Janet Blaser reflects on the five years since her retirement. Like many retirees, she has had ample time for contemplation. The decision to trade the bustling life of California for a more tranquil existence in Mazatlán, Mexico, has provided her with the opportunity to ponder the essentials.
At the age of 67, Janet often contemplates whether she would have made different choices with the knowledge she now possesses. Such introspection can bring forth regrets, yet it also yields valuable insights that she can incorporate into her current life.
Janet subscribes to the belief that wisdom accompanies age and experience. Despite being content in retirement, she acknowledges three actions from her 20s that she genuinely regrets—and imparts her best advice for fostering a more positive mindset as one matures.
In her younger years, finances never crossed her mind. With an Italian immigrant father, the expectation was clear: manage a household. The conventional path of marriage and motherhood seemed predetermined for women like her. Unfortunately, no one guided her on the nuances of earning, saving, or investing money. Despite the absence of financial education, she refrains from placing blame on her parents, recognizing that they did their best with the resources available to them at that time.
Contemplating the present, she wonders how her life might have unfolded had she chosen and adhered to a defined career path or prioritized saving and investing four decades ago. While she doesn’t believe an individual necessarily requires $1.2 million for a comfortable retirement, she envisions the satisfaction she would feel if she had invested a modest $1,000 at some juncture or consistently saved $50 a month over 30 years.
Though not amassing millions, it would still represent a substantial achievement.
Reflecting on her journey as a single mother, she allows herself some leniency but harbors regret over not dedicating more quality time to her three children during their formative years. The demands of managing multiple aspects—feeding, cleaning, clothing, and providing attention—often left her feeling overwhelmed. She questions whether she could have focused more on viewing her children as individuals rather than tasks that required completion.
Juggling multiple jobs in an attempt to make ends meet, she found herself fatigued, scattered, and not always in the best company. In hindsight, she recognizes that the relentless daily grind was fueled by an illusion. Despite the challenges, they had a roof over their heads, food on the table, a supportive community, and enough of what they needed. Most of the time, they were content, and her children have grown into remarkable individuals.
The lesson learned is that exemplifying a simple, happy life serves as the most powerful lesson for one’s children.
Three and a half decades ago, the counsel to “do what you love, and the money will follow” wasn’t widespread. Guidance from high school counselors or adhering to parental career trajectories were more common. For many women, marriage often seemed like the default path.
In her case, she deviated from both. Throughout her twenties, she meandered through various jobs, attempting roles she believed she could excel in. Paradoxically, she steered clear of her true talent—writing—deeming it an illegitimate means of earning a living.
Embarking on a new path at the age of 35, I enrolled in a few community college classes and secured an internship at a daily newspaper, where I found my stride. Experiencing the joy of pursuing what I loved and receiving recognition for it, there was no turning back. This revelation reinforced the notion that it is never too late to pursue one’s passion.
In extending this lesson to my children, I made a conscious effort to ensure they had the liberty to chase their dreams. Recognizing the uniqueness and value of our individual gifts, I believe that sharing them with the world not only enriches our lives but also contributes to the well-being of everyone.
Source: cnbc.com
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