I am feeling an internal conflict having my retirement mindset in a work environment. I recently posted that I took on an early retirement side hustle. Today marks the 2 week anniversary of my starting a bitchin project.  It is a small two and half month (until end of year) gig documenting some processing code for telecommunications billing.

For most people that may sound like a total snooze of a project. But it’s in my background and within my passion zone.  It is also very interesting to see and learn how the developer did their mediation code. I also get to pick up a few new skills in the process. Part of the benefits of retiring early and often is to continually learn new things while doing things of interest. This side hustle fits right in there.

My conflict

My conflict lies in the fact that I do see this as a side hustle to my early retirement. Although I am fully focused and dedicated to completing this project. I want to think of this as a short-term gig and still have my retirement number 2 status alive and well in my brain. That is where my retirement mindset and the corporate work environment are starting to collide. This situation I am having can be another example of what you can experience if you intend to retire early and take on the occasional quick side hustle.

The company I am working for as a contacted consultant is starting to make some long-term plans. They have started to invite me to meetings outside the scope of my awesome project. Not only that but they are putting my name to new projects well into next year after my current gig ends.

If I had called an end to my second retirement and came in here thinking I was starting another career or long-term engagement I suppose I would be very happy about their optimism about me. But I am nowhere near making that call. I knew coming in that there was an option in my contract to extend it if both of us agreed. Although I do love what I am doing on my little gig. I am not sure I am ready to or wanting to make another career commitment for the long-haul. Doing the other projects that they have on their plate are not as attractive to me.

I am passionate about early retirement

After all, my biggest passion that I have set aside for this short-term side hustle is my love of being an early retired leisure freak running free through the hills. I guess that is the problem, I am not ready to let that go and call the end to retirement number 2. I should say that is a problem for them, not me. I am perfectly happy returning to early retirement bliss once this gig is completed.

How I Dealt with my Retirement Mindset in a Work Environment

Time for a plan. What is really called for is just getting my head straight.

Finish what I signed on to do and don’t sweat the side noise.

First and foremost I will concentrate and focus on completing my awesome current project. In this business you are only as good as your last performance. There are short memories; especially in Corporate America where “what have you done for me lately” is the norm.  I am sure this is sound advice for anyone engaged in a side hustle where there is talk by your client outside of the task at hand for later work.

Always keep my options open.

I still have 2 months to this contract and a lot can happen in 2 months. Feelings can change on both sides of this equation. It would be best to go along for the ride and just roll with the future plans that are being discussed.  You never know how you will feel in the future so leave doors open as much as possible. I will just stay in my position of living life on my terms and see where things go.

Be totally honest.

If asked or it comes up in conversation I will just say that I have not been thinking about anything outside of delivering this project before deadline. If pressed I will say that I came in here thinking short-term and we will have to see if it is worked out for something more than that.

Final Thoughts

I think what I was feeling is they were pushing a little too hard too early.  I should feel great about their feelings about me (so far) and acceptance is a good thing. I shall stay grateful to have these opportunities. I do have a responsibility to deliver for them and I will focus on that for now. I have to think I am not alone in ever having to deal with this so if anything else I hope this can give something to think about if you are someone who takes on side hustles to your main career or in early retirement as I am.

Do you think I have the right approach to take going forward about having a retirement mindset in a work environment when they are starting to plan ahead like they are?

Or should I come up with a strategy to proactively have them cool their jets about the future with me in it?