It's all about balance
Oct 01, 2021
By Pip Malin, Westpac semi-retired banking professional.
In this series of short interviews, we share ideas, wisdom and musings from those people who are nearing, have recently or are fully retired. Pip's message is useful for us all, whatever our life stage.
For those of you thinking about retiring, I thought I'd share some of my thoughts about the importance of balance, when you move through this big life transition. It has now been almost 10 months since I ended my 26 year career with Westpac and commenced the next chapter of my life - semi-retirement.
Having entered this chapter with absolutely no preparation, I wasn't sure what to expect. I have come to the conclusion that we all have a handful of core values that are deeply important to us, and when we understand these, we can adjust life accordingly.
There are four values which matter to me. And whilst I understand them all separately, the trick to being happy, seems to be about finding balance with all of them. This is the key to my next chapter. And I am not there yet!
I have learnt that it is very important to be honest with yourself as to what you are prepared to commit to across these 4 values and what you are not. For me, I am not one to let people down. So here is what will make me a balanced person across my next stage of my life:
1. Family and friends
2. Health and well-being
3. Community & contribution
4. Professional life
Both 1 and 2 are going really well. I have had the best 10 months connecting with friends and family more deeply and have become an avid bike rider. 3 is in progress and I look forward to being able to contribute whatever is of value to our community more broadly.
It is 4 that has been an epiphany for me. I have come to the realisation that I miss working with a team to achieve great things. It is not so much about the "what" but it is definitely about the "who." I love working with people.
So in order to complete the balance in my life currently, I am looking for something that gives me the professional satisfaction I am now missing. Being back in a team environment, contributing and playing my part in working towards a goal would be great.
So, whilst my musings are intended to help anyone whose ebbing towards semi-retirement, it's also another means to say 'looking for work'. I'm keen to feel that vibe of being back on a team, working together towards a shared objective and am open to new conversations with people who may need a well rounded team player, who's seeking balance (but not quite there yet).
Pip can be found on linked-in - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pip-malin-67415231/
Our programs help you transition from your career into a retirement that is filled with purpose, happiness and peace of mind.
Download your FREE Retirement 2.0 ebook.