WHAT TO DO?

http://www.etheldrayton-craig.com

          In recent weeks I have learned that several friends are being affected by leaving their place of employment shy of their intended retirement plans.  In other words, they find themselves suddenly in retirement that was not planned to take place yet.  What to do?

     Perhaps they had 2 years to go or 5 years.  They may have retirement funds upon which they can draw, or perhaps not.  This means that financial responsibilities appear difficult to cover in that case.

     The reactions, of course, vary because the personal Life circumstances also vary.  Yet, in all cases, the individuals find themselves at the place of the unknown.  A door has closed and a new door has not yet opened.  It is like standing in a lobby or waiting room wondering which door leads to the office you want and the convenience of a wall directory is not available.  What to do?

     With such an important Life transition, it may be best to embrace it until next steps reveal themselves – especially if the need is not there to immediately find new employment in order to survive.  Embrace it.  Give yourself time to go through the ups and downs of emotions this new stage of Life brings.  Use the time to clean-up and clear-out clutter and papers that have built up over the years. Complete things that have been dangling for some time.  The process is therapeutic.  Find something enjoyable to do every day and cultivate free pleasures.  Notice your moods and needs as the seasons change and what you learn about how you adapt to these changes.  Volunteer your time – a few hours a week.  Someone needs your help, enthusiasm, and expertise.  Keep a journal or have a notebook handy always to jot down ideas, feelings, and experiences.  Over time what will emerge is the path you should take regarding how to spend your retirement; semi-retirement; or new career.  What to do?  Embrace where you are.

© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010

UNPLANNED CAREER TRANSITION

http://www.etheldrayton-craig.com

     I know of several individuals who are faced with career transitions premature of retirement by 3 – 5 years.  They are being dealt a hard blow for which there was no planning, no visible means of financial sustainability, or idea of what to do next.  Their personal reactions vary, as well as their personal circumstances and responsibilities.

    

     There is no magic wand that will make everything better, nor will a frantic search for immediate employment likely result in new employment right away.  Hence, what might be called for is time to reckon with the new situation internally to allow oneself to adjust, find clarity, and to renew one’s spirit in strength.

     In my first blog for this year I spoke about transition and how terrifying it can be: like swinging from a trapeze, letting go in mid air to grab the next bar.  The challenges this period will present to someone will force one to take steps to address many issues, step by step.  Many of these challenges are likely to be uncomfortable and overwhelming, but it is a process – the process of Life.  Each challenge, crisis, issue, or problem that requires you to handle or solve it, is also setting you up to be in position for that which is coming next.  The process requires tenacious faith that things will unfold as they should.

     The period of transition will last as long as it lasts.  Here are just a few suggestions to assist you in this period:  Focus on what you do have and the many ways that you are blessed.  Create activities that you can do for free.  Cultivate consistency in patterns that will move you toward your goals – such as allotting the same amount of time daily, at the same time of day, to work on your project.  The last suggestion is to be a blessing to someone else each day.

© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010