Guitar, Entrepreneurship, Publishing, Volunteering: 'Finding a New Self' Starting in My 50s

Acquiring entirely new skills might be the key to spending your second life meaningfully.

Rather than being dragged down by the sunk costs of your past career and experience, life might be more fun if you enter a different world.

I will think about that today.

Second life is a chance for 're-learning'

'What should I do with my time after I retire?'

Once you reach your 40s or 50s and pass the halfway point of life, many people have likely asked themselves that question at least once. Your role at the company is established, your family life has settled down to some extent, and you find yourself with pockets of time when you suddenly pause.

Whether you can use that void positively will greatly influence the fulfillment of your second life.

I myself worked as a company employee until my 50s, fulfilling my life as a member of an organization. My work was fulfilling, and I was blessed with friends and colleagues. However, I chose early retirement before reaching the mandatory retirement age because I felt that if I continued as I was, I would end up only having a 'corporate life' and would be missing out on opportunities.

After retiring, I am free to do whatever I want, but honestly, it has been a series of trials and errors. I repeatedly talked to myself, realizing that now is the time to do what I want and that I have plenty of time to re-learn.

A time when you can learn with pure curiosity, without any pressure, just like in your student days. The freedom to challenge yourself with something entirely new, while using your knowledge and experience as a working professional as a foundation.

Once I realized that my second life was a second starting line—a restart—I began to change and act honestly toward myself.

The important thing is to turn the feeling of 'wanting to start something' into action, no matter how small. It doesn't matter if it's getting a qualification or a hobby. Even without a big goal, that intuition of 'I'm somewhat interested' or 'I want to try this a little' becomes the engine that drives your second life.

It's okay to just dabble in things. If it tastes good, you eat it again. If it doesn't taste good, you can just stop right there.

Being a 'three-day monk' is fine. No one is watching, after all.

Example 1: Liberating myself with guitar and singing

After retiring, I picked up a guitar. I was a complete beginner and it was difficult to even press the chords, but little by little my fingers began to move, and eventually, I was able to sing while playing. And now, I am even challenging myself to sing in front of others.

What I started not to show others, but 'to enjoy myself,' unexpectedly created connections with people and became a pillar of support for my heart. Carrying a guitar on trips with friends is a real thrill unique to my second life.

Example 2: New encounters that began with sharing information

What I started after retirement was writing on this note platform. As I compiled and shared my knowledge of finance and life planning in articles, I began to receive feedback, inquiries, and even tips from readers as support. I have now written over 600 articles.

Writing is the act of organizing one's thoughts, recording them, and sharing them with someone in words. Although this note is just a public diary of my own, I also have the feeling that it is 'useful to someone.' That gives me confidence and a sense of fulfillment.

To everyone who always reads my work, thank you!

Example 3: Establishing a company and gaining a management perspective

I started an asset management company with just the simple desire to try creating a business. The main business is managing my personal assets. Also, rather than managing client assets directly, it is a job that supports independent asset formation through advice and education.

I obtained a national Financial Planner certification, but more than that, I provide financial and asset formation consultations based primarily on my own 30 years of investment experience. (Currently, I have temporarily stopped accepting new consultations.)

Moving from a position where I accumulated knowledge as an employee to one where I use it as a 'representative' and company president. Making decisions myself, taking responsibility, and supporting someone's life. That experience has made my second life more meaningful than just work.

Example 4: Continuing to learn revitalizes life

I have also resumed studying English. I have increased the amount I read and made studying a habit.

You might wonder, 'Is there any point in studying at this age?' But I truly feel that continuing to learn new things is the best way to keep your brain and heart young. Unlike when I was a student, it is a privilege of adulthood to be able to learn the fields you like at your own pace.

I also consider how to use AI as part of my studies. Generative AI is popular, isn't it? I am using it aggressively without being afraid. I write all my notes in my own words, but I ask AI to proofread the completed blog posts or help me create chapter structures.

I create illustrations from photos, and from those illustrations, I create videos and have them speak messages. The evolution of video generation AI is tremendous, and even an amateur like me can create them easily.

When you learn new things, your brain is activated and you feel good.

Example 5: Publishing, lecturing, and volunteering -> Expanding roles

I took a step as an author by publishing an e-book from my note writings. In addition, I have been given opportunities to give lectures, and my skills in speaking in front of people are being polished.

Also, I am accelerating the educational support for the impoverished that I have been continuing since I was an employee. Delivering the knowledge gained through learning to the next generation. That is a deeply fulfilling activity where I can feel a connection to society.

Thanks to your support, my published book continues to be a bestseller, and I am receiving a fairly large amount of royalties every month. The content of the book is about the philosophy of happiness I learned from Filipinos. Since my life took a turn for the better after meeting Filipinos, I donate all of my royalties to charity in Cebu, Philippines.

Many people cite volunteering as an example of how to enrich their second life, but it seems that few people are actually taking action.

I often hear people say they don't know what to do. I think anything is fine. If you're looking for something to do, why not join me in supporting the organization I'm helping? If you contact me, I can introduce you to volunteer work you can do from Japan or volunteer work you can do by traveling to Cebu Island.

I will be in Cebu in mid-August this year. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me via the inquiry form below.

Summary: Another Life Led by 'Passion' and 'Learning'

Your second life is a precious time that you can use for yourself, according to your own will. Acquiring new skills is not just a means to an end. It is the result of a dialogue with yourself.

If you are currently wondering, 'What should I do from here on?', please try starting one new thing.

I have been involved in marketing, sales, and training at a pharmaceutical company. The new skills I used as examples today are all things I didn't have at all when I was a company employee. Whether it's guitar, writing, or studying for a certification, it doesn't matter. From there, unexpected encounters and joys will surely be born.

These 'encounters' are wonderful. Making new friends at this age adds color to your second life.

The second half of life is truly 'the time to design your own life yourself.' The first step begins with the courage to relearn!

This is my first book for which I received the title of 'author'.
Reading books is a great way to learn how to decide your own life for yourself.
If you read the book below, you will find at least one hint.

Book Title: 'The Fear of Quitting Your Job, and the Happiness After Overcoming It'

Thank you for reading.
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Published Book → https://amzn.to/4czN51O