The motto for Island Company is
- Quit Your Job
- Buy a ticket
- Get a tan
- Fall in Love
- Never Return
I learned this as I meandered into one of the Island Company stores, referred to as a lifestyle brand of tropical travel apparel. I was greeted by a young sales associate, Casey, who invited me to sit at their bar and have a drink. A free drink is not something I could refuse, especially in a clothing store. So I sat down at their wicker bar and ordered a beer. I chatted with the Casey, a recent MBA grad who had just taken a job as a Management Intern, about the store, her new job, and about what the company was promoting. The motto was on shirts, posters, travel mugs, etc. all around me. I wasn’t so sure about the 5 sayings—after all, quitting one’s job to get away from it all is not my typical recommended approach to life. But as I read through the descriptions of those 5 bullets, and talked with Casey about them, I understood and began to accept more of the premise. And then I realized just how appropriate they are for those of us who are 50+.
Quit your Job: As Spencer Antle, the creative director and founder of Island Company writes, “It isn’t exactly about quitting your job. It’s about getting unstuck.” How fitting for people who, as has been said, are on the back nine of their careers. What are we striving toward? It’s a great question you need to ask yourself. If you love working, fantastic. Then that’s your answer. But if you’re beginning to think that you really don’t see yourself at your desk or toiling away for too much longer, then it’s the perfect time for you to think about what your life could be like without the daily grind. Get unstuck.
Buy a Ticket: Antle writes, “There are a million dreams we’ve all had, most of which will go unrealized.” Sure thing. And, he emphasizes, unless you point yourself in the direction and actually buy the ticket, you can’t get there. I’m reminded of the joke about the guy who prays to God to win the lottery. After years of doing so, God finally relents and says, "Ok, you can win the lottery. But work with me, buy a ticket!” So buy a ticket to realize your dreams.
Get a Tan: Antle means let yourself go but also take the time to find out who you are. Again, a fitting approach to thinking about our later years. When you decide to retire, it doesn’t mean you have to jump right into something to keep busy. It doesn’t mean you even have to have a plan. Take your time, get the tan that locals have, not the one the tourist has. Learn more about yourself as you let go. But don't fret about it. Don't judge yourself or the fact that you're not planning or doing anything. When you're ready, you’ll do something. Time the time to get the tan.
Fall in Love: Fall in love with who you are and the potential of your future. That’s what will allow great things to happen for your later years. Love yourself, your life, and your opportunities. Who knows what's around the corner.
Never Return: You can “Never return” even if you tried. The past is the past and you’re entering the future. Make it as wonderful as you can.
Island Company's motto is pretty good, don't you think? I think so.
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