Changing Directions
What do you do if you are 55 years old and learn your employer has decided to “go in a different direction”? Suddenly, you find yourself out of work and ill-prepared to retire.
Initially, you may not be afraid because you know you are excellent at what you do, and your work ethic is beyond compare.
After a focused job search, you realize that being 55 is a factor you’ve never considered, but it is real. Six months to a year later, you still have found no meaningful work or maybe have even found no work at all, and you are rapidly depleting your savings.
Maybe it’s time to rethink your situation completely. I suggest a complete review of where you are financially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Why should you review all of these time consuming topics, when all you really need is a J-O-B?
Not unlike your former employer, it may be time for you to “go in a different direction” yourself and where you are with the above four factors is extremely important in “changing directions”.
Some evaluating considerations and questions:
List the skills that you already possess whether you think they are marketable or not.
Think about some things about which you are passionate. Make a list.
Are you acquainted with 1-5 successful people whom you like and trust? Set up a time to meet with each of them and ask for their help. There is no greater compliment you can pay another person that knows you than to ask for their help.
Evaluate your health, your energy, and your family situation.
Determine how much income you need to generate—because you are likely already paying attention to:
...Your personal debt,
...Your weekly or monthly consumption, and
...Whatever you have put away.
Most of all, keep a healthy, positive attitude—maintaining your family and other close relationships. The solution to the situation can come from the most surprising and unexpected sources.
