How to Leave a Job You Love & Retire with Purpose
The question I have for myself is, “Is it okay to leave something you love?”
I remember having the thought some years ago that I would never retire. I couldn’t imagine not working. I was in my 40s at the time. I’m now approaching 62 and am absolutely ready to retire from a full-time job.
However, I notice that the word doesn’t seem to fit. I am resisting “retirement,” in part because it’s so pejorative in our society. It implies that you no longer have a contribution to make. That you’ll be golfing or goofing around waiting for death for the rest of your days.
In fact, the definition of retirement is “the action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work.” Yes, that checks out. And the definition of work? “The activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.”
So, to be retired then, implies no further mental or physical effort towards a purpose or result? That doesn’t check out.
I feel immensely purposeful at this stage of my life. I’ve worked 40 years and have seen a few things. I have learned through the school of hard knocks as well as from real schools. I’ve made mistakes and enemies as well as good friends. I’ve succeeded a bit along the way, too. I have…
