Retired, Semiretired, or Simply Aging - Relocation and Goldilocks Syndrome

What's becoming standard as a rite of passage for over-60 is relocating. Or fearing that eventually will be necessary. How much longer can they afford Northern New Jersey? The decision is not only being driven by money. There are the other issues of weather, health, family, and more.

Frequently the first time or even the first few times aren't a fit. Call that the Goldilocks Syndrome. 

Not that any relocation is easy. Home Bay found that 75% of those moving regretted it. And 44% cried during the process. The grass is rarely greener. The job that pays more and entails a 1,200-mile move might not be worth it. And along the way to what was supposed to be the Promised Land much can and probably will go wrong.

That ordeal can be even more of a horror for the aging.

Right now, many of the over-60 are discovering that after putting down stakes, they are yanking them back up. Unfortunately, that could be the situation multiple times. 

Maybe the cost of living isn't as low as advertised. That often is the reality when buying property. That add-on costs of home ownership or that ranch in a remote area can be a budget-breaker. At lease renewal time for a rental, the increase can be $100 monthly. Those relocating from the coasts to Sierra Vista, Arizona, were hit with that at Sierra Carmichael Apartments.

It could be difficult to make friends. Social networks might have hardened.

Climate change might be turning what was once known for moderate weather into something not that at all. For example, southwestern AZ has been having cold snaps and even snow.

Family relationships could have soured. 

It seems impossible to pick up gig assignments to supplement what's coming in monthly. 

There's the Ah-Ha Moment: This doesn't feel like home.

In my coaching clients over-50, I recommend that they consider all decisions as kinds of experiments. 

Use vacation time to try out living in that location. Get a feel for it and the surrounding area. Sure, rent an RV. 

Get into grapevines to understand how people earn their living and make ends meet after ending a career. Can you start a mini enterprise? How challenging would it be to transplant your brick-and-mortar whatever?

Attend church services and meetings of social and support groups. 

Look at both what it is to buy and to rent. Renting for the first year or two might be wise. 

Shop. How do clerks treat you with your New York or Texas accent? 

What are the medical facilities like? In Tulsa, Oklahoma, it could be challenging to get access to what will be covered by your insurance. That is what has blindsided me. I had researched carefully every factor but that. At the end of April I will be relocating. I have practiced what I preached. That is, I rented instead of purchasing a house.

Some of my coaching clients have played out the experimentation strategy. When they return they often conclude that they would be better off overall just aging-in-place. Some plan to develop additional sources of income such as renting out rooms in their house, setting up an online business selling used clothes, or even babysitting (the going rate in their metro area is $20 per hour). 

Where are you in how you make your living? Or in your job search? Intuitive career coaching offers you a new way to go about it. Take advantage of a complimentary consultation. Schedule an appointment with Jane Genova (janegenova374@gmail.com)

Genova and Associates also provides Human Resources communications, ranging from white papers to thought-leadership articles. You will differentiate yourself from the competition. Please contact janegenova374@gmail.com or text 203-468-8579.