By Sherry Knight

It’s time to think of my retirement? You are probably thinking “You’re joking? I’m too young”. You are right. Most people don’t start to think of their retirement until 2 to 5 years before the time comes. What a waste! The time to think of retirement is much earlier, and we’ll talk about that a little later in this article.

Let’s go back to the start – when we get to that magic age of 45 and we are getting to the stage where employers begin to think we might be getting a little long in the tooth. That’s an old fashioned statement for getting older. The way to keep from being perceived as a dinosaur is to keep current.

How do you do this? The answer is simple! Keep active! That means keeping up to date with what’s happening in your field and even in others if there is any interest. You are now the person that others come to because of your wisdom, your knowledge and your skill. It is imperative you keep up with the learning curve.

Often people think they must increase the learning curve in their chosen profession. While this is certainly worthwhile it is by no means the only avenue to continuing to increase knowledge. By taking courses in anything (for example scuba diving, bird watching, basket weaving, or cooking) that you might have an interest in, you are apt to gather information as well as creative thoughts that you can apply to other applications.

All too often individuals at this age begin to think they have forgotten more than most people could possibly learn. And, in a way, they are probably right. Sometimes it’s time to bite your tongue because in reality you have tried the latest, the newest, and the most recent, years or even decades ago. At this point it is pertinent to look for a new twist, a new approach to something you already know.

And you do that simply by keeping on top of things.

• Go to a conference
• Read a new book
• Attend a new learning program
• Research on-line

It is critical at this Maintenance Stage of the Career Development Process that you continue your learning. It is who you are – someone who continues to explore avenues and events that allow you to continue to be of value to yourself and your employer.

Some at this stage go back to school, start a business on the side or even ask for new assignments at work. One man who received his GED 8 years after leaving school, registered for the first year of university and quit after passing only 2 subjects. He returned to university and finally got his Engineering Degree at the age of 56. It is never too late to do what you want to do!

It is a positive element for every employer. Your career path success depends on your ability to show others you are up-to-date with new processes. Is it enough to continue to grow? No! The reality is that you also need to promote the fact that you are gaining knowledge and skill. You can’t live by the old adage, “Don’t blow your own horn!” You really do need to let others know (in a kind and somewhat self effacing way) that you are a valued employee.

Let the whole world know what you are doing, what you are learning and more importantly, what you are doing to be of value to the organization. Remember, what the company leaders have always looked for is ways to improve the bottom line. It hasn’t changed just because you’ve done the same thing over and over. Employers are looking for people who will add to corporate growth. At no age is it more important to do than in the Maintenance Stage. It is simply too easy to be overlooked by the younger, skilled and often less costly person.

One of our clients was let go one month before he would have retired. He decided to retire and enjoy the fruits of his years of hard work. My question to him related to what he might do with his new found free time. His answer was very similar to what many others have indicated. He was simply going to sleep late, eat whatever he wanted and enjoy his life.

True to my belief, I suggested he call in 6 months when he was bored to tears. Fortunately he did with the words, “How did you know?” Almost everyone who decides to sit back and do nothing ends up in boredom, if they’re lucky. The unlucky ones face more dire circumstances. Human beings need something to look forward to – even when it’s maintaining the level we are at right now.

So, if you are working with people in this stage, or are in this stage yourself, get started. It is time to ensure you have a plan, a plan to do something; anything. It doesn’t matter what, just do something. Keep your mind active, keep your energy levels up and keep your world moving forward. Life in this stage is exciting and fun – it’s up to us to ensure people see that and know how easy it is to love the life we have chosen to follow.

Have fun – this is the very best time of life to do exactly what you want to do! Remember, in most cases the kids are becoming self sufficient, the mortgage is paid or getting close to it, and there is a little more money to enjoy whatever in life has meaning to you!

Sherry Knight is a convention speaker, author and corporate trainer who helps individuals achieve their full potential. To bring Sherry’s learning experiences to your management and staff, call 1-800-303-2315, email sherry@dimension11.com or visit our website at www.dimension11.com.