(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

For a long time the life model has been — work to accumulate assets, then retire and, hopefully, live off the assets. It’s the model which served our parents and their parents. In retirement one is supposed to relax and enjoy oneself, in part as a reward for having worked long and hard.

In recent decades a different model has emerged. It calls for viewing work as more than a process to accumulate assets. In this model your work is a source of enjoyment and satisfaction, not just money, because the work you choose is an expression of your life purpose.

As they approach the end of their current work more and more people are looking for What’s Next? rather than Retirement. Some are especially good at answering the What’s Next? question because they have practiced by changing careers several times.

 

Coaching Point: What s Next for you?

 

Copyright 2005 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.