Retirement can be bittersweet, a time of freedom that can lack a purpose. A milestone that was once just a concept loomed large on the horizon until the passage of time brought it to the present. The newfound freedom can be liberating; no more early morning alarm, no commute, meetings or demanding bosses or customers.
For others though, retirement can also leave some questioning their sense of purpose; the lack of daily structure, the change in status, the loss of friendships and daily interactions with people of different ages and backgrounds with shared objectives. The bad aspects of working life can be quickly forgotten while the positives linger in the memory.
Retirement is a new chapter of which you are the author. You can write your own hero’s story to find a purpose in retirement and make it the most rewarding time of your life or one that is spent playing out time.
Embrace the Transition
Retirement is a significant transition, a transition as significant as the awkward and angst-ridden steps from childhood to adulthood. In both phases both the body and mind are undergoing changes that take some adjusting to. It may be challenging to bid farewell to a successful career and watch your children develop their careers and start their own families, often at a time when your own parents are struggling with later life challenges.
Accepting this change as a natural process will allow you to maintain a sense of perspective; I have a client who described the first part of her retirement as ‘oyster time‘, a period she defined as not rushing into anything but just going with the flow to see what came along.
Rediscover Your Passions
With more time on your hands, retirement opens doors to rediscover long-forgotten passions and interests. Recall the activities that once brought you joy and fulfilment before the responsibilities of work and family took priority. I have retired clients with interests as varied as model making, magic and coastal rowing, rekindle those flames and find joy in pursuing your hobbies once again.
Or there may be new interests to discover that you never had the chance to pursue earlier in life. Take up a dance class, learn a new language, or enrol in a course, the possibilities are endless (or there are at least 101 of them), and this is the time to indulge in the things that help you find a purpose in retirement.
Volunteer and Give Back
Retirement presents a unique opportunity to contribute your skills, wisdom, and experiences to the community. Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding and offers a sense of purpose that is often unparalleled. It may be giving hours to a local charity shop or helping in the community-run pub or even, as a retired judge I know does, going to local secondary schools and talking about the impact of knife crime.
Look for local organizations or causes that resonate with you and offer your time and expertise. Whether it’s tutoring, mentoring, or assisting in a charitable initiative, making a positive impact on others’ lives will undoubtedly enrich your own.
There’s A World Out There
COVID knocked a lot of people’s confidence about travelling but it appears to be regaining popularity. The first period of retirement is a time to be more active and visit those destinations and experience the diverse cultures that working and family prevented. If you have the money, don’t skimp in the unfounded fear you will run out, treat yourself to unique experiences. If money is tighter, join the growing band of retirees who are inter-railing within their school and university-leaver counterparts.
Maybe, global travel isn’t for you, a number of my clients are finding joy in exploring parts of the UK in a campervan.
Find a Friendly Flock
We are a gregarious species, maintaining an active social life is essential for emotional well-being and finding purpose in retirement. Seek out clubs or groups that share your interests, be it a book club, hiking group, gardening club or community choir. Engaging with like-minded individuals provides a sense of camaraderie and belonging, helping to combat feelings of loneliness that can sometimes arise during retirement.
Every Day is a School Day
Retirement doesn’t mean the end of learning; in fact, it’s an opportune time to continue expanding your knowledge and skills. Enrol in classes or workshops that interest you, whether they are academic courses, art classes, or workshops on personal development. Learning keeps the mind sharp and engaged, and it opens up new avenues for personal growth.
Share Your Wisdom
After years of experience in your career and raising a family, you possess a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. The imposter syndrome inhibits us from accepting our value but what you know will be valuable to somebody. Mentoring or coaching others in your area of expertise provides that opportunity either on a paid or voluntary basis. Schools, colleges and universities welcome the chance for their students to benefit from career insights. Sharing your experiences can be incredibly gratifying, and it allows you to leave a positive impact on the next generation.
Retirement is not the end of the story but the beginning of a new chapter full of blank pages waiting for you to fill. It is easy to put off plans by filling your days with chores, the shame will be looking back with regret and opportunities not taken while you were physically or mentally able. I do hope this article has given you the inspiration to find purpose in retirement.
Photo by Crispin Jones on Unsplash
