Meaningful Careers in Your "Second Half"

In his inspirational book, "Half Time", former cable television executive Bob Buford explores the nature of work and career during people's forties, fifties and beyond.

His premise is, simply put, about evolving one's career focus from one of "success" to one of "significance". By "success", Buford is referring to money, status, title and power. By "significance" he is referring to influence, leverage, impact and legacy.

As I read this book, I was struck by the number of individuals I've met in the last several years who are either struggling with or embracing with gusto, the opportunity to continue to grow after "half time". Those who have found a meaningful path to pursue in their "post traditional career phase" seem to have a sense of purpose and focus surrounded by an aura of calm confidence. Though they may have struggled through their own personal "half times", they came out on the other side using both their innate and developed skills to do something that they consider to be more meaningful than closing the next deal, winning the next case, or moving in to a bigger office.

I could site many examples of individuals who have made this mid-life transition in an exemplary manner, but time and space will only permit me to review one individual's career change in depth. Jim Stein, President of Material Assistance Providers (better known around Columbus as "MAP" or "The Furniture Bank") co-owned and operated a successful transportation and logistics business for 11 years. Several years ago, after meeting his career and financial goals, he began looking for more "meaning" in his work. At the time, his lovely wife Peggy was a volunteer for MAP. He learned more about the organization from her and decided to investigate how he might use his logistical skills to help the fledgling organization.

Being the true entrepreneur, Jim found ways to help MAP that had not been previously considered. He joined the Board of Trustees and threw himself in to the mission of the organization. By providing free trailers for storage, help with transportation and warehouse and logistical advice, Jim leveraged his knowledge and skills to allow MAP to take several leaps forward it its development.

As time went on, Jim became more and more intrigued by the world of social service and not for profit management. He found new and more significant ways that his years in business could influence the growth of MAP and the quality of its service. Without even knowing it, he was slowing transitioning himself in to his "second half". Leveraging his knowledge, influencing the Board of Trustees and members of MAP's management team, creating a positive impact on the clients served, and thus creating a legacy for his efforts became the natural course of Jim's role with the organization.

Jim had many colleagues on the Board of Trustees who were also at a point in their lives and careers that had them transitioning to their own "second halves". The synergy that existed early in the development of the organization and that continues today can largely be attributed to the dynamic of having several people, each successful in their own right, who were focused on leveraging their skills for the greater good of the community.

In December 2002, during the course of his transition, Jim sold his interest in his business and began looking to create a "social enterprise". A social enterprise in a business that is in the business of creating a profit to support and or enhance the services of a not for profit. Jim continued with this strong commitment to MAP as he pursued his new entrepreneurial dream of leveraging his skills to impact the greater good of the community.

Meantime, MAP was experiencing exponential growth thanks to its dynamic and gregarious founder, Jeff Hay. Jeff found himself so engaged in community outreach and public appearances that he needed help to deal with the day to day operations of what was rapidly becoming a complex organization. Thanks to Jim's years of involvement with MAP and the fact that leading and managing a transportation and logistics concern was his expertise, it was not difficult for the Board to find the right person to step in and help MAP.

Today MAP has successfully transformed itself from a "start-up" to a community linchpin. Because Jim carefully and methodically worked his way through his half time, he has been able to help others leverage their skills and talents, exercise their influence and thereby have a meaningful impact on the community leaving behind a legacy of "turning empty houses in to homes".

As Bob Buford so eloquently states in "Half Time": "The key to a successful half is not a change of jobs; it is a change of heart, a change in the way you view the world and order your life. That might involve a completely new career or holding on to your present position." Often, he notes, it is something between the two.

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