I don’t know about you, but I love to read. I have for as long as I can remember. Both of my parents were big readers.
In fact, my father, who was a schoolteacher, used to write book summaries on big index cards and keep them in a wooden box on his dresser. OK, a little over the top, I admit. One of my proudest days was getting my first library card at age 6.
I remember being introduced to series like Tom Swift, We Were There, and biographies of famous people. I devoured them all.
There came a time when those books stopped being satisfying, and I needed to leave the children’s section of the library for more advanced reading. The world of books and experience opened further, offering even greater exploration.
When our career has reached its end, whether by choice or not, it’s time to move forward. We must turn the page to the next chapter, the next section, the next genre to explore and experience in new ways.
Many men have trouble deciding whether it’s time to turn the page. Frankly, it’s a personal decision that must be confronted honestly. If the decision to continue working is based on financial realities, a drive to continue within your field, or some other honest reason, then the page is not yet ready to be turned.
However, if the reason is due to a lack of knowing how to fill your day, a fear of losing identity, or another self-constructed reason, then I implore you to rethink whether it’s fear or ego that holds you back. Once you decide to turn the page to the next chapter, know that new challenges, opportunities, and joy await you.
