Welcome to the 3rd Third!

Hi, my name is Curt Schacker, and I’m turning 60 in January 2021. All birthdays that end in zeros are notable, but this one in particular feels extra significant because it marks the start of the last third of my life (based on a notional 90 year lifespan according to my friend, Dave).

If the first 30 years of one’s life are about growing up, getting an education, starting a career and perhaps a family; and the second 30 are about settling into your marriage, raising children, and climbing the corporate ladder; what do we do with the last 30?

I think that question is one that many people my age have. After working hard and making a lot of sacrifices (for very good reasons), we want to know: is that all there is? Not to denigrate our accomplishments to this point, but so much of what we’ve done has been for the sake of others. That spark of individuality that all of have has been suppressed with words of “someday, someday”.

I suggest that at 60, someday has arrived. My kids are adults, I’ve most probably reached the top rung of the corporate ladder, I’m in good health, and I’m fortunate to have the means to explore and pursue what comes next.

This is a blog about my journey through the 3rd Third of my life.