I heard myself say “I am living on a fixed income” and almost started to laugh. This idea of living on a fixed income is often attributed to boomers retiring. But in these days and times, even the employed could be said to be living on an income fixed either by their employers resistance to giving them a raise, their inability to find better opportunities, their lack of ambition, or possibly a lack of energy to change their circumstances.
Generally speaking, it is understood to mean choosing between medicine or food, fighting off compulsive spending and learning how to coupon. These are very real choices for some. But for others, it could mean joining a food coop, doing some thrift shopping or simply reevaluating one’s spending priorities. I am suggesting there is no absolute definition.
My idea of “living on a fixed income” has little to do with sitting on the porch waiting for something to happen and more to do with going to the beach in the middle of the week when fewer people are around. Retirement, the next chapter, or the third act – whatever you want to call this life stage — is about owning one’s time to make choices that may not have been possible at an earlier stage of your life.
Any mentality that prevents you from growing is the same as living with a fixed income metaphorically. Put another way, you could be 48 years old with a good salary but over the past few 3 years you have only received cost of living raises. This is yet another understanding of a fixed income even though it does not meet the common understanding.
I was in this very situation — unhappy, unfulfilled and unappreciated. The headquarter office in Brussels did not understand my contribution or value to the North American team. My salary was to a large extent dictated by my job title which I didn’t care about. But I sure as hay was upset about not getting raises when everyone else was. After September 11th, having suddenly experienced terrorism on American soil I began to get clear that I personally wanted to have more to say about how I spent my time on earth.
Here’s how I made it work: I put aside my fears about the future, left my job, and put my trust in my ability to make a living doing something I felt passionate about. Was I afraid?Hear me loud and clear: YES I WAS. But I kept my fear at bay until I was able to jump. I learned how to do this from one of the best, Valerie Young who has created a 5 step coaching system called Profiting from your Passions. And I can help you do it for your life.
It did not happen over night. But if you are interested in a single brainstorming session that will help you clarify what you want, then send me an email so that we can discuss this. I am certain I can help you begin to think about a life outside the box you are presently in.
I am curious what size box you are in. Share in the comments above or email me directly at boomerwiz@dev.indietravelmedia.com/wizdom
Leave a Reply