It Ain't Over 'til it's Over!

There is only so much room at the top and after a while, some of us realize that our aspirations for the corner office will not be met.  This realization, along with watching others (with less experience) ascend to the top are enough to cause downright depression.  But do not worry - It ain’t over ‘till it’s over!

Stay in place with enthusiasm

If your salary is decent, your healthcare is covered and for the most part you enjoy working for the company, then sit back, relax and count your blessings!  Shake off any negative thoughts about under-achievement and get back in the game!  Read trade journals; attend seminars; take a class.  Do anything and everything to remain current.  Finish strong in your profession without regard to job title or pay grade.

We all leave legacies.  Be determined to leave a legacy from which those behind you will benefit greatly.  Corporate CEO’s, successful entrepreneurs, star athletes, etc. don’t get to the top without the coaching, support, and influence of someone before them.  End your career being missed and appreciated.  Don’t be that guy “who needs to be put out to pasture.”

Leave

Too many employees allow employers to determine their worth.  Consider the fact that a different employer could use your specific talent.  Just because you’ve peaked where you are does not mean someone else, somewhere else, could not use your specific skills and talents.  Just for kicks, spruce up your resume and give job hunting a shot.  If you get an offer – you don’t have to accept it.  Sometimes all you need is to be wanted.

Plan for Retirement

If you are in the enviable position of being able to do your job with very little effort, then spend the extra mental space with retirement planning.  Be diligent with your savings; explore ways to turn a hobby into something more (while you still have a regular income).  Invest in the community by volunteering.  See the world with different eyes.  Meditate, do yoga, relax!    Be glad you no longer have to worry about failure, setbacks, lost promotions, etc.  Rejoice in being able to decelerate as you approach the exit ramp to the second, third or fourth chapter of your life!