Why Not Quit? How to Profit in Your Later Life

”Are you STILL working?”

People who ask that question are either pitying or jealous. Is this you?

Pitying—because you assume the “older worker” HAS to work, rather than HAS CHOSEN to work.

“Too bad,’ your thinking may go. ”But I’m glad that’s not me.”

Jealous—because your own life is not very interesting, or rewarding.

Because you are bored. Or isolated. Or lonely. Or feeling stuck and anxious.

You might have FOMO—fear of missing out, of losing touch with the world as it changes. 

And you might wish for some more income.

“Why not just QUIT?” The pitying and jealous ask.  Why keep to the grind, the clock, the aggravation? For a pittance, or the risk, or being tied down, and the wear and tear of it…

But let’s ask this:

Why NOT Quit?

What would you lose by not working?

• Health. Mental stimulation. Staying physically active.
• Staying engaged with the world. Camaraderie. Meeting new people.
• Fresh ideas. Expanded knowledge. Getting paid for your hobby.
• A sense of security, of well-being, of having something to look forward to.

And more tangibly, you get paid.

What would you gain with more income?

• Pay for your bucket list.
• Travel, visit family, or just go to a college reunion.
• Sweeten your daily experiences—get a massage, have lunch with friends, buy more flowers
• Help others—Donations to war zones, or food deserts, or those with needs you don’t have
• Grow your nest egg (because you know, people are living longer, especially women). 

Here are a few things some of my clients and friends have done in their later years.

A textbook editor began to take on writing jobs.  They are very different skill sets with different demands. She loves both. She got much pickier about which projects and clients she would work with. She doubled her rates. And got them.

“I thought I was looking at the end of my working life as my 60^th birthday approached. Now, after a year working with Lorette, I see how much life and living I have ahead of me!”

A speaker friend launched a personal styling business after raising 6 children. She also started a women’s networking dinner party, and the speakers (and attendees) ranged from 50ish to 90 plus.

I attended her party soon after my 60^th birthday. The three speakers were in their 90’s and still practicing their crafts and professions. I went in feeling kind of sorry for myself, and left feeling like I had 30 more good years ahead! 

At 99, a woman learned to use a computer and blogged regularly till she died at 109. Her obituary was in the New York Times.

In the small business world, it is not at all surprising to find people who say, “I’ll never quit!”

This is a great life!  Why would I quit?

Lorette

PS. Yes, this premise depends on being healthy, of sound mind, and able to work. Not all of us are so endowed, and I count my blessings

PPS. If you have stories of your late-blooming or perennial career, don’t keep them a secret. Please email lpruden@teamnimbusnj.com.