Getting my dream job in my 60s

I haven’t written a blog in over year because I’m not a natural-born-writer and the ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts) creep in: is my blog any good? Is it interesting enough? Will people read it? Will they click on it? Is it relevant? Does anyone care, etc, etc. I could get AI to write blogs for me but that just feels wrong.  So when I have something to share that might inspire or motivate someone to go after their dreams, I’ll do the best I can – and in my own words. Having said that, I’m going to start with someone else’s words. A quote from CS Lewis: “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream”. He’s right, you know. Because I’ve just achieved a work-related goal at the age of 61.

I moved from Chiswick to Henley-on-Thames last year and when the scaffolding came down and the portable loo got taken away after 6 months of renovations, I was ready to start my new chapter. To go after my new goal. My new dream.

I wanted to work on a short project that I could fit around my coaching business. To be part of a team again. To add value to something with my skills and experience, but without being the ‘boss’.  As I wasn’t aiming for the top job, I wasn’t expecting top pay either.  That wasn’t my goal. My goal, my dream, was to work on a project that made me feel part of Henley. That immersed me in Henley life and that I might be able to do year after year.

Having identified what I wanted, I started looking at what could tick my boxes and the answer was obvious: the Henley Royal Regatta.  It’s a week-long event, it’s been going every year since 1839, and it has a YouTube channel that broadcasts all the live races and highlights.  It was the perfect job. My dream job!

I didn’t have any rowing or sporting experience to offer, but I had years of programme-making and producing experience under my belt, so I set to work.  Long story short, after a lot of research, asking around and emailing contacts of contacts of contacts, I met the inhouse producer of the Henley Royal Regatta for a coffee.

She didn’t have a job available but she wanted to launch a live, lunchtime show called The Progress Board at this year’s Regatta and knew she’d need help. Someone who'd been there, done that. Someone who could turn their hand to any challenge or problem - and find a solution. So after our chat she created a job. And at the age of 61, I was offered the opportunity to be her Broadcast Assistant, working the week of the Regatta: Monday, 29 June to Sunday 5 July, from 6.30am-5(ish).

The photo is of The Progress Board’s studio and team.  And I’m the one wearing the hat.  It looks silly to be wearing a hat in a studio but it was very warm, I was running around a lot and trust me, the sweaty-hat-head look isn’t a good one. So once the hat went on, it didn’t come off.

Age and experience were definitely my asset. The seven,10-12 hour days back-to-back were tiring but absolutely exhilarating. And although it took me a week to recover from the long days, when I was asked if I’d do it again next year, my answer was a resounding YES.

That’s the great thing about setting and achieving a goal, it feels wonderful.

If you’ve got a worklife, midlife or retirement goal - or a dream job you want to go after in your 60s - approach it with a positive, coaching mindset. Get a clear picture of what you want and then take action. In other words:

1. Figure out exactly what you want and why you want it.

2. Ask yourself if you believe you can achieve it. Because if you believe you can, and if you're willing to put in the work required, you will.

3. Find out if your goal/dream aligns with your values and what’s important to you.

4. Work out what impact it could have on finances, family life, etc.

5. Research your options. Ask questions.  Find out what’s available, who can help you, what support you need, etc.

6. Share your dream/your goal with someone. That will make it real and they will hold you accountable.

7. And then take action. If something doesn’t work, try another way. If that doesn't work. Try something else. Don’t give up. Keep going until you’ve achieved your goal, your dream.

Remember, we are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.

And if you’d like help identifying your goal/your dream, removing any obstacles that get in the way and keeping you on track, please get in touch: www.thelifecoachforyou.com