Sharlyn Lauby, Author at Unretirement Project

Help Your Employer By Taking Control of Your Retirement

November 13, 2019 by Sharlyn Lauby Leave a Comment

sign live life to discover referring to retirement

I ran across an interesting article on Workforce.com talking about “Employers’ Blind Eye for Boomers Slowly Opening to Retirement Realities”. While the article is focused on what employers can do keep older workers engaged, I think there are some takeaways for individuals planning their retirement.

One of the things that both employers and employees need to realize is that the retirement conversation doesn’t have to be “all or nothing”. And I think that’s hard. From an organizational perspective, companies often do not like to operate in shades of gray. They think that there could be a risk associated with it.

Employees don’t always want to operate in the middle either. Especially when it comes to a big lifestyle change like retirement. They want security and who can blame them. So, instead of waiting for your employer to tell you what they can offer, why not start thinking about what you can and are willing to work with. Here are a few suggestions:

Know your rights. While some employers might start dropping hints about “getting older” and “planning for retirement”, it’s important to know what your employer can and cannot do. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) ensures that older workers receive equal and fair treatment in the workplace. It protects most workers forty years of age and older from arbitrary age discrimination while on the job and it seeks to support the employment of older persons based on their ability rather than age.
Have a work stop date. Even if you decide to change it, start thinking about when you would like to 1) slow down and 2) stop working. That way you can control your plans. It’s possible the company will ask you to consider staying longer than you originally planned. Are you open to that? What conditions would make that a good decision for you? Same goes for having a slow down date. Maybe simply reducing your work schedule will be a perfect way to transition to full retirement.
Think about changing work responsibilities. If you decide to reduce your schedule, the company might rework your job responsibilities. This shouldn’t be a surprise. The organization has to get the work done. But honestly, you don’t want your job to turn into something you don’t enjoy. Think about what tasks you currently do that you love and wouldn’t want to give up, even with a reduced schedule. Also think about how you would accomplish those tasks if you didn’t go into the office every day.
Think about changing responsibilities at home. With more time at home, comes changes to our daily lifestyle. While Keith and I don’t have children, I know of several people who have retired (or semi-retired) and become babysitters for their grandkids. Some of them love it. Others were hoping for more time to do things on their bucket list. Our happiness at home is often connected to our happiness at work. If you’re thinking about creating a retirement transition plan, think about what it means for your home life.
Consider the budget. Any type of change at work and home means looking at finances. How much income do we anticipate? Can we afford to cut back financially? Are there expenses we need to re-evaluate? A successful transition to retirement includes a financial transition. It’s better to discuss lifestyle changes before you’re forced to make them. In fact, it could make sense to test drive some changes like cutting the cable cord or buying gently used clothing from PoshMarkbefore you need to so it’s not as dramatic.

The point here is that waiting until someone else brings up retirement puts you behind in the negotiations. Be prepared to discuss what you want and when you want it. That way, when an opportune moment presents itself, you can go for it. Keep in mind that you have colleagues around the same age who are trying to make plans as well. I’m not suggesting you throw a colleague under the bus, but to get a win for everyone, people need to know what they want.

Your retirement exit strategy doesn’t have to be a one-way conversation. Employers can be very supportive if they know what you want and are willing to offer.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Atlanta, GA

Make Retirement Plans For Your Social Media Accounts

November 6, 2019 by Sharlyn Lauby Leave a Comment

Disney sign end of the line social media accounts

I’m going to talk about a subject that many of us don’t like to discuss – death.

I ran across a column in The Washington Post about “Facebook memorials”. It’s an interesting read about the different options that can come up when someone with a Facebook account dies and how you can pay respects online. You might want to check it out. My biggest takeaway from the article was that I need to have an opinion about what happens to my social media accounts when I die. Here are some of the things that I’ve started thinking about that you might want to consider as well:

Should I retire some social media accounts before? Granted, because of HR Bartender and Unretirement Project, I’m out on quite a few social media networks. But will I need to maintain all of them as I get older? Probably not.

How will I know when to retire a social media account? It’s easy to say that I might not need to be out on every social media network forever. That being said, I do need to think about what the conditions are for retiring a social media account. Right now, it’s kinda willy nilly. Oh, Google+ is shutting down? Okay, I’ll close my account. That logic might not be the same with Twitter.

How should I close an account? The answer to this question might seem obvious, but I’m not so sure. Some people close accounts by contacting the organization and officially “closing the account”. Others do it by simply not using it anymore. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. If you’re wavering on whether or not to use a social media network anymore, maybe it makes some sense to not use it for a while to confirm your decision. That way if you miss the interaction, you can easily go back.

Do I want and/or need a record of the account before I close it? Many social media platforms give you the ability to download your historical record. I must admit that I’ve never really utilized this option, but could it be worth my time to download my history before closing the account.? I honestly don’t know. However, I do think it’s worth some research and a conversation. And if you do decide to get the record, what are you doing to do with it?

Who do I need to inform about my social media accounts? What I’m talking about here are logins and passwords. Chances are you’re going to change your password regularly between now and then, so you don’t want to have to notify family or friends every time you do. (And if you’re not planning to change your password, you should.) Have a place – like a password manager – where people will be able to easily find so that, in the event of your death, they can access your accounts and follow your wishes.

I’m sure I’ve only scratched the surface of the things we have to consider when it comes to social media and our passing. But it’s an important conversation. Our identities are out there and the last thing any of us want is our identity to be compromised. So, we want to be able to enjoy social media while we can and put the pieces in place for it to be handled appropriately when we’re not here anymore.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring Disneyland in Anaheim, CA

How to Deal With Ageism During Job Interviews

October 30, 2019 by Sharlyn Lauby 2 Comments

you be you sign confidence is in you ageism during interviews

I ran across this article on Harvard Business Review titled, “5 Ways to Respond to Ageism in a Job Interview”. It’s worth checking out.

It’s unfortunate but ageism exists. And there’s a real debate going on right now whether ageism is being perpetuated by organizations or individuals. Meaning, are companies really the villains when it comes to pointing out that age is a factor in employment decisions OR are individuals the victim for not keeping up with the times. Personally, I think there’s a bit of both happening in the workplace today.

Organizations need to realize that older workers bring value. Especially when businesses are really struggling to find talent. Meanwhile, job seekers and employees need to realize the world is changing. Technology is a big part of our personal and professional lives. As individuals, we need to evolve and stay current.

Back to the Harvard Business Review piece. I thought the article had some great interview tips for individuals who are trying to find a new opportunity in today’s job market. Regardless of age. Here are five from the article:

Demonstrate energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity.
Adopt a consulting mindset, meaning listen more than talk.
Express a willingness to work in a non-hierarchical organization.
Connect with the recruiter and hiring manager.
Show the ability to work with a diverse group of people.

But I have to tell you, IMHO, the author blew it big time with the suggestion to “look the part”. [Warning: Rant Ahead]

No, the author didn’t suggest that we all start wearing hoodies and Allbirds. That being said, I felt even adding comments about department store styling services, buying some modern jewelry, and getting new eyeglasses were out of place. I thought the author negated all of the useful tips they shared by saying, “It’s not enough to showcase your knowledge, skills, and abilities. You have to look like you’ll fit in.”

As a human resources professional, here’s my two-cents regarding interview attire: You should be who you are. That includes wearing what you want. Wear what makes you happy, comfortable, and productive. My only advice for individuals about their clothing is wear what fits, make sure it’s clean, and don’t offend anyone. If you want to buy some new clothes because you’re looking for a new job, go right ahead. But do it for you. Not because some company – or writer – says you need to. [Rant Over. Thanks for listening.]

I recently learned about a new term called “covering”. This is when organizations hire individuals because on the surface, they appear to bring diversity, but once the person starts, the new employee feels the need to “cover up” who they are to fit in. Take that principle to the interviewing process. If you have to cover up who you are to get a job, how happy are you really going to be once you get hired? I’m not just talking about clothes.

Looking for a new opportunity is a long and sometimes stressful process. Do your homework on the companies you’re interviewing with. Make sure you feel you can be yourself there. Because that’s where you’ll be happiest and most productive.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Denver, CO

What We Are UP To: Nostalgia Edition

October 23, 2019 by Sharlyn Lauby Leave a Comment

While I love technology and all the modern advancements we have today, there are moments when I become nostalgic. And according to this article from Scientific American, nostalgia is good for us. This October, I’ve spent more than my fair share of thinking about icons, the classics.

Watching | Downton Abbey: The Movie

> I got hooked on the BBC period drama years ago and it was a bit disappointing when the show ended. But I must admit that the movie did a great job of giving me my Downton Abbey fix. I won’t spoil the plot, but the cast did a great job of bringing back the nostalgia and magic to the big screen.

Reading | The Newspaper

> I know! Some of you might be saying, “What’s that?!” LOL! We’ve realized that it’s important to consume the news from a variety of resources. With an upcoming election, Keith and I want to be educated about the issues. So, in addition to new media sources like the internet, we’re also paying attention to those “old school” sources such as television and the newspaper.

Remembering | A “Traditional” Thanksgiving

> I ran across this article on Eater titled “Don’t Host a Traditional Thanksgiving. Skip the Turkey and Try This Instead.” It lays out the case for abandoning some traditions and introducing new ideas during the holidays. It made me think about how we’ve spent our holidays and ask the question, “Are we ready to change things up a little?” Honestly, I’m not sure. I still like parades, turkey, and football on Thanksgiving Day – nostalgia or not.

Working On | Boston

> Actually, it’s more correct for me to say that I’m working “in” Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States. I love working downtown. It allows me to walk past all the historic buildings and monuments on my way to the office. And I’m enjoying some local classic foods like stews, pot pie, lobster rolls, and Boston Cream Pie.

Feeling | Fashionable

> A couple of blogs I’ve been reading have been talking about fall fashion trends that I would consider to be classic pieces – like plaid jackets and snakeskin. Maybe it’s me, but those options have been around for years. Obviously, I missed them the first time around, so I’ve been looking for ways to incorporate those “new” trends into my “old” wardrobe.

Planning | Homeownership

> It’s hard to believe our very long and very frustrating house building project might be coming to an end. The builder is starting to talk with us about “closing activities” – yea! After years of moving, renting, storage, and temporary housing, it appears that we might be homeowners again very soon. Let’s hope we remember what that feels like. Ha!

Loving | Dr. Martens

> Founded in 1947, this UK footwear company makes some of the most iconic shoes in fashion. I’ve only recently discovered them but quickly become a fan. I never wear heels, so it’s nice to find a shoe with some personality that’s also very comfortable.

Geeking | Autumn Weather

> I must admit that autumn is my favorite time of year. I love sweaters, soup, and cool (not cold) temperatures. When we lived in South Florida, we didn’t get much in terms of fall weather. Now that we live in North Florida, we do experience cooler temperatures. It’s nice not to be making chili when it’s 90 degrees outside. Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about.

What’s UP with you? Got any holiday plans?

How to Apply Your Transferable Skills Toward An Encore Career

October 16, 2019 by Sharlyn Lauby 1 Comment

piano with ornate sign play me using transferable skills in an encore career

I recently received a note from a friend and reader of this blog about lifelong learning. They challenged me to write about “taking the skills we’ve honed to a razor’s edge during our regular career and applying them to something completely new.” I think it’s a very valid point. As we start considering an encore career, we need to be able to identify and sell the transferable job skills we’ve acquired throughout our professional lives. So, here are ten steps to show you how to do it:

Define what your skills are. I realize this sounds very basic, but you won’t be able to figure out your transferable job skills if you can’t tell the difference between a skill, knowledge or abilities. Here’s something I wrote a while ago on HR Bartender that defines each.
Analyze your current and previous jobs. What are the common skills across each? This can help you notice those skills that might be transferable to any job. Also ask yourself, are these skills still considered to be relevant. It’s possible they are but have a technology component to them now.
Review your past performance. What skills have your managers and co-workers said you do really well? And what are those areas you need to improve? The answers to these questions can offer some perspective on those skills that others positively associate with you.
Have an honest moment with yourself. Okay, we’ve talked about the skills you have and the ones you do well. Now it’s time to ask yourself, “What do I like to do?” Your encore career isn’t about doing something you don’t like. Focus on those transferable skills you enjoy.
Understand what skills are required in your encore career. Start by checking out job search sites like Indeed or professional networks such as LinkedIn. Keep track of what job postings are asking for. You can also offer to buy a cup of coffee for someone currently doing your dream encore career and pick their brain.
Match your top skills with the skills required in the job. Those common skills are the transferable ones. At this point, don’t worry about the number of skill-matches. Take time to study this list before moving on to the next step.
Then consider grouping your transferable job skills into easy to remember terms. Maybe no more than five. That way, during an interview, you can count off your identifiable skills on one hand – it will be easy to remember. For example, the five groups could be leadership, communication, problem solving, creativity and teamwork. If listening is one of your transferable skills, it can be grouped with communication. Or conflict management skills can be grouped with problem solving.
For each grouping, think of a story that demonstrates you have the skill. For instance, when I worked at the airline, I was on a project team tasked with figuring out what happened to luggage that went missing at the airport. It’s a story that shows people I can work on a team, with individuals from all over the organization.
Practice telling the story. I’m not saying memorize. You don’t need to practice for “show.” Practice the story to remember the details, which in this case are your results (i.e. your successes.) You also want to practice so you can tell the story succinctly. This can’t be a 30-minute story. It should be a couple minute story and immediately capture someone’s attention.
Be ready to tell your story. During interviews or meetings, if you don’t get asked a question that allows you to tell the stories, then wait for the often used wrap up question “Is there anything else you’d like to share?” and tell one of your stories.

This not only works during external interviews when you might be changing companies but for internal interviews, when you might be seeking a promotion or transfer. It also applies when you’re being considered for a freelancing or consulting engagement.

The bottom-line is taking the time to understand your transferable job skills helps you in the role you currently have, throughout your professional development, and for positions you want in the future like an encore career.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Portland, OR

10 Tips For Working Caregivers

October 9, 2019 by Sharlyn Lauby 2 Comments

this is what commitment looks like airport sign relating to caregivers

As we get older, one of the things we have to think about is caregiving. Not just caring for ourselves, but being caregivers to other persons. While we might initially think of caregiving as taking care of our parents or a spouse, it’s also possible that caregiving could extend to our siblings or other relatives. In fact, it’s possible that we might provide caregiving to a person who isn’t a blood relative but nonetheless a person very dear to us.

According to AARP, over 40 million people provide caregiving in some form. This translates to approximately 17% of today’s workforce. Because caregiving is such an important topic that affects a lot of people, AARP recently conducted a two-part webcast on “Tips for Working Caregivers from Working Caregivers”. It was a very interesting session that offered some things to consider. My big takeaway from the first session was to think about creating a caregiving guide. I can see where this isn’t one of those things that you should hold off until you need it.

Be prepared for the possibility of caregiving. You know your family situation. Is there a family member that might need caregiving at some point? Has there been discussions about how caregiving will happen? And who will be primarily responsible for it? All questions that are better asked and answered before the need arises.
Talk to your employer. During the AARP webcast, they said that over 56% of caregivers have to make accommodations in their work, especially when it comes to time. Talk with your manager. Let them know your needs and give them some reassurances that your performance will not suffer as a result.
Research caregiving-friendly companies. If you’re considering a job change, look for employers that offer caregiving benefits. At minimum, look for employers that are open to offering flexible schedules. Additional benefits might be available through health care insurance or the company’s employee assistance program (EAP).
Understand the legal aspects. At some point, caregiving might include being responsible for the care recipient’s financial affairs and medical directives. Make sure any required legal documents are in place and that, as a caregiver, you have the confidence of everyone around.
Set expectations with care receivers. I think this is an important one. Care receivers need to understand some of their responsibilities, like possibly wearing a monitoring device. Or if you’re a caregiver and work from home, that you aren’t there to entertain the receiver. Boundaries are important in care giving.
Use technology to your advantage. This is another aspect that applies to both caregivers as well as care receivers. Care receivers might enjoy some freedom by learning how to use apps like Facetime, where they can quickly check-in and let a caregiver know they’re okay. Or allowing an internal camera to offer some peace of mind.
Discuss finances. According to AARP, the average out of pocket expense for a caregiver is $7000/annually. While it’s possible that some community resources can provide financial assistance, there should be a discussion about how expenses will be handled.
Get some medical education. You don’t have to earn a medical degree, but you do want to know some basics like how to move people from a wheelchair to a car and vice versa. The good news is that AARP offers some videos on how to handle everyday activities in their “Home Alone” section of their website.
Be open about how you feel. Caregiving can make you feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also be an honor and very fulfilling. You’ll find that there are other individuals in the same position. Just having someone else to talk with can be a huge stress reliever.
Learn how to ask for help when you need it. And, how to accept help when others offer it. Talk with the care recipient and your support system about what you’re prepared to do (and possibly not do). And don’t ever forget to take care of yourself. In return, consider paying it forward and helping others who are going through the same thing.

Caregiving responsibilities aren’t something to be taken lightly. No one wants to be hashing out details when a loved one is sick or in desperate need of care. The best time to talk about caregiving is now.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Atlanta, GA

What We Are UP To – Trying New Things in September 2019

September 25, 2019 by Sharlyn Lauby Leave a Comment

analyze change track graphics for September 2019

Disclosure: Occasionally we receive free products for review or include advertising links in posts, but no one impacts the honesty of our opinions.

Every once in a while, I get on this kick to try new things. Keith isn’t as into this “need to change it up” exercise as I am, but he’s a good sport and occasionally admits that he enjoyed it. Here are the new things we’re trying in September.

Watching | Dead to Me

> I have a few Facebook friends watching this Netflix Original series, so I talked Keith into checking it out. It’s not something we would immediately choose for ourselves, but we’re trying new things this month, and we were immediately hooked! Just the right balance of emotions and lots of plot twists to keep it interesting. Can’t wait for Season 2!

Reading | Rare Breed

> Years ago, I met Sunny Bonnell and Ashleigh Hansberger at an event for women business owners. We’ve stayed in touch and I’m delighted to be one of the initial people to get my hands on their first book “Rare Breed” A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different”. The book includes a quiz so you can determine your “Rare Breed Virtue”. Mine is “I’m weird.” While I’ve always known that, it is a little different to be sharing that with others. LOL!

Remembering | Encore Careers

> We’ve been writing a lot on Unretirement Project about encore careers. It makes me think of my own professional journey. I’ve been a human resources professional for the majority of my career and that’s not changing but I also have this other aspect to my career in terms of HR Bartender and now, Unretirement Project. This September, it’s gratifying to think about the evolution of my career and how fortunate I’ve been.

Working On | Crochet

> For years, my hobby has been beading. But I must admit that I can only wear so much jewelry. And I find it fun to break my jewelry apart and remake it into something new. So I’m on the search for a new hobby and I saw an article about a knitting/crocheting group that makes items for adults, kids, and animals in need. This seems like a win-win. I get a hobby and others get a needed item. Now I just need to learn how to crochet…

Feeling | Relieved!

> When we moved from South to North Florida, one of the things we were hoping not to deal with anymore was hurricanes. That being said, Hurricane Dorian decided to test our hurricane prep skills early in September. The good news is that we are just fine. The bad news is we have a pile of non-perishable junk food around the house. ha.ha. Seriously, we hope everyone is safe and if you’re looking for a way to help, check out the Amazon wish list for the Bahamian Red Cross.

Planning | Road trips

> Keith and I usually plan a fall vacation, but this year, we’ve decided to do try something we haven’t done for a while. Instead of one long vacation, we’re doing a few shorter ones. Will probably stay in the state and do some road trips. It’s nice to be a tourist in your own state. The Florida Turnpike is an easy to navigate highway. It will be fun figuring out where to go and what to see.

Loving | Allbirds

> I’ve been reading all of the hype about Allbirds, the shoe that claims to be the most comfortable things you’ll ever wear on your feet. Oh, and they’re eco-friendly too. They are also pricey for shoes. Comfy shoes are important to me, so I decided to try something different from my go-to sneakers and see if they’re worth the hype. And, yes they are. Allbirds are very comfortable. I did pick up their new socks and they’re kinda meh but the shoes are super comfy.

Geeking | Apple AirPods

> I splurged the other day and purchased a pair of Apple AirPods. I’ve been worried about buying them because I didn’t want to lose them. But I finally moved past my fears in September and I’m so glad. They are wonderful. Easy to keep charged. Great reception. I’ve actually used them for a couple of podcasts and the tech producers said I sound good. I still haven’t left the house with them, but every day I get a bit more comfortable.

What’s UP with you?