My Next Chapter: A Retirement Journey - Perspectives on Retiring

The New York Times did a “why some seniors retire but others won’t” article earlier this summer, sparked by, oh, whether a certain 80+-year-old American political leader would try to keep his job or step aside. I didn’t find the article itself particularly compelling, but some of the reader comments offered interesting opinions about stepping away from one’s worklife.

A sampling:

“See you tomorrow - that’s what I missed when I retired. Not the routine, but the sense of belonging to a village, our shared stories and memories. I got over it and love controlling my time.”

“I equate retirement with the carefree days of adolescence without nasty hormones. I am the captain of my own wonderful ship.”

“The day I retired, I closed that computer and never looked back. I loved my job and respected and enjoyed working with my colleagues. But at age 72 . . . I was feeling a strong urge to at last, live my life freely.”

“Retirement is great, with the best part that morning coffee with no time limit. But it can be a challenge to keep yourself busy, especially balancing your physical limitations and budget. Just a heads up [to those who are not yet retired]: Get a hobby and find interests outside of work now.”

“You know how people say ‘how do you really know you’re in love, and you answer ’you just know.’ That’s how it is with retirement. How do you know you’re ready? You just know.”

“I asked [my brother] how long it took him to adjust to not having the overwhelming responsibilities of Chief of Police he once shouldered, he said…‘about as long as it took me to clear the driveway at the office. I always knew that my job was what I did…not who I was.’”

“I retired at 72 from a rewarding writing job because my funding ran out. Three years later I was going stir crazy and went to work at a very physical job at a grocery store. I am now stronger than I ever was at a desk job and I love going to work to put in my 40 hours.”

Not all comments were so positive, though. A different perspective from someone who had to retire involuntarily after a layoff: “All the lovely talk about the joys and wisdom of retirement are annoying at best–a bunch of tedious hallmark cards and essays on pickle ball or whatever. The hard work of recovering from work takes time.”

Note: NY Times articles are usually behind a paywall, but as a subscriber I can “gift” a free link. You can read “Some Seniors Readily Step Back. Some Never Will” and the comments at this link

And now, a word from generative AI

I couldn’t resist! I instructed the paid versions of a couple of AI chatabots (which means I get to use the best models): “You will role play as an experienced retiree, who after 5 years has found a way to enjoy this new phase of your life! What 5 things would you tell someone newly retired?”

Chat GPT

Embrace a New Routine: It might feel strange at first, not having a set schedule, but this is your chance to create a routine that truly suits you. Whether it’s starting your day with a leisurely breakfast, a morning walk, or a new hobby, find what makes you feel fulfilled and stick to it. Having some structure helps maintain a sense of purpose and keeps you motivated.
Explore New Interests: Retirement is the perfect time to dive into things you never had time for before. Whether it’s gardening, painting, learning a new language, or traveling to places you’ve always wanted to visit, now is the time to explore. Don’t be afraid to try something completely out of your comfort zone — you might discover a passion you never knew you had.
Stay Connected: It’s easy to feel isolated once you’re no longer in a work environment, but maintaining social connections is crucial for your well-being. Whether it’s staying in touch with old friends, joining clubs or groups, or volunteering in your community, find ways to stay engaged with others. Relationships and social activities can provide a lot of joy and fulfillment.
Take Care of Your Health: This is the time to focus on your physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and keeping your mind active are all important. Consider activities like yoga, swimming, or even just regular walks. Also, don’t neglect your mental health — meditation, puzzles, or even continuing education can keep your mind sharp.
Find Your Purpose: Retirement isn’t just about rest; it’s about finding what gives your life meaning in this new phase. Whether it’s spending time with family, contributing to your community, or working on personal goals, identify what makes you feel purposeful. Having something to look forward to each day, no matter how small, can make all the difference.

Retirement is a wonderful opportunity to redefine your life in ways that bring you happiness and contentment. Enjoy every moment — you’ve earned it!

Claude.ai

Establish a routine, but keep it flexible. Having structure helps maintain a sense of purpose, but don’t be afraid to spontaneously change plans when opportunities arise.

Stay active, both physically and mentally. Regular exercise and engaging in stimulating activities like learning a new skill or volunteering can greatly enhance your quality of life.

Nurture your relationships. Spend quality time with family and friends, and consider joining clubs or groups to meet new people with similar interests.

Manage your finances wisely. Create a budget that allows you to enjoy life while ensuring your savings last. Consider consulting a financial advisor if needed.

Embrace new experiences. Retirement is a great time to explore interests you never had time for before. Travel, take up a hobby, or dive into a passion project you’ve always dreamed about.

Remember, retirement is not the end of your journey, but the beginning of a new adventure. Enjoy this time you’ve earned!

I then asked for some less generic, more unique suggestions. Claude’s tips included:

Create a “retirement alter ego.” Develop a new persona or nickname for yourself that embodies the retiree you want to be. This can be a fun way to reinvent yourself and break free from your work identity.

Start a “reverse bucket list.” Instead of focusing solely on future goals, document your life’s accomplishments and experiences. It’s a great way to appreciate your journey and can inspire new adventures.

Become a “local tourist.” Explore your own city or region as if you were a visitor. You’d be surprised how many hidden gems and experiences are right in your backyard that you never had time to discover. [That’s actually something I’ve started doing before I read this advice.]

Adopt “slow living” practices. Try activities like slow reading (savoring every word), slow cooking, or even slow travel. This mindset helps you fully appreciate experiences rather than rushing through them.

Overall

I wasn’t too thrilled with ChatGPT’s repetitive writing style, but decent advice overall.