Half Time
Half time in a football and basketball game is an excellent metaphor for the mid-life transition.
Consider the following. You are up slightly in the game as the buzzer sounds ending the first half. You go into the locker room excited but knowing the game is not over. The coach is all about winning. He gives the usual pep talk and discusses strategy for the second half. You know you want to win so you listen carefully as the coach explains the strategy for the second half. You charge out of the locker room pumped and ready to go.
Now consider your life. You are about 50 years of age. Your kids have graduated from school, or your job is a bit of a drill and you’re not very happy, or you have just been downsized, or in the case of the military you have finished your military career. Suddenly you realize your first half is over. At this point you may perceive yourself as winning, in a tie, or losing in the game of life. As you go into the locker room for advice and to discuss the strategy for your second half, who is your coach?
For many of you. Planning for the second half of life doesn’t come soon enough because you didn’t see it coming—like getting fired or being laid off. Or you just came to the realization that if you want to do something else with your life, now is the time but you hadn’t given it much thought. Sound familiar?
However, there are success stories. I know a podiatrist, his name is Tom. He left his practice because he was fed up with never ending paperwork and fighting to get paid by insurers. Tom is now a new car delivery specialist with Lexus. He loves the interaction with satisfied customers, dealing with a top of the line automobile and not having the hassle of running his own business. Then there’s Bryan who after 18 years with the same telecommunications company decided to accept a buyout and do something completely different. He’s now is a customer operations manager with CISCO. Finally, there is John, who after 30 years in the Army decided to retire and enter the civilian marketplace. John is now a senior HR executive with a very large private company—and he loves it.
Each individual noted above is a real person who made a successful mid-life transition. Many others; however, stumble not knowing what they want to do but realizing they need to do something to meet their obligations. While everybody’s story is different, those who seek help usually achieve success sooner. Be smart enough to know what you don’t know. Seek the advice and assistance of a transition coach to help you achieve success in your second half.
