There's a lot of talk this month about the celebration on July 6 of President Bush's 60th birthday. Despite how I feel about his political persuasions, I am consistently impressed with his personal message and example of health and fitness. I wish he were more vocal (and perhaps knowledgeable) about the impact of aging on some of his peers who, unlike him, will have to work well beyond the traditional retirement age of 65. Of course Prez won't have to find sources of income since he can live off of his family's financial investments and healthy checks from Texas and federal government retirement funds. But for most people who are honing on on 40, 50 and beyond, the options are limited. Many are finding that they have to work well beyond age 65 in order to live comfortably, yet the traditional work place is decidedly brutal and unforgiving when it comes to accommodating more experienced workers.
Take the case of 60-year old Richard Rocco ...
Take the case of 60-year old Richard Rocco, a hard working New Jersey sales representative who, according to the July 9 issue of USA Today, was shocked when after 27 years of experience, he was laid off. Rocco could not afford to retire, which he did not plan to do until he was 65, so he sold everything to buy a copying/printing franchise. Now he works 12 hour days and is living off savings since the franchise is not yet profitable. Rocco is caught in a time warp; a victim of the world's transition from the age of traditional "job security" to the age of "free agency".
Of course it's hardly Rocco's fault that he's in his current predicament. It's really no one's fault. But it's clear that we must realize that today's definition of job security encompasses personal responsibility for the course of one's career and lifestyle. Gone are the days of mutually flowing loyalties when you could work for someone for decades and they might consider keeping you on well past your prime if they knew it would result in financial devastation for you.
One man interviewed in the article was quoted as saying, "You work 'til you drop." But that's not necessarily true. If you own a business and you are passionate about the products and services you provide, you may work it until you die, but it's not work. It's you passion. It's your life. And if it compensates you reasonably well, why would you ever want to stop??!
It's time to be your own boss!! Even if you also maintain a full- or part-time job, you need something of your own too. There's just no room for argument about that. I wish Rocco and other like him luck and continued health. For those who are not yet where he is, take note. If you want to minimize the chances of having to walk in Rocco's shoes, start your own gig -- something you are passionate about. If you ever lose the full-time position, or decide you want to move on, you'll immediately be able to turn to an income producing activity that you enjoy.
What's your gig? Is there something holding you back from starting your own business? Don't say you don't have time. We always make time for what's really important to us.
Tired of being trying to be all things to all people? If so, take a tip from Mickey & Co. (Note: Mickey's photo courtesy of one-time use policy of The Walt Disney Co.).
