Retiring in Paradise

I have to admit that I'm starting to slow down a bit. I am definitely in my final career ? and quite comfortable working a 40 hour schedule. I even take a day off here and there to golf/ bike/ ski, although I'm thinking of selling my windsurfing equipment .

For the past two years I have been looking for a spot in paradise to retire to in five years or so - and I think I found it!

I have been traveling all over the Western US looking for the perfect spot to retire. But my idea of retiring is not the same as my Dad's - and then again, maybe it is. Let me explain.

My Dad had a pre-WWII high school education. He worked in government service for 30 years. He grumbled about his job the whole time ? that is until the last few years. In his last assignment, he finally found a role that made him happy.

He was mentoring a group of programmers as they built a new system for the state of Pennsylvania. They were clueless about Health and Human Services. They really needed somebody that new how the system should work ? he loved it. Then he hit mandatory retirement age and they kicked him out.

My Dad wasn't a dummy. He knew that he had a good deal, but he really missed his job. He never moved from Harrisburg, PA. For years, he made a monthly visit to his old department, to visit the folks he trained.

Now - I never did anything the same way as my Dad. I went to Carnegie Mellon. I spent some time as an over educated ski bum and I traveled a lot before I settled down. As a management consultant, I worked all over the world. I moved from company to company and even started a few, but I made a mountain top on the coast of California my home base.

But, guess what? My dad and I ended up in just about the same place after all.

I now own my own business and I work with a solid network of business professional. I spend most of my time mentoring and consulting with entrepreneurs and business owners. My role is remarkably similar to my Dads ? but there is nobody that can kick me out.

I just returned from two weeks in Kauai. My bride and I had a great time in one of the loveliest places in the world. But toward the end, I was really ready to get back to my office. Unlike my Dad ? I am looking forward to my working retirement in paradise ? doing more of the same that is.

John Thomas is an author, mentor, and business consultant who works exclusively with entrepreneurs and owners of small and mid-size businesses. He also provides advice on web site promotion at TrafficistheKey.com/

---

Helping Mid-Life Employees Find Meaning

People work to live, but most also live to work.... Read More

A Cover Letter Tip Guaranteed To Land You More Job Interviews!

Looking for a new job?I'm about to reveal one of... Read More

Resume Success Factors--What Exactly Is A Resume Anyway?

You know you're good...real good. The problem, though, is that... Read More

Three Ways to Transition to a New Career

As a Certified Personnel Consultant working for Find Great People... Read More

How To Become a Mortgage Broker

The mortgage industry accounted for $1,815,949,279,000 in loan transactions in... Read More

20 Questions That Helped Me Take A Leap Of Faith And Change Careers

When I was working more than 45 hours a week... Read More

Top Career Advice ... More Choices and A Better Way of Life

Why Career Advice Is So ImportantChoosing a career presents a... Read More

Top 10 Tips for Career Advancement

Here's a list of the top 10 tips you can... Read More

The Art of Selling Yourself!

To "sell" oneself on paper is not easy. Creating a... Read More

Before You Begin, Know What To Expect - How You Can Make a Living Proof Reading From Home

Proof reading from home is an excellent way to make... Read More

Is Your Resume Doing ITS Job?

Is it opening doors to new opportunities? Does it compel... Read More

Career Change Is Not For Wimps! 3 Powerful Steps to Do Work You Love

Tough words... but I truly believe that folks who make... Read More

Choose Your References Wisely!

So, you need to submit employment references. A simple task,... Read More

Career Change: Success Tips

Successful career change is based on first making an honest... Read More

If Youre Fired, Will Past Employers Keep Your Secret?

Despite what some job seekers think, it is not illegal... Read More

Mastering The Lunch Interview

Interviews can be nerve-racking, brain-draining, headache-inducing experiences. These days, recruiters... Read More

Tips To Survive A Layoff

The following eight tips will help make sure that recover... Read More

Changing Careers? How to Get Around the Three Major Mental Roadblocks to Success

A part of you can't wait to dive into your... Read More

How to Change Career Horses in Mid-Stream

You'll get wet but the reward just might be a... Read More

Negotiate Better Job Offers with This Twelve-Point Checklist

You've been through an employer's interview process successfully and have... Read More

Personality Testing; Myth and Realities

It is commonly believed myth that personality testing instruments can... Read More

What Turns Potential Employers ON; What Turns Them OFF?

According to an annual survey conducted by the National Association... Read More

Ask For That Raise!

For nine years Jeff worked for company G as an... Read More

Change Your Life, Change Your Career And Get A New Job!

Careers dictate resume formatDifferent careers use different forms of resumes.... Read More

Interpersonal Skill Building -- Yank The Suckers & Weeds

According to the National Gardening Association, suckers are rapidly growing... Read More

What To Do When HR Calls...

Generally, when you present yourself as a prospective candidate for... Read More

So, Your Made A Mistake

Of course, mistakes are important. Two facts put those you... Read More

In Control - Inside Tips on Interview Success

No, you can't control how the interview will be conducted,... Read More

Resume Objectives: How Do You Know if Resume Objectives Are Right for You?

Some experts say NEVER bother with resume objectives. While others... Read More

What Did You Say?

My table-mates introduced themselves as the reciprocal protocol began. We... Read More

Are You Winning the Talent Wars?

How many times have you heard or read, "Our employees... Read More

Taking Job Loss Seriously

Anyone reading this article and hassuffered a job loss recently... Read More

Youre Bright And Talented -- TooT Your Own Horn --

Obviously, there are RIGHT ways to move UP the ladder.... Read More