I Still GET to Work.
Why I don’t have any genuine interest in retiring...
I’m having lunch with a friend.
Fellow Gen-Xer, talking about where we are in life.
I’ve spent most of my adult years in NYC and now, for the last five, in Boulder, CO. In both places, there is a stunning amount of ambition, accomplishment, and wealth.
Yes, even here in the “chill, dude” mountains. It’s a wildly-driven hub for tech, innovation, startups, and Dear God no one just exercises, they just straight-up crush the hills.
Some days, my mantra is, “seriously?!”
With rare exception, it’s impossible to look around, at any age, and not see others who’ve, at least by external measures, done better than you. That’s never really bothered me. Okay, who’m I kidding, it bothered the crap out of me for years. But, as I head toward a big birthday, and find myself in a much more reflective season, I’m finally able to let a lot of that go. And savor and celebrate, rather than compare and commiserate.
Back to the convo with my friend…
We get onto the topic of age, life, and work. He asks about retirement. “I turn 60 later this year,” I share, “I’ve done okay in life, I’m grateful for what I have, but I do still have to work.”
As soon as the words leave my mouth, I realize how my choice of language seeds false lament, with a side-dish of victimhood. And, then, because I want the revelation, and the course correction to be immediate and out loud, I add, “wait a minute. I don’t HAVE to do anything.”
I’m choosing to live in a way that would benefit from me continuing to work. A way that affords certain niceties. But, truth is, if I wanted to scale back, to live more modestly, or move somewhere with a more human cost of living and work less or just straight-up stop working in a few years, that option is available. I have a lot of agency in this decision. It’s a blessing, and a privilege. Especially, given the rapidly changing nature of the job-scape.
But, there’s something else. A much bigger driver for me.
I don’t have any genuine interest in retiring. Maybe ever.
Yes, I love many of the non-work parts of my life.
And, still…
I love work.
I want to work.
I’m excited to work.
I get great meaning, purpose, and joy from my work.
It’s not that I have to keep working, it’s that I get to keep working.
A big part of this is that I don’t view work as a burden that I’ll some day earn my way out of. Yes, I work hard, often long hours. Occasionally, I even work smart (ish). Sure, some tasks, some days, some people and conversations I could do without. But, on the whole, I truly do enjoy so much of what I do.
I’m fortunate to still be here, when friends and colleagues are not. My mind is sound enough, and my body is well enough to support my ability to pour myself into exciting new endeavors, projects, and pursuits. And, I’ve been intentional about continuing to evolve and share my interests, drive, taste, insight, and skill in novel ways that, to my great fortune, continue to be valued.
Why would I want to stop doing something that feels, in no small part, like a gift?
This is a big part of the reason I launched my own 2x20 project when I turned 58.
I’m not counting the days until I retire. I’m visioning to stay inspired.
Running new experiments, asking new questions, learning new skills, devouring new bodies-of-knowledge, discovering new talents. Yes, at 58, then 59, and soon to be 60. All with the belief that, if I bundle the experiences of my first 60 years with the insights unlocked during my 2 year season of intentional experimentation and growth, I can make the next 20 and beyond amazing.
Not because I finally get to stop working, and enjoy life. But because I’ve done the work, explored and listened, and been given the gift of having more time to keep working in ways that fill me up, while surrounding myself with people I cannot get enough of.
Whatever is given to me, and I take nothing for granted, I want to live it all fully. That means continuing to invest myself in things I care about, until I no longer can.
And I wish the same for you.
With a whole lotta love & gratitude,
Jonathan
PS - If you are approaching “retirement age,” whatever that even means any more, and are excited to stop working, zero judgment. None. For many, the thought of kicking back, traveling or settling into a season of well-earned full-time leisure is what brings you joy. Have at it. Be true to you.
Wake-Up Call #59 | When it comes to work, change “have” to “get.”
What would it feel like to experience work in a way that was so immersive, joyful, and meaningful that you never wanted to stop? Or, have it inspire you to continue, but in a way that served the season of life you’re stepping into?
Maybe not for money. Maybe just as a central devotion. Maybe just for the feeling it gives you, or the difference it makes.
If you’re curious about this, what is one simple step you might take today to bring more of your essential self to the way you spend your days? What experiment can you run? Because, as the great Annie Dillard reminds us, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Those days, weeks and months go faster and faster with time.
And, if you’re already doing work that makes you come alive, are you seeing and savoring the gift of it, even when it’s hard (spoiler: there will always be hard parts. Don’t wait to savor and celebrate ‘til they’re gone).
As always, think on it. Walk with it. Feel into it. And, if you’re inclined, share what’s going through your heart and mind in the comments.
2x20™ Palm Springs Retreat | Almost Sold Out
If you’ve been following along, I’ve been spending the last 2 years exploring what I can learn, do, or build over a 2 year window to make my next 20 amazing? I call it my 2x20™. Every time I’ve shared updates on the approach and experiments I’ve been running, the response has been overwhelming.
So, a few weeks ago, I decided to open up a handful of 2x20 coaching spots, and, along with my team, invite 20ish amazing humans to a 3-day 2x20 Retreat in Palm Springs in October.
It’s all about helping you get your own, incredible 2x20 adventure launched. And, it’s also a part of the experiments I’m running for my own 2x20.
The coaching spots filled in minutes. We added a few more and, again, they were taken in minutes.
The retreat is now 85% full, there are only 3 spots left.
Safe bet they’ll be gone soon. So, if you’d love to join me and a likeminded group of people, sharing in a similar season of life, and building our 2x20 adventures together, check it out.
And if it feels right, grab one of the final spots while they last.
Replacing the language and feeling 'I have to' with 'I get to' is one of the most empowering things you can do for your life. It is a gift to take yourself out of the victim box and see the value in what you get to do. I am writing this from 5 days in bed in my trailer that has been my home for the past 6 years. I made one wrong move and I am caring for a swollen knee. I can feel sorry for myself that I am hours alone while my family enjoys going out and doing what they do and the beautiful, Spring weather, that I do not have the space or comfort of a house. I can feel frustrated that I had to interrupt my regular yoga practice and some projects. I can whine about the pain and worry about the need for surgery. Or I can think, Wow, what a privilege to get to do this. Give my body time to heal, not having to worry about getting back to a traditional job and life duties. I have a family who supports me. I am loved. I get to stay here in bed and rest. How many times did I wish for this in moments of exhaustion. My initial reaction was resistance. And then I remembered that I am privileged. I get to choose. I get to.
Loved this letter. Amazing reminder and invitation to reflect.
When "I have to" is replaced with "I get to", the whole picture changes from dark, gathering clouds to a glorious sunrise 🌄🌅