THE GREAT RETIREMENT–MY TURN!

Time for me to let everyone know that by the end of the month I will be doing Retirement 2.0. First time around I was pretty young for a life of leisure, so I started a second career (unplanned). Turns out it lasted long enough for me to qualify for retirement the second time around, and I never expected that going in.

There have been very dramatic differences in what I experienced in the corporate world (first career) and what I have experienced in academia, although much of the skills from the first time around have proven to be quite useful. Change, decision-making, finances all are handled much differently across the two sectors and employees often tend to react quite differently. Truth be told, I “grew up” in the corporate world and was already a mature employee by the time I came into my second career, so perspectives were obviously different. Perspectives have changed for a number of topics that I have covered here in the past few years as well. Let’s take a look at some of them.

FLAGSHIP

Back in the fall of 2018, musings on my experiences on the board of directors and the work of the Flagship Enterprise Center garnered more attention than any other posts before or since. As my retirement date approaches, my plan is to continue my work there, along with that of the Flagship Enterprise Capital board, its related entity. The work is closely tied to entrepreneurship and economic development in the central Indiana region, an important endeavor.

HOMECOMING

Two of the three celebrations that I described in that post—those for my high school and for my undergraduate alma mater—will continue to be important events for me going forward. Purdue, as my soon-to-be-former employer, not so much. Next year my high school graduating class will celebrate our 50-year reunion, whether at Homecoming or elsewhere. Should be fun!

NURSES

These wonderful and amazing people continue to take good care of us all—family and friends. As a cancer survivor, I have more than my fair share of follow-up visits and will for the foreseeable future. Always a blessing to get a clean bill of health each time, coupled with a smile from my favorite nurse!

OPPORTUNITIES

We never know what will come our way. I had no idea that I would launch a second career, spanning a decade and a half, or the things I would learn or the friends I would make along the way. So I can’t wait to find out what’s next. As I’ve said before, who knows? Be brave and bold!

THE UNKNOWN

Turns out it’s not so scary after all . . . .

IN CLOSING

Thanks for reading.  Looking forward to your comments and connections, both virtual and in person in the not too distant future.    Until next time . . . . stay safe and healthy and remember, plan ahead because some day it will be your turn!