Re-purposing ~ NOT Retiring!

After 30 years in a corporate job, I repurposed my life at age 50 and here I have been since then! I think changing things up is a great way to keep us young.

2007 was the year that my re-purposing in life began. After 36 years in sales I stepped away to take care of my wife, thankfully she recovered from her situation and I found myself with nothing to do. Thus came about my new career in real estate, isn't life funny, how things work out.

Paula! Great featured post! 

Repurposing! I love it!

Fergie

Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe!

I've seen friends "retire" and they end up busier than before, usually with something that they now don't get paid for. More often than not, they go work at something part time because they don't feel useful and, often, get taken advantage of IMHO. This is definitely something to think about when you plan to "re-purpose".

My husband found that you really have to "work" at the retirement thing.  The last two years of his career were spent working 28 days in Tunisia/Egypt and then 28 days home.  This was an awesome way to "plan" the retirement and to actually see what it took to keep him occupied.  I don't plan on retiring.  Training a new agent to take over some of the work, but I still love what I do.  Not going anywhere as long as the health holds up!

My husband has re-purposed his life a couple of times since taking an early retirement in 2005. First, he taught our kids during the high school years. We were a homeschool family. Second, he got his real estate license three years ago and joined me in the business. Like you, I don't plan on retiring ever. I operate an independent brokerage now that just consists of my husband and I as agents. I will probably add agents to the firm when I decide to move into re-purposing my life and my business.

I have repurposed several times in my life, and expect that it will not be my last.  The operative word in repurposing is continuing to have a PURPOSE for living.

Many have to find their "purpose" when they retire or they will be lost. "Repurposing" is a great word to describe reinventing your life. 

Paula, my wife and I are in a 5 years left exit strategy and I agree that re-purposing and not retiring is what keeps us vital.

The list of things I had planned to do when I retire had been growing so long that I've decided not to wait, and to incorporate many of those things in my life right now. I'm not planning for "retirement" or "repurposing" or anything remotely similar. I'll still have my fingers in real estate on my deathbed. Retirement is under-rated.

My wife changed her life focus a couple of years ago.  I just modify the degree of activity I choose to work.  We want to enjoy our fruits of labors yet still have focus on something to do

Dear Paula,

No way I can re-purpose any time soon, but more power to those, who do. I know a couple, who both got down-sized in their early 40s & inherited substantially right after. Since they do not have children, they have been traveling ever since. Not sure, if that would be for me, but after a couple of 100 hour weeks in the summer, I am a smidge envious.

I tried retiring for 2 years and it didn't work, so I restarted my business and am having more fun than ever. I'm busy enjoying life and grateful for the Blessings my family has received. Life is good when you're having fun and having fun is a choice, isn't it?

I had plans to retire at 50 but the economy and divorce changed all that.  I will be working until I die but still stopping to smell the roses along the way

Amen! I think this is always important. I don't know what I'd do if I were retired. I like to work and stay busy.

I'm also at that age and am often asked 'when are you retiring'? Always surprised with the question because I enjoy what I do. Good Post!

Hi Paula - I love the word re-purpose! I like new beginnings. Who knows what exciting adventures are ahead!

Great post.  I play a game called pickleball a few mornings a week and on the weekend and have spent a lot of time with the most active retired people that you will ever meet.  Trying to do fun and enjoyable things right now ...and not wait for "retirement".    

I like your use of words; yes, I have thought about it.

I love the post. Many of my friends have retired. I will use your words when I talk to them. They will love it.