As this model progresses through segues and stages, it should be clear its accuracy is reduced. Segue 6: Realization is a personal projection of that transition from the masterful engagement where compensation is received to a new stage where participation becomes primary. Some call it retirement, but that's a misnomer. It's a time to from enterprise and enter the Golden Years where gold is less of a goal.

When I retired at sixty three after a forty five year career as told in earlier stages here, my goals were vague with an exception: Avoid air travel. Value lines from my past – "Be good and have fun.", "Do what you're good at.", "Follow your bliss." – became bywords. I became a part timer, a volunteer speaker at the juvenile detention center, a substitute  ESE teacher at a middle school... and I read the books time had not allowed during my professional speaking years. Since my wife was nearing retirement, we had discussed moving from the Tampa area, but where? Our other moves had been at my behest... this time it was hers to choose.

How about you? Was there a time when your grail quest came to a financial end leaving you to wonder, "What's next?" The conventional lifestyle model leads to retirement at sixty five, but we humans can make choices.

Leading to Stage 6: Elder