Senior Spotlight: Business Planning For Workers Aged 50+

Did you know that December is National Write A Business Plan Month? The last month of the year (which is now here!) is an ideal time to strategize for the future by creating or updating your business plan. Even if you are not a business owner, the year-end still marks a milestone in career accomplishments for the last 12 months and goals for the coming ones. 

With multiple sources reporting that 1/3 of the workforce is age 50 and over, we wanted to provide some business planning insights specific to that demographic. In particular, we have been inspired by an AARP article published this fall in which Ariana Huffington shares the concept of making ‘microsteps’ in advancing one’s career while avoiding personal and professional burnout. Thus, we encourage every individual to incorporate balance into their 2022 business plans. 

Here are three perspectives to consider: 

- Compassionate Directness. This refers to “being direct about what is not working, so that it can be changed, and not just sitting on frustrations as they build up.” Older workers may be juggling caregiving responsibilities or other family transitions that could benefit from flexibility so long as the work required is complete. Does your current company value compassionate directness? Are you in a position of power to champion it? 

- Realize Age’s Advantages. Have you given yourself a reality check with regards to “how many advantages there are with the wisdom and experience of aging, and also how much is in our control in terms of our health, in terms of our prioritizing, our food choices and our movement?”. Much clarity can be derived from actively focusing on what you can control and what you value within that. Are you maximizing the benefits of your life and work experience in your current role? Have you considered mentoring someone to pass it on? 

- Prioritizing As A Way Of Life. This statement from Huffington seemed especially powerful: “Speaking as definitely an older worker — I'm 71 — I have found that prioritizing the things that make me healthiest, happiest and more productive has become a way of life. This approach — looking at what we can do to make it easier for ourselves and creating an environment that supports it — works. Because we can't depend entirely on willpower. Willpower is a limited resource. Adopting healthier habits, for me, has been a journey, and it has transformed my life.” Simply stated, are you putting your health and happiness first? 

We sincerely hope that every employee of every age has an opportunity to reflect on their career in 2021 and get excited about their professional opportunities in 2022. Business planning is an unrivaled tool in defining measurable goals and ways to achieve them – while outlining what you value in all areas of your life. 

Resource Used: How Older Workers Can Thrive Today Despite the Pandemic

If you need help creating a business plan and would like some information on available resources, please do not hesitate to reach out! 

All my best,

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com
NAR Instructor….“Designations Create Distinctions”
CIPS, SRS, ABR, CRS, SRES, GRI, CLHMS, REI, AHWD, RSPS, MSLG

Bobbi Decker & Associates fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. For more information, please visit: http://portal.hud.gov/