The Problem with Desperate Boomers and Puppet Gen X-ers
Know when it’s time to let go, search for new opportunities, and say goodbye.
“The last and most important job at this late stage in my career is finding a successor. Then, my work here is done, and I can ride off into the sunset.”
I still recall this rather awkward statement from one of my university professors when he was in his fifties. I thought it was a curious thing to say, which I couldn’t understand.
At the time, I thought he was exaggerating. But, when he did find his successor, he immediately took early retirement to focus on writing a book.
I couldn’t comprehend his actions. He truly loved his work, and I remember asking my wife, “Why would you leave a job you love at this time and age?” This was in the late nineties.
As I’m getting older, I think I understand him better. I don’t want to change jobs because I love what I’m doing. However, as I approach my — let’s say — later 50s, I’m starting to think about my work differently.
Because if I don’t, I feel like I’m not doing the world any favors.
