do what feels right and comfortable.
- Stay focused on the tasks at hand. Think the present with an eye always on the future.
- Have confidence in yourself!
- Never explain and Never complain!
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