Debunked: Most Insane Myths about Life after Law!

Pursuing a career in law is akin to getting on a rollercoaster. During the ride, you’ll experience all kinds of exhilarating swirls, dips, highs, and lows. But by the end of it all, you’ll reflect back and think; hmm, that was definitely worth it.

So what happens to life after law? For most lawyers, they shun the thought of having to one day retire; perhaps to some rural seclusion where they’ll purchase a small parcel of land with the inevitable thought that someday, death will come creeping by, and casually knock on their door. This isn’t but one of the crazy thoughts that encompass retirement.

On the contrary, life after law is an adventure in itself. And here are five insane myths that will be debunked aiming to reshape your comprehension and preparation for retirement.

Most lawyers are scared of retirement because they don’t know what the future holds for them

Myth 1: The Hourglass has run out

You’re about to hit 50 or 60, and depending on your country of origin, retirement is just around the corner. It’s now time to pass the mantle over to some young, buzzing millennial; who promises to steer the law firm to greater heights. As you ponder over how much the firm will miss you, you fail to see the bigger picture.

Instead of contemplating that you’ve run out of time, you now have the opportunity to pursue the little pleasures that your law career might have hindered. For example, did you dream of painting when you were younger? Enroll in a painting class today! It’s never too late to do what you dreamt of doing, regardless of the age factor.

Myth2: You’re no longer valuable

With all the tons of experience you have under your belt, you’re a diamond in the ruff. Don’t let those dehumanizing thoughts and whispers fool you. Take a look at former U.S. President Barack Obama, who now makes a whopping $400,000 for every speech he gives to a Wall Street firm. That’s way more than the monthly salary he made as President!

So, if you still have a passion for law, you can open up a part-time consultation; where you can disseminate vital information to young lawyers looking to make a name for themselves in the industry. It’s up to you whether to charge handsomely for your services or do it for the goodwill of others.

Myth3: You can’t start a new business

In additional to the second myth, is the belief that your entrepreneurial skills went down the toilet with age. On the contrary, you’re in the best possible position to start a booming business. You’ve got capital, you’ve got experience, and you know how the world works. Hence, starting a business for you is a matter of choice, not chance. Just make sure it’s a business that you’ll love and not one that will give you sleepless nights.

Myth4: It’s Unrealistic for you to reach for the stars

It’s funny how society treats the elderly as if they are barely human. Not knowing that as a generation, they must have transcended from somewhere. It’s as if they fail to recognize that they originated from the same old people that they now look down upon. When an elderly person attempts to chase a dream in say theatre, we pity them; or worse, we shun them. ‘Let’s be realistic, you can’t do that at your age.’

Young people look down on the elderly because they feel they can no longer be active contributors to society

Thankfully, there are some idols out there who have broken this proverbial curse. Take for example the songstress Susan Boyle, who defied all the odds and perceptions of the RnB and soul genre to sell millions of albums while in her 50s! Which truly goes to show that age is nothing but a number. So, if you’ve been planning to pursue a career in arts, or whatever the so-called ‘over-the-top’ activity you wanted to do, now is the time to do it.

Myth 5: You can’t be on the same level with young people

Maybe your bones aren’t as vibrant as they used to be. However,  that shouldn’t hold you back. One thing that you’ve got to realize is that your mind is just as lethal. Perhaps you feel that despite retiring from the law firm, you still need to be an active contributor in the field of law. You can always apply for an opening position despite your age. In fact, your expertise will be highly revered and sort after, regardless of age. So, don’t be afraid to stretch it out a little longer; perhaps as a legal consultant at a newly established law firm. They will certainly need your valuable assistance!

Retirement is a great time to reflect back on the things you never got to do, and finally do them!

In parting, your age has no influence over your spirit. So live life to the fullest and never be scared to pursue your dreams. You might be old in body, but you’re still young in soul and spirit!