As I age, I feel the pull to do more meaningful work. This is getting serious, whether I like it or not. I feel the pull toward occupying my time working on things and with people that enlighten me. It grows stronger all the time. Consequently, I find myself less and less tolerant of wasting what is left of my time on this earth on projects and people that do the opposite.
You too?
If so, we’re not alone. Author Christine Waresak believes that people aged 50+ are turning more and more toward work choices that allow for or promote meaningful work.
From the University of Washington’s Professional and Continuing Education website:
“Perhaps the most notable trend for professionals in this age range … is the kind of jobs they want. More important than financial compensation or climbing the corporate ladder, people at this point in their lives want to do meaningful work. Work they enjoy. And they want to do it on their terms, in an environment where they feel valued.
‘The key thing I’ve seen, as people get later in life, is that there is a trend toward doing something more meaningful,’ said Matt Youngquist, founder of Career Horizons, a Pacific Northwest career counseling firm.”
For some, the decision to pursue more meaningful work is due to significant life changes. Many mid- and late-career professionals have experienced the cold shoulder of corporate downsizing and reorganizations that stopped their careers in their tracks. Others are spurred on by life changes related to caring for family members. Others still are able to dictate their own path. Whatever the reason, older adults are waking up to the need for more meaningful work.
Happily, this value is shared intergenerationally. Millennials are known to be seeking meaningful work right out of the gate — a value that Baby Boomers, in general, have taken a while to warm up to.
Have you made the decision to switch careers, post age 50? Perhaps you’ve decided to take your skill set to a more ideally suitable company culture as you finish out your working life. Let us know in the comments.
Read our blog for more on how WiseTribers navigate their careers. Join us to contribute your ideas!
Julian Rogers is a writer, editor, community manager and marketing communications consultant for high-achieving businesses — from solo entrepreneurs to large private companies. As principal of Juju Eye Communications, his focus is on your results. Find out what he’s thinking about on his blog: mrturophile.com, or connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
You should jump in here. Like it? Not so much? Have something to say about it? Let us know by adding a comment. This is your community.
