As the sun sets on your full-time career and you find yourself entering the realm of semi-retirement, a world of opportunities appears. Instead of basking in the leisurely pace of life, why not consider channelling your wealth of experience and compassion into a meaningful and fulfilling role? One avenue worth exploring is training to become a funeral or wedding celebrant.
If you’re ready to semi-retire, being a Celebrant could be for you.
I like to think of myself as semi-retired as I start 2024. Compared with the 90-hour weeks I regularly worked throughout my career, the 30 I average now is bliss. Retirement is not something I am interested in. As I enter my later 50s, I’ve got more to give in terms of experience than ever before. Semi-retirement works so well with my chosen path and gives me the flexibility to decide how busy I want to be.
Why is being an Independent Celebrant a good choice for semi-retirement?
- Life experience:
Your experience, gathered over a life-time, means you will offer your clients an instant sense of security. They need a safe pair of hands and your work and life experience to date will give them comfort and confidence. - Real flexibility:
Working for yourself means you can decide the hours you wish to dedicate to your work as a Celebrant. You may wish to balance it with another part-time profession or an interest. Several of our students are training in more than one field, wanting to expand on existing skills. - Allows you to be authentic:
When you stop chasing the money and focus on doing something you love, you truly become exceptional at it. No longer driven by the big salary or corporate desire for promotion, your motivation becomes to give. This makes you exactly what is needed as a Celebrant, because it is never about you but rather about supporting others. - Empowers you:
Saying ‘no’ takes courage and experience and you’ve got both. You’re therefore more likely to set barriers and to support your right to say ‘I’ve done enough this month.’ - A Meaningful Purpose:
At this stage in life, many of us seek a deeper sense of purpose. Becoming a funeral or wedding celebrant provides an opportunity to make a profound impact on people’s lives during some of their most significant moments. Whether helping families bid farewell to a loved one or officiating the union of two souls in love, you play a crucial role in creating meaningful and memorable experiences. - Family can be a priority:
You can choose not to work during holidays or at times when you’re supporting family or community. If you’re a grandparent, for example, you may be assisting with childcare. It’s okay to choose when you work and when you don’t. - Continuous Learning and Growth:
Embarking on the journey to become a celebrant involves ongoing learning and personal growth. From understanding diverse cultural practices to honing your public speaking skills, the training process can be intellectually stimulating and personally enriching. It’s a chance to reinvent yourself and embrace a new chapter of lifelong learning. - Contributing to Community:
Funeral and wedding celebrants often play an integral role in their communities. By offering your services, you become a pillar of support during times of grief and joy. This sense of contribution fosters a deeper connection to your community, creating a legacy of compassion and understanding. - Entrepreneurial Opportunities:
Training as a celebrant opens the door to entrepreneurial opportunities. You can choose to establish your own celebrant business, offering your services to those in your local community. This entrepreneurial aspect allows you to control your professional destiny while maintaining the level of engagement that suits your semi-retired lifestyle.
In the twilight of your career, the prospect of training as a funeral or wedding celebrant presents an inspiring opportunity to infuse your life with purpose, connection, and continuous growth. As you navigate the path of semi-retirement, consider embracing this fulfilling role that allows you to make a positive impact on others while creating a legacy of compassion and understanding.
If you’re ready to talk about starting your new career, book a conversation into Dinah’s diary and let’s start on your journey.