The Only 3 Things That Really Matter When Retiring (After Your Finances Are Sorted)

3 min read

Retirement is often portrayed as a time of slowing down and facing new challenges, but it also brings numerous benefits that many people might not realize until they experience it themselves.

According to Wes Moss, host of the ‘Retire Sooner Podcast‘, and author of ‘What the Happiest Retirees Know‘, “the unhappiest folks tend to assume that not having to go to work is the recipe for a happy retirement. In truth, the more core pursuits you can identify before retirement, the smoother the transition will be once you finally have more free time“.

Today’s retirement landscape is significantly different from that of earlier generations for several reasons. With increased life expectancy, retirees now have more time to indulge in their favourite hobbies and activities, reshaping how we view this stage of life.

Yes, financial planning is crucial, but let’s face it—retirement is more than just saving up your money. Are you prepared to map out the next phase of your life?

Here are 3 great things about retirement you should be focused on.

1) Freedom to Rediscover Yourself In Retirement

Retirement brings the wonderful chance to dive into interests and passions that you might have set aside during your career. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, acquiring a fresh skill, or even launching a small venture, you can reconnect with what truly brings you joy, free from the demands of a job.

However, as retirement coach Sarah Barry, the author of “9 Habits of Happy Retirees: Discover the Secrets to a Fulfilling Retirement” points out, “Without some form of routine, those delightful days can swiftly turn into a haze of Netflix marathons and endless scrolling. Before long, you might find yourself in a monotonous cycle. It’s not merely about staying occupied; it’s about cultivating a retirement lifestyle that transcends financial stability“.

So, it’s essential to engage in activities that genuinely fulfil you and foster a sense of purpose. What sparks your enthusiasm? What makes you feel truly alive? This is the time to embrace the opportunity to explore new experiences and venture beyond your usual boundaries, living a meaningful life and making a difference in the world.

2) Flexible Schedule

Without the daily grind of a 9-to-5 job, your time becomes entirely your own. This flexibility allows you to wake up whenever you want, travel off-peak, and plan your days based on what you feel like doing, rather than what you have to do.

So, why not make the most of your flexible schedule by improving your health? With more time on your hands, without the pressures of meeting deadlines, you can stress less and prioritize your well-being by exercising regularly and eating better.

Flexible time also means chances to spend more quality time with your family and friends, give back to the community by volunteering for causes that matter to you, explore new places, and take up new educational pursuits, such as attending lectures, or even pursuing a degree.

3) Leave a legacy

Leaving a legacy is not about achieving fame or fortune. It’s about living a meaningful life. A legacy is more than just material possessions or accomplishments; it’s about the mark we leave on the world, the values we impart, and the stories we inspire.

You can choose whether to contribute to society by sharing your wisdom passing on your knowledge and experiences to others, creating something tangible that will endure, such as a piece of art or a book or simply inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

Most of the modern retirees, however, decide this is the right time (it’s now or never!) to launch their own business.

Known as “Encore Entrepreneurs,” individuals over 55 who are self-employed or launching their own ventures are among the fastest-growing groups of new business owners. According to AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), about 15% of workers aged 45 to 74 are self-employed. This means retirees with years of experience and possibly some financial stability, finally decide to pursue a passion project, consult in their area of expertise or rewire their career path by exploring a new business or entrepreneurial venture.

It’s not about climbing the ladder or making waves according to society’s expectations anymore but rather becoming the master of our own success, in sync with our views, pace and beliefs, to finally bloom and become the one we should have always been.

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