At work we socialize with our co-workers and clients. We form and develop relationships that give us a sense of connection and belonging. We spend our time interacting and communicating with others to get work done. We have a sense of camaraderie.

Many of us receive benefit of status from our work. Our sense of personal worth and identity are derived from work. We experience a clear picture of who we are and what we do. We get recognition for what we do.

Work provides us with a sense of purpose. That purpose gives meaning to our lives because we are helping others in some way. We receive some qualitative measure of satisfaction in our life. How will functions of work be replaced when you retire? How will you get fulfilled? Those above mentioned benefits of work are just one aspect of what life planning is all about. There are fourteen other factors to consider when preparing for retirement. For example, how will you define who you are when you aren’t working? How adaptable are you to making changes in your life? How well do you rely your own internal sense for guidance and direction? These are important questions to consider when thinking about what retirement means to you.

Retirement is a complicated process that requires planning and introspection. It’s not just about money. There are important social, mental and physical implications as well.

Many of you won’t follow traditional model of retirement. Some will continue working full time at something you truly enjoy while others will work part time because you need money. Perhaps you will start your own business or volunteer your time to worthy causes. As a Blooming Baby Boomer you probably won’t spend next thirty years sitting and watching life pass you by. This is age of a new retirement.

Is it time for you to give some attention to your future retirement? Vacationing year round may not be solution that puts genuine meaning in next phase your life. Don’t short change next thirty years of your life. You’ll want to continue blooming!

Carol Gegner ©2004

7.Not checking out his attitude toward women. How does he treat his mother? Your friends? His sister?

8.Trusting only your intellect. This means gathering facts, listening to experts, not checking in with your intuition, and listening to advice blindly. Let’s say your best friend, who’s very perceptive, tells you he’s a womanizer.

I’d give that some weight, but I’d check it out myself. It won’t be hard. Give it time, stay awake and you’ll see.

Another example – You made list of what you wanted. There he is in front of you, lacking 3 of 6 items on your list, but you adore him. You really click. That’s a good time to go back and rethink your list. You’re always entitled to change your mind.

9. Trusting only your feelings. Come now, do you really think you can make a life with someone who is (admittedly) darling and sexy BUT hates your religion, has different morals and ethics than you do, has already alienated your father, wants 6 kids while you don’t want any, refuses to “let” you work, and has already ordered you to get rid of your cat?

This is like allowing yourself to fall in love with a married man. Just go stick an ice pick in your eyeball instead.

10.Misunderstanding nature of feelings. Our emotions give us information. They don’t demand behavior. When I was a teenager I was dating a creep. My father told me I had to quit seeing him. “But I love him,” I said. Said he: “Love someone else.” No, you can’t manufacture feelings, but neither do they have to be acted upon. They can be "taken under advisement," and thought through.