Barnabas File

In recent days, I have been in several conversations with friends about retirement—some contemplating leaving a full-time position, some already in that reality.     I have often said that I have failed retirement.     I have “officially” retired twice but continue in several roles, including my work with Summit Coach Training.     Perhaps it would be better to say, “I have negotiated retirement in the way that works for me.”     And that’s the key.    Everyone is different and each must identify their own path in this third phase of life.   Here are four things that I think someone contemplating retirement should consider.   Retire TO something rather than FROM something.  When leaving a full-time role, we often think about what we are leaving behind rather than what we are entering.  We may have a mythical view of retirement as having all the time in the world to do what we want to do.  But what ...

For many adults, 60 is the new 40.  As older adults remain healthy and active into their seventies, many seem reluctant to fade into the background.  In fact a number of older adults see their later years as the opportunity to undertake tasks that they had put on the back burner or to accomplish goals deferred due to the raising of a family and pursuit of a career. Chris Farrell of Marketplace Money reported recently, “ Millions of people between the ages of 44 and 70 say they want encore careers that combine personal meaning, continued income, and social impact. ”  Rather than devote themselves totally to recreation, travel, and time with grandchildren (all good things), they want to do more and make a difference in the world. Although I have not found a similar study conducted in the United States, research commissioned by Barclays in the United Kingdom discovered, “Entrepreneurs aged over 50 now account for an estimated 15% of all start-ups in England and W...

On January 1, I celebrated the beginning of my fifth year of “retirement.” In many ways, I was not ready to give up full-time employment when the time came, but as I look over my calendar for the coming month, I realize that I have been blessed with the opportunity to continue to do a number of things I enjoy. During the coming month, I will lead two online peer groups for Doctor of Ministry students, coach five clergy clients, and begin teaching a weekly online class on “The Ministry of Coaching.”  In addition, I will provide support and encourage for my coaching colleagues with Pinnacle Leadership Associates and work on a research project for Central Baptist Theological Seminary.  I also plan to get away for a couple of days to do some reading and writing and will continue to write my blog (which ethicsdaily.com and Associated Baptist Press kindly share from time to time).  My church will give me the opportunity to co-lead a Companions in Christ group on Wednesda...