#CareerReflections #JobSatisfaction #RetirementThoughts
🤔 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to retire after spending 40 years with one company? I recently had a conversation with my stepfather, who is about to do just that, and it got me thinking.
✈️ He’s had a successful career, traveled internationally, and earned patents in his name. But as he prepares to retire, he’s not looking back. No retirement party, no awards ceremony, just packing up his computer and sending it back.
💡 Here are some lessons I’ve learned from his unceremonious exit that might resonate with others:
– Even long-term employees may stay for the paycheck, not pure passion.
– Job satisfaction doesn’t always correlate with staying at one company.
– If you’re struggling at work, you’re not alone. Many people feel the same.
🌟 My takeaway? It’s crucial to prioritize job satisfaction and happiness over just longevity in one role. Don’t be afraid to seek new opportunities if you’re not fulfilled in your current position. Your career should bring you joy, not just a paycheck. What do you think? #CareerAdvice #NewBeginnings
So I’m 25 years in to what I hope will be a 40-year long career. That’ll take me to around 60 years old when I hope to retire.
I have this funny feeling that when the time comes, I’ll be more than ready to retire, despite loving what I do. I fully expect the last couple of years to be a slog through to the finish line whilst I wait for my freedom.
What people forget is that the company will have changed dramatically over the years including the people he interacted with. There were probably times in his career where he was motivated, had good relationships with peers, personnel, and leaders, and felt a sense of purpose and pride in the company.
Management changes, people leave, you age and realize work is just that, a paycheck or a means to an end. I recall working for a company where I really felt valued and then there were times when new leadership couldn’t GAF about my contributions and it was literal hell. Repeat the process when you move.
Edit: The sooner you realize that no one actually cares about you or your needs the sooner you can objectively manage your life.
This is all quite true. The only thing you gain by being at a place long enough, is you’ve gained very strong domain knowledge (very valuable) and are well versed with systems and processes, snd not having to re-learn all that. After a certain age, not many have the same motivation to learn new stuff.
On another side of a similar story like yours, my FIL was a blue collar foreman for a tree cutting company. Worked there 40 years and so was one of the longest tenured employees. My goodness, the amount of recognitions he got there. Including, being flown to the company hq for an award ceremony and stay at the princess suite on the top floor.