When is it Time to Hang Up The Towel?

Dec 13, 2021

7 Questions to Determine If You Are Ready For Retirement

If you are nearing the end of your career, you have probably already heard people ask you, “When are you going to retire?”  Personally, retirement has never even crossed my mind, however, my friends and colleagues often ask me when is it going to happen.

I recently attended my junior high school reunion and found out that one third of my old classmates are retired and another third are looking forward to retiring soon.  So, this bodes the question– when is it time?

A good friend of mine who retired over 70 several years ago told me, “When you are no longer relevant, it’s time to go.” But in looking at my career at this time, I still believe I remain relevant.  I am constantly looking for ways to improve my business. I try to stay not only on topof the trends but try to ignite new ones.

Here is a helpful checklist of questions I often am asked, which may help you determine if it’s your time to retire (or not).

1.    “Do you get up in the morning and still look forward to your day?”My response is, “Absolutely!” Every day, I get up at 5:15 in the morning, start browsing through my emails, then I head to the gym where I work out for 90 minutes before I head to the office. I look forward to my morning routine and find that it helps me stay productive throughout my day.

2.    “Are you still passionate?”  Absolutely. I live and breathe commercial real estate, but more importantly I live for people. My favorite part of my job is getting to meet new people, particularly those with unique personalities and dedication to their profession.  It inspires me to keep going.

3.    “Are you still contributing?”  Yes, I am learning, teaching, practicing and empowering younger real estate agents to succeed. I am still offering clients the best service I can provide, and my experiences are still helpful in closing deals.

4.    “Do you have the physical ability to still do your job?”Yes, I start and end the day with the energy necessary to succeed.

5.    “Do you regard your career as a job?”  For me, I have never regarded my job as a job. Although it is work and keeps me challenged,  God gave me one major gift, and that is my ability to communicate. I love meeting new people and talking with old clients. Since I have never viewed my career as a job, I therefore have nothing to retire from.

6.    “Do you have mentors much older than you who are still producing?” Yes, we have a broker who is 82 years old who just closed three shopping center deals. He still is motivated and enjoys coming into the office. I consider him one of my closets mentors.

7.    “What would you do when you retire?” I would die.  Why?  Great salespeople are like racehorses. If you put them out to pasture, they will fade away.

Written by: Hans Hansson

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