Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.

"Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else." - Fred Rogers

I have a friend and colleague who is contemplating retirement; I have tremendous respect for how he has arrived at this decision as well as his choice of a path for his future life. Our conversation gave me pause to go back and reflect on my own situation, and my rationale for choosing to leave a profession I loved for a future with multiple unknowns. There is a quote that I came across that helped clarify what I wanted in my future, and I offer it to anyone contemplating a major life change, it reads, “There really are two lives we live. The first life and then the second life when we realize we only have one life.” The phrase “when we realize we only have one life,” really influenced my thinking; my primary focus would always center on my quality of life, and the opportunities that retirement would provide me in choosing a future of my own design.

I realize how fortunate I was to have the opportunities life afforded me following my retirement. As Patrick Foley states, “retirement is a blank sheet of paper. It is a chance to redesign your life into something new and different.” I chose which of those opportunities would allow me a chance for personal growth while at the same time giving me a chance to formulate decisions that I felt best suited my needs. Sixteen years later, I can honestly say that the word “retiring” does not fit as a descriptor for the choice that I made, rather, sixteen years ago I chose a new path for my life that has brought me tremendous happiness and self-fulfillment.

I offer this as advice to my friend and colleague as he considers “retiring;” choose your path for self-growth, be open minded to the opportunities that life presents you, and remember, “retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway.” Best wishes my friend as you embark on this new path, and best wishes to all of you contemplating a major change in your future.