What I learned on a 1,753 mile drive | Baby Boomers
Like many Baby Boomers my age, my kids aren't really kids any more. Last week I was traveling on a grand college tour, (Paul and Molly's Excellent Adventure). She is my youngest so these are the last tours we will likely go on. It occurred to me, that we will have few times like this in the future.
I learned that at 17, she has a lot figured out (or thinks she does at least). I also learned that she will have no interest in following in my footsteps in business. That made me little sad, since I cannot coach her in her future career as I coached her in sports. I imagine a lot of Boomers are facing the same issue, especially those who own businesses. It's one thing to miss coaching, but if your succession plan includes your kids liking your business and buying it from you, and they don't, you need a Plan B.
The long trip was not as physically wearing as I first imagined. I used to travel in business 3-4 days per week, 45 weeks per year (a sales guy). In those days, travel wore me out each week. But with this new trip, I began to think about travelling in retirement with my wife. Before the kids came along, we liked long drives. I thought that I might not like long drives in the future, but after a week with my daughter (puntuated with a few days with my wife and oldest daughter), traveling was kind of fun again. I still got some work done (the wonders of free WiFi), in between the college tours (will someone come up with a less boring way to tour a school?), and saw an amazing sight: the Space Shuttle riding piggyback on a 747 over Washington DC, on its way to a museum.
All of this led me to believe that I can balance work and travel in the future. I don't need to "just travel" or "just work". I can make each a component of my future. Maybe mix in a little volunteering on the travel itinerary too.
Of course, with two college tuitions to pay for, my wife and I are more than a few years away from leaving full time work, but this long drive truly gave me hope.
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About the Author:
Paul Cronin is partner and Director of Business Development at STPI, the Successful Transition Planning Institute of Cambridge, MA. STPI provides tools and training to advisors so they may help successful business owners, executives and professionals learn how to "Think", "Live" and "Decide" what to do with their companies and careers, in order to plan for a dynamic, new life. Paul can be reached at 978-749-9546, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, or at Contact Us
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The Successful Transition Planning Institute of Cambridge, MA teaches Baby Boomers and their advisors how to avoid boring, meaningless retirements. STPI's books, tools, training and seminars empower Baby Boomers to "Think", "Live" and "Decide" what to do with their companies and careers. By doing so, Baby Boomers create plans for dynamic new lives, full of meaning and purpose. (see video).