As we start to reach specific crossroads in our lives we start to examine certain elements of our world. This typically includes our relationship with work.

However today I want to start with a simple question – What is work?

We often think about the definition of work to as a means to an end. 

Time swapped for money. 

However when we’re thinking about what happens next in our lives I think it’s useful to broaden our definition of work.

Let’s look at the literal dictionary definition of ‘work’…

Activity involving mental or physical effort in order to achieve a purpose or result.

Or

A tasks or tasks to be undertaken

It’s likely we’re going to be performing a decent amount of ‘work’ in the next chapter of our lives. It’s just might be different work to what we’re used to…

Work might be volunteering

Work might be consulting

Work might be learning to paint

Work might be looking after the Grandchildren

Work might be looking after parents

Work might mentoring or coaching

Work might be writing that book you’ve always promised yourself you’d write

Work might be learning a new skill

Work might be taking up a new hobby

Work might be include taking on a Non Executive Directorship or Charity trustee role

However, all of these things point in one direction…

Often the idea of work in our 20’s, 30’s and 40’s was to make a living. 

In an ideal world, in the next chapter of our lives, regardless of whether that’s in our 50’s, 60’s, 70’s or 80’s the idea of work is now ensuring it fits into our plan to live a life.

So I’m curious…If you’re in your 50’s or beyond has your relationship with work changed? What role does work play in your life now and how has this evolved?

As ever I’d love to know what you think.