A Positive Retirement
Retirement often gets a bad rap. It's typically portrayed as a time when people slow down, step back, and fade into the background. Well, that certainly isn't me! This negative perception is outdated and entirely out of touch with what retirement can be—a period of life brimming with opportunities, excitement, and fulfillment. As an author determined to transform this narrative, I'm driven by the vision of a world where every retiree thrives, fueled by passion and sustained by purpose. This is not just a dream; it's a reality waiting to be embraced.
There are many incorrect perceptions about this fantastic stage in life. If you are retired or about to retire and have experienced this stage firsthand, it really is our duty to dispel those long-held and mistaken ideas. For further reading, see my book "Unretire Now!"
A Vision of Thriving
My living couldn't be more rural. I recall my encounter with John at a village community event. He had recently retired from a lifetime of lawyering for others, and contrary to the stereotype, he was not idling away his days on the golf course or at the harbour. Instead, John had embraced woodworking, a long-held aspiration on hold during his working years. He proudly showed me a meticulously crafted coffee table, his eyes gleaming with accomplishment and anticipation. "Retirement is the most fulfilling role I've ever had," he shared with a smile. This is the essence of retirement—a time of freedom and self-expression. "No more meetings, no more deadlines—just me and my workshop, bringing my dreams to life."
John's story perfectly shows how retirement can be a time of profound empowerment and engagement, where passions ignite and dreams become a reality. It's not about slowing down; it's about shifting gears and finding joy in new pursuits. Empowering retirees to discover this joy and fulfillment in their next chapter is not just my work; it's my calling.
Crafting a Retirement Filled with Purpose
For many, the word 'retirement' evokes fear. It's often seen as a stage of life synonymous with a loss of purpose, a void that needs to be filled. But what if we could change that narrative? What if retirement was seen as an opportunity to reinvent oneself and discover new, exciting meanings? Envision a world where every retiree wakes up with a sense of purpose, ready to embrace the day enthusiastically. This path I'm depicting is a vibrant retirement where passion and income, purpose and pleasure, seamlessly blend. It's a time of freedom and flexibility, where you can choose how to spend your days and what to pursue.
One of my working strands was (and still is) in education. A retired teacher friend who found a new calling in her golden years had always loved gardening but never had the time to indulge. Upon retiring, Jane started a small business selling organic vegetables and herbs. Her garden became a source of income and a way to stay active and engaged with her community. "I feel more alive now than I ever did," Jane told me. "Every day is an adventure." How wonderful is that!
Of course, Jane benefited in many ways from her chosen way of life; physically from being outdoors, financially from a hobby that enhanced her pension, and mentally from daily opportunities to socialize. One of the main social aspects of her chosen way of life brough Jane into contact with me, as we frequently found ourselves discussing her seasonal harvest of organic veg and fruit and how best to create delicious recipes from her produce. More of monetizing hobbies in a future article.
Meanwhile, what are your thoughts, your passions, your dreams? And while you are dreaming, why not take advantage of this remarkable opportunity in life, and if it suits you, dream big?
Blending Passion with Income
One of the misconceptions about retirement is that it has to be financially restrictive. Why? With some creativity and deep thought, retirees can find ways to blend their passions with income. If you’ve always employed your skills and knowledge to benefit others, the time has arrived to help you as well. I know of several retirees who have taken the opportunity of time freedom to start over, benefitting from the mental activity, even if physically they are not quite as fit as in former times. And of course, the additional finance always comes in handy. After all, retirement has more hours to fill, and that often means more expense, than your former 9 to 5 day.
Always remember - this is your time. Let your imagination take flight. Think outside the box, to employ that much overused phrase, but it just might be apt here. Think as small as you wish, or be as ambitious as you will, after all, the choice is yours. This doesn't necessarily mean starting out on a totally new way of thinking or a brand new business, as it did for me, although that's a fantastic option for some. It could also mean part-time consulting, freelance work, or even turning a hobby into a small source of income, as my friend Jane did.
But if you are going to think deep, why not think big? Whatever you decide. It’s your decision and it's your time. You do whatever it is you want and that suits you. For further reading on how retirement years have been tackled in different cultures and times, read my book, “Why Retire?”
Robert, an acquaintance who was an accountant (not mine) for over 40 years but always had a passion for writing. After retiring, he wrote financial advice columns for local newspapers and websites. Not only did this provide him with a steady stream of income, but it also allowed him to continue using his expertise and stay connected to the field he loved. "Retirement isn't the end of the road," Robert said. "It's just a detour to a different path."