This is a guest post from May Lloyd of Mining Sliver in University Place, Washington
Getting retirement right with the economy still wobbly is daunting. One thing you can do to make it easier is teach yourself to think about work in retirement as broader than "Yes" or "No." The idea that it has to be all work or no work rules out a lot of really good possibilities. Instead of that "yes/no" drill, try asking yourself "What work would be enjoyable as part of my retirement?"
The actual work usually isn't what you want to ditch when you retire. It may be the office politics or the commute or the uncertainty about future layoffs. It may be the alarm clock. But getting something you like to do done--and getting paid for it-tends to be a very positive experience. Work is good for you emotionally, physically, and socially as you age, too. The trick is to find something you love and balance how much you do of it with the rest of what you want in your life.
What do you like about your current line of work? Is there a way to parlay that into something part-time or project-by-project? Can you do what you enjoy from a remote location? As a consultant or temporary employee? As an independent resource? Is there a new direction you dream of that could include paid work?
What do you value? What are you good at? How can you blend those to create a perfect retirement job? Open yourself to more possibilities with "how" instead of "yes/no."
Mary Lloyd is a consultant and speaker and author of "Supercharged Retirement: Ditch the Rocking Chair, Trash the Remote, and Do What You Love". Her focus is on using on the potential of those over 50. For more information on Mary and her unique take on retirement, please visit her website or you can reach her at mary@mining-silver.com.
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