Design A Life You Don't Need to Retire From

While most people retire in their 50s or 60s, Zeng Zhiying made it to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at 58 years old.

Her journey proves It’s Never Too Late to Design a Life You Don’t Need to Retire From.

At 20, Zeng Zhiying retired from professional table tennis after a rule change disrupted her game.

Fast forward 38 years, and she is now set to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics at the age of 58, representing Chile.

Zeng’s incredible story is not just about defying the odds, it’s a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the belief that you can design a life you don’t need to retire from.

In Singapore, the retirement age is 63 years old. It will go up to 64 in July 2026, and to 65 by 2030.

Many people around me left their corporate careers in their 50s for various reasons – retrenchment, health, taking care of families, or to pursue other interests.

More people are interested in an Encore Career after their corporate jobs.

An 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 is like your second act. It's about transitioning from a long, established career to something that brings joy, purpose, and fulfillment. It is usually pursued after one's primary career, often in the second half of life (40s, 50s, 60s and beyond).

See my previous post on Encore Career.

What can we learn from Zeng's remarkable journey:

1️⃣ It’s Never Too Late to Start Again

Zeng’s Olympic debut at 58 is proof that age is just a number. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, your dreams can still become a reality.

The time to start is now—don’t let the fear of starting over hold you back.

2️⃣ Design a Life You Don’t Need to Retire From:

After retiring from table tennis, Zeng reinvented herself as a successful businesswoman in Chile. But her passion for the sport was reignited during the pandemic, leading her back to the international stage.

You can create an encore career where your passion drives you forward, even in what others might consider ‘retirement’ years.

3️⃣ Don’t Let Fear or Naysayers Stop You:

Zeng faced numerous challenges, from adapting to a new country to dealing with the physical demands of high-level competition at 58. Yet she didn’t let fear or the doubts of others stop her.

Do not let fear of the unknown or the skepticism of others prevent you from pursuing your encore career.

4️⃣ Retirement Isn’t the End—It’s the NEW Beginning:

Who says you have to stop after your first career? Retirement can be the perfect time to start your encore career—one that brings you fulfillment and joy, just as table tennis did for Zeng.

Key Action Steps To Start Your Encore Career:

1. Reflect on Your True Passions:

What have you always wanted to do? Now is the time to pursue that dream and design a life that excites you.

2. Leverage Your Experience:

Your decades of experience are invaluable. Think about how your skills can be applied to a new venture or passion project.

3. Start Small, Dream Big:

You don’t need to make drastic changes overnight. Begin with small steps—take up a course, connect with new people, or explore part-time opportunities.

4. Stay Resilient:

Just like Zeng, who overcame numerous challenges, resilience will be your greatest asset as you navigate this new chapter.

Zeng Zhiying’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start anew, to pursue the dreams that still light a fire within you.

Design a life you don’t need to retire from—because the next chapter of your life could be the most exciting one yet.

Are you thinking of your Encore Career? What’s one thing you like to pursue after your corporate career?

#EncoreCareer #LifeDesign #CareerTransition #Reinvent #LinkedinTopVoices

#DesignFutureWithDane

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Hi I'm Dane Tang , a corporate leader turned Life Designer and ICF Executive Coach dedicated to helping professionals achieve success, joy, and fulfillment in work and life.

🔔 Follow me for content on Life & Work Design, Career Transition, and Mental Wellness.