Acclaimed novelists and former corporate executives Robert Gussin and Patricia Gussin, authors of the life changing and inspirational book What's Next ... for You? The Gussin Guide to Big Changes, Big Decisions, and Big Fun, were kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions about their book. They also shared their thoughts on transitioning from a traditional career to the next stage in life. The Gussins describe their ideas for taking the next step and meeting new challenges successfully and without fear.
Thanks to Robert and Patricia Gussin for their time and their wonderful and informative answers.
What was the background to writing this book What's Next ... for You? The Gussin Guide to Big Changes, Big Decisions, and Big Fun?
Robert and Patricia Gussin: Many people asked us how we changed careers from medicine and medical research to writing novels, growing grapes in New Zealand and starting a publishing company all in about five years. Someone suggested after hearing a presentation we made to describe how all this happened that we should “go on the road with this very inspirational talk.” That didn’t really appeal to us so we decided to take it on the road in a book.
Your book is about retirement. Many people fear that event. How can a person remove the fear of the transition from working life to retirement?
Robert and Patricia Gussin: People have to overcome the fear of change and open themselves up to new opportunities, some they may have been thinking about but also others that arise unexpectedly. Here’s where too much analysis allows too many reasons to say no. We abide by the philosophy of “thoughtful impulsiveness.” We don’t jump at everything without any thought, but we don’t overanalyze. You have to take a chance and try some new things. Why not? Just so you are convinced that you can live with a “worst case outcome” in a new venture. If you can, then take a chance and have some fun and see what happens. Nothing ventured, nothing gained still holds as a golden rule.
You suggest banishing the very word "retire" from our vocabulary. Why is that an important step to take?
Robert and Patricia Gussin: The word retirement has a negative connotation for many people. Not only does it infer change and uncertainty, but the word itself implies a negative mind set . That’s not surprising when you consider the terms that are synonymous with the word retirement – withdraw, isolate, secede, separate, leave, depart, go off, and many more, all not very appealing. So we prefer terms that conjure up positive feelings. – graduate, transition, shift gears. These make you feel like you are entering a new and exciting phase of life.
Robert and Patricia Gussin (both shown in photo left)
Many people are so self-identified with their jobs and careers, they feel that ending them is a defeat. You suggest turning this time into one of exploration. What do you mean by that?
Robert and Patricia Gussin: There are certainly people who will be very happy continuing on in their jobs or careers if that is feasible. Some will wish to do that only part time. But we believe that when you reach a stage of life where other pursuits are possible it helps to keep an open mind and consider totally new things. Some may be of the magnitude of a “toe in the water” and others may be a “plunge”. But don’t just write off every thought or opportunity for something new and different. As we have learned, jumping into something new catapults you into a whole new identity so completely that you don’t miss the old one. Positive thinking and taking reasonable chances can lead to some very pleasant surprises.
You suggest a concept for people that you call "practicing thoughtful impulsiveness". What is that idea about, and why is it essential to overcome procrastination and even complete inaction?
Robert and Patricia Gussin: The idea underlying “thoughtful impulsiveness” is the notion and encouragement to react positively to enticing opportunities after some thought but without the excessive consideration and over analysis that can talk you out of everything. Procrastination and “paralysis by analysis” can lead to real unhappiness as you realize that you have passed up some wonderful opportunities and are bored or unhappy with your situation. This is particularly important to someone entering retirement and giving up their job or career.
Many people feel that after their careers they have too much time on their hands. Why is it critical for a person to prioritize their activities?
Robert and Patricia Gussin: We are now living longer and healthier, but we still retire at the age that we have for the last fifty years. So why spend many vital and energetic years frustrated by lack of activity and stimulation? Many retirees would love to take on second careers or opportunities whether or not they need the income. Some people are happy with volunteer activities and these are valuable and important. Some people want to do nothing but relax and recreate. Everyone should think about what they will enjoy after their career and what will give them satisfaction and fulfillment and they should not be afraid to pursue those activities.
You made your own thoughtful, impulsive decision and purchased a vineyard in New Zealand. What challenges and opportunities did that decision open up for you?
Robert and Patricia Gussin: All we knew about wine was that we enjoy drinking it. The purchase of our two vineyards in New Zealand provided the opportunity and the stimulus to learn about grape growing and wine making. We also have a reason to return to New Zealand on a regular basis to enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the country as well as the friendliness of the wonderful people of New Zealand. Walking through our magnificent vineyards fills us with peace and serenity and pride that we have undertaken this wonderful and rewarding enterprise.
What is next for Robert and Patricia Gussin?
Robert and Patricia Gussin: We don’t know yet. Another fantastic opportunity could arise at any time. But for now, we will continue to write, build our publishing company which is helping many authors, supply our grapes for that wonderful Villa Maria wine, and volunteer at a clinic for low income seniors as well as serve on a few university and business boards.
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Robert and Patricia Gussin are the authors of What's Next ... for You? The Gussin Guide to Big Changes, Big Decisions, and Big Fun. They have each authored several novels, own two wine vineyards in New Zealand, and run Oceanview Publishing. They divide their time between New York, Florida, and New Zealand.
My book review of What's Next ... for You? The Gussin Guide to Big Changes, Big Decisions, and Big Fun by Robert and Patricia Gussin.
