In the previous issue, we discussed about the effect of physical changes during midlife and the ways to deal with them. We now continue to talk about changes that usually come with work at midlife and finally retirement.

Work

Individual circumstances differ. Some of us may be very comfortable doing our present job yet may find it lacking excitement after working many years in the same capacity. For some of us, 30s to 50s are our top performing years. We become expert in our areas and know what the tricks are. We have built up a wealth of knowledge about alternative ways of solving problems and making decisions. We are more flexible, creative and curious and have superior strategies for accomplishing a task. To many of us, age 45 should be an age to teach not to be taught, right?

Yet given the nature of our work, transfer to a new post is a common practice. It could mean the excitement of freshness but it also could mean the dreadful experience of not knowing. Many tasks need to be learnt anew and the feeling of being ignorant is horrible. On the other hand, promotions can also bring uncomfortable feelings for gaining more responsibility and can produce loneliness and anxiety about successfully meeting new expectations of superiors. It may also mean losing intimate contact with valued co-workers. Furthermore, certain comfortable behaviors from the past become inappropriate and it seems that we could never catch up with advancement in information and technology required at work. What should we do?

Stress management. Discrepancy between expectations and capacity produces stress. When under stress, the human body produces a hormone called cortisol. In small amounts, it can improve memory. In larger amounts, however, it wears away the brain cells in the memory region and reduces our ability in memory. Successful working people have effective stress coping strategies developed early in life and practice them well. Develop your own and practice them. Or attend our stress management workshop if you want to know more.

Set realistic expectations. It's good to aim high. It's even better to use your best efforts against a realistic aim. Setting realistic goals increases chance for success and reduces unnecessary frustrations. More important is that overall work performance is usually better for those who aim realistically and exert their best efforts.

Lifelong learning. To keep up with changes, it is more important for us to 'learn how to learn' than to learn specific content. The latter easily get dated in years or even months yet the former skills and mindset enables us to keep abreast of the development in our profession and be on top.

Retirement

Every one of us will finally retire. We will withdraw from a full-time participation in an honoured occupation. "What's next?" is the legitimate question. Some may fall into a dismal life after retirement, losing the glory of an honoured profession while some enjoy their retirement very much. What can we do to make this difference?

Plan ahead. Planning ahead means anticipating changes in daily schedule, fewer coffee breaks with co-workers, different sources of income, a change in status, more time to spend with family and friends, and more unstructured time. Careful retirement preparation in the broadest sense, i.e. goals and values, preferred lifestyle, health, living arrangements, finances and use of time gives you more control over your life and a wider range of options. Starting to plan 10 or more years ahead of time also allows greater choice over the timing of retirement.

Stay engaged. Retirees who felt that they have a meaningful role they value live longer than those who do not. The valued roles could be a grandparent, a church member, a volunteer worker, a carer for somebody in need or a friend, i.e. anything meaningful to you. Find yours now and it will benefit you a life's time.

Midlife is an age of change, an age of uncertainty and an age of excitement. With proper preparation and prior planning starting today, it could be as enjoyable as our other periods of life. Or even more.

References: (1) Davis, B.W. (2003) Charting Your Course at Midlife. Pennsylvania State University. Available at www.pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/ui287.pdf (2) Kail, R.V. & Cavanaugh, J.C. (2000) Human Development: A Lifespan View. Wadsworth: Thomson Learning. (3) Guttman, M. (2003) The Aging Brain. USC Health Magazine. Available at www.the%20Aging%Brain.htm

Advanced Stress Management Workshop - Management of Emotions

PSG will organise a workshop on 'Management of Emotions' for participants to gain awareness into the relationship between their own thoughts and emotions, and to learn a set of skills to manage their negative emotions. Date and time: Saturday July 19 from 9am to 5pm. Venue: PSG Hong Kong Office, 5/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Only a few places left for enrolment. (Tel: 2866-6207)