A retirement study released today by Transamerica reports that
“The majority (65%) of working Americans aged 50+ are becoming more comfortable with change and uncertainty as they grow older.”
As someone over 50, this doesn’t surprise me. In fact, when I read or hear that it’s something new that people in the workforce today will change careers at least x number of times, I think, so what else is new? I’ve change careers 4 times and even then, I’m going to retire early.
In fact, early retirement will be my 5th career change. I’m not completely certain what it is I’ll be doing to earn money, but I’m not all that worried about it.
My mother is proud of me because I have a government job, and in her generation, having a stable job was very important. In today’s world, a government job is probably as close as you’re going to get to something a 20 year old can get into today and expect to retire from with a pension in 30 years. But even that may change.
My mother taught me how to be resourceful, though, and continues to help me accept where I am today.
My father, on the other hand, bristled at the idea of working for someone else and had a goal of creating his own business by age 40. Bless his soul, he did it. When I was in my 20′s I didn’t appreciate it in the way I do now and I wish he was here today so that I could let him know how proud I am of what he accomplished.
I am lucky to have a role model who taught me that we do create our own reality. The funny thing is that I have a memory of him telling me that most of what we achieve in life is through “chance.” That surely wasn’t the case for him.
“Not Daunted by Retirement Uncertainty, But Not Expecting Too Much
Nearly three-quarters (73%) of pre-retirees say they will handle the change and uncertainty associated with growing older well and two-thirds (66%) are confident that even with the uncertainty associated with retirement, everything will work out.
The study suggests they are not only comfortable with the uncertainty; they also may be more realistic than commonly thought about their next life stage. When asked their retirement goals, most pointed to financial needs (having a steady monthly income –90%, having good health insurance — 88%, and having enough money to pay for medical bills if they become sick — 85%) as opposed to traveling frequently (50%), affording to buy a house/apartment (34%) or leaving something for their children when they are gone (39%). In fact, 68% plan to be working in some capacity as they age.”
Read the full story here: New Study Debunks Old Myth; Coping With Change Eases With Age … Boomers Confident They Can Handle Retirement Transition
