Member-only story
How buying into the wrong story can harm your business, career, and life
Retirement stories are just one example of stories that can lead to adverse business and career outcomes.
We all hear stories that “everybody knows” are true. But often they turn out to be false…and that leads to bad outcomes.
For example, many (most?) people walk around with either or both of these retirement stories.
Story #1: Retirement means freedom.
You work for 10, 20, 30, or even 50 years. You experience many frustrations and make many sacrifices. Then you get to retire and do what you want.
Story #2: Labeling your story as “retirement” or “adventure” depends on age.
A couple sells all their possessions to travel around the world. They realize they can earn a good living remotely from anywhere, so they never go home.
Story #2A: They’re in their 40s: it’s a story about choosing adventure and choosing a business to give you freedom.
Story #2A: They’re over 60. They retired.
These stories are related. They assume retirement comes with age…and only with age.
