The Senior Discount Advantage

A few weeks ago, I officially joined the “Golden Club.”

I turned 60, and in Scotland, that comes with a rather wonderful perk: a free bus pass!

That’s right, I can now roam the length and breadth of Scotland, without spending a single penny on a bus fare.

Edinburgh? Free. Inverness? Free. Fort William? …. Free!

Now, to be honest, I didn’t rush to use it.

Something about showing my bus pass, made me hesitate for a wee while.

Plus, my loving family and friends didn’t hold back with their gentle mockery, sniggers and raised eyebrows!

But, once I actually used the pass, I realised this wasn’t a sign of aging, rather, it was a badge of wisdom.

Of earned perspective and of strategic advantage.

Throughout my career I have done my fare share of driving with company cars aplenty, even hitting some 60,000 miles a year in some of my early sales jobs.

But now, at 60 I’ve earned the right to climb aboard, to let someone else do the driving and instead enjoy the journey even more.

I’m just as happy standing at a quiet bus stop, letting the world slow down for a minute, and remembering that not every journey needs to be rushed.

The pass may be free, but there is one priceless lesson: you don’t have to drive everything.

In my coaching and leadership practice, that’s half the battle, knowing when to take the wheel, and when to sit back and let the journey unfold.

There’s also something just plain old good fun and humbling about taking the bus.

So yes, I’m 60. And if that makes me “old,” then so be it.

I’ve traded life’s hustle and bustle for clarity, swapping out acceleration for direction.

And I’ve got a pass that proves I’ve arrived and can still go anywhere I want!

Now the real question is – where to next?