Transforming Transitions Celebrates 1st Anniversary of Helping People Plan for Their Next Chapter

Nov. 4, 2010 - PRLog -- Transforming Transitions of Gainesville Florida is celebrating its first anniversary of helping people develop strategies for positive aging and finding purpose in life. As the “baby boomer generation” begins to approach retirement age, many people are unsure of what to do in their next chapter of life.
As a result of medical advances and living healthier lifestyles, people can expect to live 20 to 30 years longer than the traditional retirement age of 65.  Many people are continuing to work, putting off retirement, because they are healthy, capable, talented, and want to contribute as long as possible.  Carolyn Lukert, founder of Transforming Transitions, believes that it’s possible to live a fulfilling and productive life for one’s entire life, as long as there’s a plan in place.
“The concept of retirement has really taken on a whole new meaning.   For some, it’s a negative word, interpreted as a sign getting old and, quite frankly, the last step before the final transition.  For others, it’s a goal, but one that looks very different than those of their parents.  My hope – to help others realize that this time of life is an opportunity to re-engage and recharge, bringing tremendous potential for meaning and fulfillment.”
Lukert is a walking illustration of the validity and success of Transforming Transitions. Before starting her company, she was a 25 year veteran of corporate management.  As the Human Resources leader at her most recent company, she was concerned about many of the older workers making successful transitions to different jobs, different companies, and in some cases, retirement or unemployment. In her quest to find resources that would help them, she discovered that services to specifically address this situation were fragmented and difficult to find from a single source. She realized that what was really needed was someone with access to a multitude of valuable resources to guide individuals through the transition process to a safe landing place, either in a different role or another meaningful activity. That’s when she was inspired to leave her corporate management position and embark on a different career of her own as founder of Transforming Transitions.
“Today’s environment – whether we are talking about the economy, politics, foreign relations, health care reform, Social Security, Medicare, you name it – has resulted In people putting their retirement plans on long term hold, or giving up on the planning process altogether.  What I seek to do is to help individuals sort through the ‘noise’ and open their minds to the wonderful possibilities that exist during this chapter.  I provide them with the tools and guidance to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that make most sense for them.  When companies engage me to provide this service for their employees, those employees emerge from the experience with more energy, a positive outlook, and the realization that their employers truly do care about them.”
Lukert became a certified facilitator for Too Young to Retire, based on the book, Too Young to Retire, 101 Ways to Start the Rest of Your Life.  She conducts a seminar series, which examines key issues such as money, wellness, career, community service, leisure and entrepreneurship. By the end of the series, participants design a Transition Plan filled with possibilities for their next chapters. Once the workshop is complete, Lukert is available to advise clients individually to implement their new action plan.
Transforming Transitions was founded in September 2009, is based in Alachua, Florida and serves the Gainesville, Jacksonville and Ocala region. Her primary method of delivering services is through workshops, speaking engagements, and one on one appointments.  Carolyn also collaborates with company leadership to assist them with the evaluation of their practices to best engage a multi-generational workforce.  More information is available at http://www.transformingtransitions.com.

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Resources for finding purpose in life and positive aging for older workers in the retirement planning phase of life.Carolyn Lukert is a business professional who provides assistance for those making a transition into retirement or a different career.