Career fading. (Episode 273)
Many years ago, I had a neighbour who was 95 years old. She was a hairdresser and still had clients. She told me that she had not taken on any new clients since she turned 65 and slowly her list of clients had shrunk as her clients died off (!). When I met her, she had only two clients left, and that was perfect for her.
I love that story. It gives an alternative to just retiring at a certain age and then stop working.
Today I met with Jan Segerfeldt in Bangkok where we both happened to be. Jan is 70 years old and after a long career as a PR consultant, entrepreneur and communications expert he is now enjoying the world as a global nomad, but he still has one client who has booked him for around 25% of a full time job.
Having that assignment keeps him up to date with the business world, keeps his brain active and gives him fun and challenging work – without the load of a full time job.
Jan – and my 95 year old hairdresser neighbour – are my inspirations.
I never want to retire – I want to “career fade”.
How I would love to give perhaps ten speeches a year when I am 95 years old.
Do not let other people decide how you are going to handle retirement. Find your own way.
Ps: My latest book, The World of Creativity, explores what human creativity looks like around the world – drawing on insights from creative people in over 37 countries and showing how anyone can tap into their creative potential in work and life.
You can see highlights from the recent sold-out book launch in Stockholm here.
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Jan