The father of two children was beaming with pride as he told me how he could finally give them adequate financial support. Although one of his sons is now a young adult, he felt a sense of pride when he was able to give him J$100,000 to pay the insurance on his first vehicle. Recalling how his son thanked and hugged him, he said, "Right now, I feel emotional just talking about it."
For many persons over age 50, this is the time to look towards retirement, without thoughts of a drastic shift. However, this gentleman saw things differently. After decades in a corporate environment, in the same position earning a little more than minimum wage, struggling to make ends meet, he decided to take a leap of faith. He used his savings to invest in a new vehicle to serve in the construction industry.
Months into his career switch, he is inching closer to his dream of home ownership. He is saving to buy a plot of land to build on.
His story is proof that it is never too late to reinvent yourself and chase your dreams. It is easy to become complacent and accept your fate in a position or place, especially if it is a place you love.
The unknown can be scary, enough to deter you from venturing outside your comfort zone. And if you believe that youth is not on your side, you may also decide to ride it out to the end. But what about your dreams? Though the clock is ticking and it seems time is running out, it is never too late.
While the gentleman and I spoke, his cell phone rang. It was his teenage son checking up on him. He smiled from ear to ear as he hung up, adding that when school reopened in January he was able to comfortably buy his supplies. He admits to crying when he resigned his job, but his move has paid off so well, he wishes he had done it 10 years ago.
Recommended: Check out Pamela Mitchell's Mastering the Skill of Reinvention the next time you're on Audible. Happy Monday!
I am Suzette Campbell
Note: Originally published on February 7, 2022
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