We ‘retired’ around 6 years ago when we moved to the beautiful coastal village of Mallacoota. But then we found we hadn’t retired at all, rather we had ‘re-wired’ our working lives. We had structured ourselves so that we had more control over how and where we worked and indeed what we work at. We became seniorpreneurs. We find ourselves in a privileged position and I readily acknowledge that not all of you might be so lucky.
I should clarify that in this post when I talk about work, I mean those tasks and roles that are intended to generate income. Of course volunteering is also a part of many retirement lifestyles and you can see some thoughts in Rowan’s post on volunteering.
The emergence of seniorpreneurs
Given we are all living longer and are encouraged to keep working well past the ‘normal’ retirement age, it is inspiring to see other options emerge for our generation, to generate income and build new skills and connections. For many of us this is the only option, as we may no longer be able to find work in our original career streams. Personally, we have found that our employment in IT sales came to an end as bright young things were sought out for those roles, rather than we grey haired folk. Similarly for many who work in manual labour roles, the body begins to complain and other options need to be sought.
As I have spent much time in the blogging world over recent months I have been privy to the lives of many others in our ages groups; mostly, but not only, women. As I read their stories I have reflected on how they are stepping into ‘retirement’ with a dynamic and exciting approach to this phase of life. For many of them it has meant new work, as indeed this blog has meant for us. Reading those stories has caused me to take another look closer to home and of course there are those in our immediate circle of friends who are also working when they are past retirement age. But again they are working on their own businesses and in their own ways. In this way work can become almost fun!
Examples of seniorpreneurship
It energises me to see the myriad ways in which our generation is extending and engineering our working lives, and I reflect on the many benefits of doing so. Of course the financial benefit may be the main or only driver for some, but I also see other benefits.
For example, we have a friend who in her 60’s is buying property, renovating it and selling it. Not only is she adding to her financial base, she is, in the process, using her powerful sense of style and exercising her creativity. It is a treat to witness the ‘before and after’ of her work. She continues to learn and expand her horizons, to say nothing of keeping fit!
Another friend is an airbnb host and uses her fabulous styling skills to create beautiful spaces for her guests. She enjoys the interaction with people from all around the world and of course finds it financially rewarding. This friend is also a dog lover and provides an airbnb like service for those who need their dogs cared for in their absence. This is on top of her having in recent years written and self published a book. You can read more about Lynne here
Our personal seniorpreneur journeys
In our house we both still work. We run a self managed superannuation fund (that is definitely intended to generate income) and as well as this blog, Rowan consults to companies and individuals who wish to successfully take their businesses to the digital world. Each of these roles has brought richness and new learning into our lives, as well as using our skills and experience. Rowan has expanded his role from search engine optimisation to now developing for his clients an integrated digital marketing presence, including social media strategies. I have learned about blogging and social media and have greatly enjoyed honing my writing skills in the process. As well as developing new skills (good for our brains) we both enjoy the engagement our roles provide, often with those younger than us. That includes engaging with the fabulous folks at our accountants who have guided us through the set up of our self managed superannuation fund and the process of buying real estate within that fund.
In the broader blogosphere I see women of a certain age stepping out in the fashion and style industries and creating a new image for older women. I love that! I also see bloggers embarking on sponsored international travel experiences – what a wonderful way to earn a living. There are seemingly endless possibilities.
Are you working in ‘retirement’, would you describe yourself as a seniorpreneur? Are you finding it a necessity or a joy or both? What would your ideal ‘retirement career’ be? How could you make that happen?
Third Act - New Beginning | 25th July 2016 at 5:39 pm
[…] we have a guest post from our friend Lynne, who is an enthusiastic airbnb host who has created a new career in retirement. We have greatly enjoyed staying at airbnb accommodation within Australia and overseas so we […]
[email protected]annoyedthyroid.com | 11th July 2016 at 10:02 am
I guess now I’m not going out to work, I am semi retired albeit temporarily. I think you need to have something to keep your mind (and body) active in retirement, and if you can make some moolah too, then that’s the cherry on the cake. I love your friend’s idea of the canine accommodation! I think that would be my dream job!
Jan from Retiring Not Shy! | 11th July 2016 at 5:14 pm
Sammie I think the whole concept of retirement has become much more flexible, so really you can call yourself anything you like 🙂
As you say, keeping mind and body active is so important.
Canine accommodation isn’t my idea of fun, but isn’t it great that those options are available.
gayle vee | 10th July 2016 at 4:44 pm
Yes Jan, this ‘in their 60s’ surfer has taken to the post retirement activity of renovating. Was it a conscious decision, yes, but only after retirement. The location came first, armed with a long list of ‘things I wanted to do’. In winding down from decades of corporate life, I knew I needed to keep my brain active as well as the physical me; I knew I wanted to expand my horizons; I knew I wanted to explore the creative me more fully – well I still have a long way to go there!!
But after 2 houses and 5 units, I’m about to start my next project – it’s a constant challenge in an every changing environment. Heart often rules the head in decorating decisions, the beach calls more often than the paintbrush, but life is wonderful.
So, to those about to embark on this next stage of life, do your own thing! Open your mind, let the musings flow; you never know what might bubble to the surface. Cheers.
Jan from Retiring Not Shy! | 11th July 2016 at 5:12 pm
Gayle Vee
If the heart can’t rule the head at this stage of life I wonder if it ever can! I think you should see your time on the beach as fuel for your creativity and for your strategic planning. Anything that energises you is a great thing.
I also think that for many of us, it is only when we ‘retire’ that we have enough time to vision this next stage, as you have done. That’s part of what makes it exciting.
Keep on painting and creating lovely spaces.
Karin @ Calm to Conniption | 09th July 2016 at 7:25 pm
I believe I will always want to be doing something when it comes to retirement for me. Keep my mind active and creating more of an income to spend on travel can only make things more fun. Many years away yet though.
Jan from Retiring Not Shy! | 10th July 2016 at 5:24 am
Hi Karin, there’s a lot to be said for keeping the mind active and for us some extra income for travel is an enormous incentive. The trick in ‘retirement’ is to find the balance that works for you and uses your skills and talents in a way you find fulfilling.
[email protected] | 09th July 2016 at 7:32 am
Quite far away from retirement personally (at the little kids at home stage) but I don’t think I’ll ever retire and I doubt I’d want to. So many things to do and explore and discover within work!
Let me be Free | 08th July 2016 at 10:29 am
I think it is good to keep busy or have a hobby during your retirement, good to keep your mind active.
Jan from Retiring Not Shy! | 08th July 2016 at 10:44 am
That is definitely true but I think it also needs to hold personal fulfilment; not just being busy for busyness sake. And earning a few extra dollars is important for most of us in retirement too 🙂
Mystery Case | 07th July 2016 at 12:22 am
Retiring doesn’t look like it use to. My in-laws are probably the only people I know of that age that are actually retired and have been for years.
Jan from Retiring Not Shy! | 07th July 2016 at 7:22 am
No it certainly doesn’t Raychael and in many ways that is a good thing. Particularly for those of us who have good health and are not on the poverty line, there seem to be so many exciting options.
Kathy Marris | 05th July 2016 at 1:25 pm
Hi Jan, I most certainly am! Although I’m probably a little young to retire just yet, but I still tell people I’m semi-retired. I write blogs and social media posts for 10 or more hotel and resorts in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, plus I also have my own website to take care of and I have an Airbnb room. I think I’m busier that ever! I agree that many more people our age are getting busier in their retirement and keeping their brains and bodies active – which is great to see.
Jan from Retiring Not Shy! | 06th July 2016 at 11:39 am
Kathy, yes you certainly are. That whole retired/semi-retired description seems in many cases to be a bit redundant these days doesn’t it.
I knew you were busy but I had no idea of the depth and breadth of what you do – wow! Thanks for sharing your story
Assuming reasonable health, this can I think be one of the most satisfying times of life. Certainly it is for me and many around me.