• Searchers explore new options through trial and error;
• Easy gliders enjoy unscheduled time letting each day unfold;
• Involved spectators care deeply about the world, but engage in less active ways; and
• Retreaters take time out or disengage from life.
Holes In The Bucket
During your intermission period––while you’re recharging and refreshing your life—you may want to address some items on your bucket list. Please keep in mind that the bucket list items are best pursued intermittently. As one retiree told me, “I was so excited about getting after my bucket list; the problem was that it didn’t take as long as I thought to empty the bucket. Then I asked myself, ‘What do I do now?’”
With perhaps 30 to 40 years ahead of us in the so-called retirement years, it would do us all some good to reframe the discussion. Instead of characterizing it as the “End of work/beginning of retirement,” it might be better to describe it as “Act 1/Intermission/Act 2/Intermission/Act 3.”
Your intermission period is a time to measure your life and decide what your priorities are. One caveat: An intermission that’s too long can be counterproductive. I’ve talked to many who rued getting out for too long and saw their job connections disappear or move on. Their skills and industry acumen slipped just enough to be out of rhythm with changes happening in their fields. If you don’t plan on going back to the industry where you spent your career, this is nothing to worry about. But if you are going to re-enter familiar territory, you may want to make sure your intermission doesn’t run into overtime.
Those who have tried out the intermission lifestyle seem to be happier when they do re-enter work either full or part time. Most say their new engagements are more fun and fulfilling—and less stressful and boring. This may come from a refreshed attitude, or it may be they have figured out they actually like being engaged in productive activities. Could it be that humans are wired to reap fulfillment from being involved in productive and meaningful work? Just as it did for George, whose contributions have been significant, a good intermission will give you some time to figure it out.
Mitch Anthony is the author of The New Retirementality (Wiley), now in its fourth edition.