One might attribute shifting careers and extreme lifestyle changes to the young, but more and more people over the age of 50 are doing this very thing – repurposing themselves for what new opportunities lie ahead. There are several factors that might contribute to this phenomenon, and it makes for interesting reading. My interest is more personal in nature. I have heard several older men tell me “if I wasn’t doing what I’m doing…. I would be a long distance over the road driver”. I have heard this more than a few times but didn’t know anyone who literally made that change. Until now!
In my line of work, I have the privilege of meeting interesting people and hearing their stories. Not long ago, I was called to help a gentleman liquidate his personal property. He had a timeline to sell his home, complete the required commercial driving training and licensure, and hit the open road. Here’s his story:
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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Explore, Dream, Discover.”
I have a picture hanging on my office wall that has this quote on it. It has been incorrectly attributed to Mark Twain, but the actual author is Horace Jackson Brown, Jr. I have used it as an inspirational mantra in times past and I realized I needed to heed this advice again.
As my 60th birthday was quickly approaching, I finally admitted to myself that my life had evolved into a mundane, predictable and sad existence. What I was doing today was the same as what I had been doing for 40 years and would continue to be doing until my retirement or death, which ever came first.
I realized I needed to make a change for my own personal well-being. I was tired and burned out. I was grumpy, depressed, and never slept well. Neck and shoulder aches had become a common problem. And while I do have an adequate retirement nest egg accumulated, I wanted to make sure I was well set for my retirement years. I saw that if I made no change in my job, or in my existence expenses, I would not be able to substantially increase my contributions to my retirement savings, which could force me to need to work longer than I wanted.
I had a home that I lived in alone. I heated, cooled, and maintained it all just for myself. After doing a thorough analysis it was clear the best way I could increase my retirement contribution would be to reduce my existence expense. Specifically, my residence expenses. My mortgage, utilities, and upkeep of my home.
After that epiphany, I decided I would pursue an interest I had always been curious about. With the quote above as a motivator, I decided a drastic career change was needed. So at age 60, I have decided to attend truck driving school and then become a long haul over the road trucker. I will dramatically reduce my residence expenses by working and living in the truck. I can work hard, do a lot of miles, and have much more money to contribute to retirement and very possibly retire earlier than expected. I look forward to being able to work outdoors. Now I will have an office with a window! Also, I enjoy the solitary time and being able to see the country.
My first step was to sell my home which went well and I was pleased with the financial outcome. Next was the estate sale. That was a little scary, but Krista and her team at Caring Transitions Of Central Arkansas took good care of me and my belongings.
I went from an 1,800 square foot house to a 5 foot by 10 foot storage unit, and will probably reduce that even more soon. In my case, in a few years when I am truly ready to retire, the money I made from selling my accumulated unneeded belongings and NOT keeping them in storage will allow me to buy just the new furnishings and belongings I will need for my retirement years.
I am already sleeping better, am in a better mood, and my neck and shoulder pains are gone. I have relieved myself of an enormous burden that I didn’t really realize I was carrying. Just as the quote above says, 20, 10 or 5 years from now I didn’t want to regret WHAT I DIDN’T DO. Life goes by too fast as we get older. Today is that tomorrow you have been waiting for. Don’t wait to do what you need and want to do. “
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Whatever you do, do it with a sense of purpose. It’s never too late to repurpose ourselves. Bon Voyage, my friend. Safe Travels!