And just like that, it has been a year since I left my full-time career behind. As I completed my first year of retirement checkup, I captured some key learnings and insights to share with you.
In Learnings from the first 6 months of retirement, I shared six observations from the early months. At that point, I was still firmly in the honeymoon phase. A full year into my second life, my new normal is taking shape.
Here are my learnings and insights from year one.
Insights from my first year of retirement
Goals still matter…but they look different now
For many people, goals are something associated primarily with work. But goals are important in all areas of our lives.
Goals provide direction and keep us moving forward. While a retirement of endless relaxation may appeal to some, everyone needs something to work toward—a sense of purpose and a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
One of my biggest learnings from the first year of retirement is there’s a huge difference between career goals and retirement goals. Career goals are largely externally driven, whereas retirement goals are internally driven. For the first time in my life, the transition to retirement has given me the luxury of pursuing only goals that align with my personal values.
But I’ve found the best thing about goal setting in retirement is I’m in the driver’s seat. I get to decide the what, when, why, where and how of my goals. It’s delightful!
Daily to-dos provide a sense of accomplishment
In the absence of daily time pressure, it would be easy just to drift aimlessly from day to day, and then wonder where the time went. In my six-month observation post, I discussed the importance of structure and routine.
I have been thoroughly enjoying the more leisurely pace of life, but I also see how the absence of time pressure could lead to regrets as the days, months, and years roll by.
Every morning, I start my day by making a to-do list. The list ensures I keep moving forward on things that matter, and it’s a good reminder of what I’m getting done.
With my big goals and priorities in mind, I’ve taken steps to eliminate time wasters that don’t align with my priorities. I’ve stopped playing mindless online games (although I still indulge in my daily crosswords and word games), and have significantly reduced my social media time. Facebook, Candy Crush, and Phase 10 are not on my to do list.
Opportunities aren’t always a good fit
By far, my biggest learning from the first year of retirement has been the importance of being selective when opportunities come along.
At the beginning of this year, I took a part-time job doing curriculum development at our local community college. I wasn’t looking for a job, but when a couple of people approached me about it, and told me it was a perfect fit for me, I decided to apply.
The courses I’m working on are directly related to my area of expertise and the commitment is just a few hours a week. But, if I could have a do-over of my first year of retirement, it’s an opportunity I wouldn’t have accepted. I don’t mind the work, but it takes time away from other things I could be working on—things that align better with my goals.
I’ll see the job through to the end of the year, but the big lesson for me is I need to be choosy when opportunities come along. With that in mind, when the college asked me if I wanted to teach the course I’ve been developing, I respectfully declined.
Retirement isn’t the right word
In the months leading up to my exit from my primary career, I had a hard time with the word retirement. I still do. The root of the word retirement comes from the French word retirer, which means to retreat or withdraw. Working in the retirement business, I always found it interesting that the French word for retirement is retraite—the exact same word used to withdraw money from an account.
I still use the word retirement in my coaching work because it’s a word people recognize. But the traditional view of retirement feels outdated and is often associated with aging, decline, and the end of productive life.
At a conference I spoke at recently, I had a terrific conversation with a couple of people about the need for a new word for retirement. I’ve been calling this chapter my “reinvention”, but the idea of reinventing yourself could be intimidating to some.
With proper planning and thought, this stage of life can be an opportunity for reinvention—or you may prefer fulfillment, excitement, community-building, learning, or growth. The possibilities are endless, and you get to choose your own pace and your own priorities.
What’s not to love about that?
After a year, I’m loving my second life. My husband tells me I’m not really retired, and that’s okay. I don’t expect that to change. Stay tuned as the reinvention continues.
If you’re ready to get started on creating a plan for a smooth transition to a life of fulfillment, excitement, community-building, learning and growth, contact me to learn how I can help you.
Comments
7 responses to “What I learned in the first year of retirement”
I love your observation that there’s a “huge difference between career goals and retirement goals” I can’t believe it’s been a year already!
Thanks, Wynne. The year really has flown by. Goals are so important, and it feels great to set them without having to think about anyone else’s agenda.
Not everyone is happy in retirement, but I still love it. Before I left, I had fallen into the workaholic trap because there was always something to do. That takes a toll, physically and mentally, over time. I like being busy, but the pace is more relaxed because I’ve learned to be choosy in what I volunteer for. My retired brothers and I often say jokingly, “How did we ever find time to work?” The key for me was regaining balance in my life. Everything people told me about time seeming to go faster has been true.
That’s exactly how I feel Pete. I’m busy, but I spend my time doing things I enjoy doing. I’m still working on being choosy. That will come.
great perspective Michelle which will be helpful to new retirees. After 5 years of retirement, I’m loving it more than ever. Definitely takes time to find a balance in your commitments, and for sure learning to say no. I’d like to add three more words I’d like to change: “senior” “busy” and “old”.
Being a senior can leave the impression of being frail and needing some assistance. I love the seniors cycling group I’ve joined, but none of them are frail – there are many older stronger and faster cyclists who effortlessly climb the hills that leave me winded. I describe it as a 55-plus cycling group instead, which is actually the age criteria. Like many my age, I’ve learned and love pickleball. We play in the daytime, which means it is all retirees like me. But they are not “seniors” – they are more nimble and speedy on the courts than people half their age.
“Busy” to me is too work-y, often an over-used humble-brag medal of honour or complaint in the workplace. In retirement, saying you are ‘busy’ is a choice, and to me, nothing to brag about. You have the privilege to be in control of how you spend your time, so ” too busy” is not an excuse anymore. Yes, I want to fill my time doing interesting, challenging and satisfying activities, but that also can include reading the newspaper, going for a walk, or meeting with friends. Yes, I still use a calendar, because I have certain times during the week that I’m committed to those activities. I still need to “check my calendar” and go through my available times to book something, but that’s not busy in my view. Instead, I say I’m well occupied, choosing what i want to do, when and how much.
To me “Old” is the end state, the final destination, implying there is no further progression or growth. I’d rather say I’m older, and that means I’m continuing to learn, develop new skills, and try new experiences.
Hi Tim! It’s good to hear from you and thanks for leaving such a thoughtful comment. I definitely appreciate your perspective on words we need to rethink.
Yes! Senior does conjure up an image of frailty, and agree that so many older adults are anything but frail. My mum is 92 and could still leave many half her age in the dust.
As for busy, it depends on your perspective. I enjoy being busy but I also enjoy relaxing on the deck with a good book. It’s a choice…and the best part is, I get to make it every day!
Here’s to never growing old!
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