“Don’t you dare retire until you find fulfilling ways to use your time and energy!”
Those were the words of my doctor when I turned 55. He explained that he’d had too many male patients die within 18 months of retiring, and he was certain it was because their identity was so rooted in their job that they didn’t have anything else.
Be wary of how much of your identity is wrapped up in a job. Remember that when you’re gone the company will likely fill your position within a few weeks or months.
You’ve probably heard the example of sticking your hand in a bucket of water and pulling it out – leaves no hole! BUT the dirt and oils on your hand did stay in the water, and if you swirled your hand you created some motion that will carry forward.
Still, organizations, especially larger organizations, move on without you.
