Reconsidering Retirement

Culturally, around sixty-five, many of us decide it’s time to clock out for good, ready to kick back and finally enjoy life. We “retire.” But here’s what happens often—after the novelty of golf, travel, and catching up on Netflix fades, new retirees start to realize something’s off. Without that sense of purpose their jobs gave them, the joy they were expecting doesn’t always show up. There’s a void. The question then becomes, “What now?” “Is this all there is?” What do they pour themselves into? The answer might just be to turn outward—to give themselves back to the world. This doesn’t have to mean something big like starting a nonprofit. It can be as simple as volunteering at a local hospital, delivering meals to someone who needs them, or leading a community project. But it all starts with paying attention. Pay attention to the people around you—the ones you’ve greeted for years but never really seen. Notice the kids at the park, the veterans on Memorial Day, and the Uber driver with a face full of life stories. These are the moments, the connections, that can fill that gap you’re feeling. When retirees lean into this, something powerful happens. They find themselves more fulfilled, more alive, and, yes—happier. Maybe even more than they ever were when they were stuck in the daily grind. It’s about rediscovering what really makes life worth living. Perhaps we need to shift our language from “retiring” to “legacy” and reframe the purpose of this next season of life.

If you are nearing retirement or the end of your professional career, let me help you plan your next season of contribution and service.

Did Deep…Keep Going.