There are Still Hits in Your Bat

I’ve written a lot about retirement being the beginning of your next chapter, not just the end of the previous one. That thought came to the fore again after hearing from an over-50 friend going through rough times after being downsized a while ago.

He wrote to me about it being difficult to find similar jobs and being told often that he was over-qualified for the role he was interviewing for (then why waste his time with an interview?). Being over 50 is one hurdle to overcome as ageism is the least addressed form of discrimination in the corporate world. That is followed by not checking any of the DEI boxes that companies frequently use to fill positions. For some reason diversity and inclusion does not apply to everyone.

As I read his note, my brain recalled a client I had several years ago who was fearless approaching women to ask for their numbers or ask them out directly. When I asked how he had the confidence to do that when he knew he’d be shot down at times, he responded with a shrug and said, “I drag the bat back to the dugout and wait for my next at-bat’” That response stuck with me as a solid life philosophy.

Responding to my friend, I channeled that philosophy and told him that he still has a lot of hits left in his bat and he needs to keep stepping up to the plate and taking swings. I hope he gets a hit soon, but no matter what, that he keeps coming up to bat.

Whether you have retired or have been downsized after 50, that change may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to start a new career or create a new you (though at the time it may not feel like it). Just because you have said goodbye to your old career doesn’t mean you are done being a contributor. You now have the time to try new things. The experience of age is on your side so use it to your advantage and always remember, there are still hits left in your bat. So, step up to the plate, pick your pitch and take a good swing. You may foul off a few, but if you hang in there, you’ll get on base and maybe even hit a homerun.

www.RetiredandInspiredat55.com 9-25-2023