Are you retiring? If so, go back to the future to define your next step!

Some suggestions for planning out your retirement plan.

In Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox takes that glorious ride of his life in a time machine built into a Delorean.  When you think of your own retirement transition, why not get into your own Delorean? If you are a senior law firm partner, there is probably a succession plan in your firm and in your practice group.  As part of that plan, there is likely a component related to your own retirement transition. Perhaps you have seen other partners “retire” and then they just come back to the office to read the paper. Perhaps you have something more interesting in mind? Here are some ideas on how to map out your retirement ride.

Back to the future – No doubt you made many professional, associative, and personal contributions to your colleagues, peers, and family over your career. If you were to tease out the very best of your history, from what types of work do you derive the most enjoyment? With whom are you doing that work?  Are there promises that you made to yourself (e.g., consulting, learning a language, board service, philanthropy)?  Do you still wish to keep these promises? 

Use reasonable GPS targets – Instead of thinking about what you want to do in your retirement in 5-10 years from now, think about what your retired life could look like in 12-18 months. Deadlines that are shorter in duration are more achievable. For example, you might have a green thumb and consider locally-owned farms as an area of opportunity for your retirement. Set a goal to learn more about the industry in the next 12 months by speaking with 3 farmers and attending 3 farmer’s markets and one trade association event.

Do a retirement test drive  – Take a day off.  Heck, take a couple days off.  Pretend you are retired. What would you do?  If you have a significant other, invite them too.  Both of you can test drive it together.

Engage your community – Don’t retire alone.  There are so many people who want to see you succeed and be fulfilled. List out the people you want to see, including friends, family, colleagues, and clients.  Let these important relationships about your transition intentions.  

Share your knowledge –  You have amassed an incredible amount of knowledge and experience.  Why not share it with others? There’s nothing like taking on a mentee. (e.g., see my ATL article on mentoring)

Step on the gas and get started –  Pick a retirement transition date.  No really, pick a date. One year or two years or three years.  If there is a date, then you have something to shoot for. 

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So, what are you waiting for?  No need to put off the retirement conversation anymore.  Test out a few ideas and see where it goes. Here’s to your next chapter – good luck! 


Jason Levin founded Ready, Set, Launch, LLC®, www.readysetlaunch.net, after a career in brand management at Unilever, consulting at Accenture and employer branding sales at Vault.com.  Business development and outplacement transition coaching is his passion, and Jason partners with law firms to further engage and develop their attorneys through training and outplacement.  Jason works with his clients to develop a business plan, land that next client, elevate their personal brand, make a career change, or transition into retirement. Jason enjoys speaking on and moderating panels and presenting career and business development seminars and webinars at staff retreats, conferences and training sessions.  Jason is “an attorney by marriage.” You can email him at jason@readysetlaunch.net and follow him on twitter @jasoncareers.  

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