I’m 48 years old. And — long story short — I have come to several conclusions about the second act of my life:
- I don’t want to work full-time.
- I want to work less now so I can work less longer.
- I have no choice other than to move to another country, because life in America is too expensive and will only get more expensive going forward.
So, my partner and I have picked Spain. We hope to begin the visa process by the end of next year. I’ll continue to work as a self-employed writer. My partner will transition into a fresh (and exciting!) line of work she hopes to do into relative old age.
I use the term relative old age, because:
I don’t think of myself as old. That said, I am approaching 50.
I often feel like a child in a near 50-year old’s body. Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and, say, holy shit, I can’t believe I’m almost 50. Add to that the fact that I have a daughter who will turn 20 this year and it all almost feels surreal.
While I don’t consider myself old, relatively speaking I am.
Relative to my daughter. Relative to how old I was at age 30, 40 and even 45. Relative to lots of things.
I make this distinction because, on one hand, age is but a number and I don’t consider myself old. This is key to staying excited and engaged and ensuring act two of your life is full of new experiences, big plans and fun adventures.
Make no mistake, I’m thrilled to be in the position I’m in.