I had already imagined everything in my mind. My immediate future: travel, golf, family. My five-year contract in Amsterdam was expiring and my return to Frankfurt was imminent. I was 61 years old and expected my employment contract to be terminated there. Time for retirement.
And then this: my employer asked me for a position in Saudi Arabia, in an executive role as VP Finance leading a joint venture. A three-year contract was prepared on the table ready to be signed.
I experienced my aha moment when I met with my coach and career mentor to talk about the pros and cons of the job in Saudi Arabia.
His opening question surprised me very much: ⏭️ “Bernd, how do you plan your future when you live to be the same age as your father?” ⏮️
My dad was preparing for his 90th birthday at the time. Active, devoted to life and always optimistic about the future. Over all the years after the official start of his retirement, he had retained various fields of activity. Following his interests, promoting fitness and intellect.
So the question from above was not aimed at the next three years, no, but at the next thirty years. What an extension of the envisaged time horizon. Eye-opening and inspiring.
⏭️ And so my future 60plus took its course ….
I accepted the position in Saudi Arabia and used the time there also to make further plans for the following years (and decades). Thomas Oetzmann’s life carpet concept helped me with this, as did the virtual encounters in the Leadership Netzwerk Rhein-Main auf Augenhöhe gUG around Laurin Strößenreuther.
The result is, what I call, “my book”, a reflection journal with the insights from my past, ideas for the future and the many small and large moments of happiness. It is now the basis for my “playground” of my heartfelt topics and, by the way, the basis for my topics in self-employment. Following my interests, promoting fitness and intellect.
Due to a famous German song text, the fun starts at the age of 66: „Ja, mit 66 Jahren, da hat man Spaß daran …“
➡️ Many of us are familiar with the question from job interviews about where we want to be in five years. Or have you ever been asked about the 30-year perspective? What is your planning time horizon?
My name is Bernd Scharbert and I support leaders with my experience after more than 30 years of leadership experience in the corporate world. Also on the question of how family, career and life can be reconciled. If you are interested, feel free to follow me at LinkedIn, #prepare4landing or contact me directly.
Pic above: My dad and me now, 5 years later
