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 How Work Defines Us
For many of us work provides us with our sense of self-worth. Whether it's a barking boss, or a demanding set of clients or customers, some one is always asking us for something. So if they want it, and I have can deliver it, (and get a paycheck as well), I must be valuable.
Second, our closest personal relationships are often with our co-workers. We talk business together of course, but we also share family stories and dilemmas, we lean on each other for advice and favors. Working for a company is like being on a team. And outside the company we often have friendships throughout the industry we have chosen to work in.
When we retire and walk out the door for the last time, all this ends. And what will take its place? What will I do with all this new-found time? I'll sit home by myself all day, or with my wife. The phone won't ring and after cutting the grass, fixing those squeaky hinges, and painting the back steps, I'll have… nothing to do.
That's the nightmare. Well, cheer up because it ain't so.
If you are like most of us, you will find the shift into retirement like starting a new job with a new company. There will be challenges--new faces, new routines, new surroundings--but they will be stimulating rather than daunting. And all of that is healthy. Experts tell us that activities that challenge us and engage us are much better for us than idle leisure. That doesn't mean you shouldn't play golf. It just means that instead of taking in a relaxing round with three close friends every time you play, you might consider competing in the club tournament. Or if tennis is your game, join a ladder and see how many people above you that you can knock off. Experts even tell us that engagement in family and community leads to longevity and that willingness to take on challenges is a predictor of long life!
All of this is about time and how you choose to use it. So how do you decide successfully how to spend your time? There are plenty of experts out there, some with conflicting views, but basically it boils down to three issues: What CAN I do with my time? What do I LIKE to do with my time? And what do I WANT to do with my time? The distinctions between "can," "like" and "want" may sound like a nit-pick but they are important so let's explore them.
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