What Recent Retirees Tell Us About Retiring
Here’s something surprising that we’ve noticed after many conversations with recent retirees: not a single one has told us that retirement is awful.
That’s right – not once has someone said, “I regret retiring.” Instead, we hear about long-awaited trips, cherished time with grandkids, leisurely mornings, and household projects that may or may not get finished (but no one seems too stressed about that). In short, retirement seems to be living up to the hype.
But as much as retirement is a welcome change, there are a few key insights that newer retirees have shared with me – things that go beyond the highlight reel. If you’re approaching retirement or are newly retired, you might find their wisdom helpful.
- Stay Open to Working – Just a Little
In our very unscientific (but ongoing) study of new retirees, we’ve found that about half continue working in some capacity – not because they need the money, but because they want to work. Whether it’s part-time, consulting, or a passion project, the benefits go beyond the paycheck.
Many say it gives them a renewed sense of purpose, keeps their mind sharp, and provides some structure to their week. Best of all, they’re working on their terms. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing you’re choosing to show up, not doing it because you have to.
There’s even research backing this up: remaining engaged in some form of work can improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and extend vitality well into later years.
- Beware the La-Z-Boy Trap
We’re not here to give a lecture on fitness, and this advice doesn’t come from us – it comes from retirees themselves. The La-Z-Boy (or any favorite recliner) has an uncanny ability to become a daily destination…and not always in a good way.
Having control over your schedule is one of the biggest gifts of retirement, but without a bit of structure or intention, it’s easy to find yourself spending more time in front of the TV than you intended. Several retirees have mentioned that the pull of the chair is real—and it sometimes becomes a source of tension between spouses.
So, while rest is important, so is movement. The retirees who feel most fulfilled often mix their downtime with walks, hobbies, exercise, or light routines to keep their energy up.
- Have a Plan for Your Time—Not Just Your Finances
We talk a lot about planning financially for retirement, and rightly so. But once the numbers work and the income plan is solid, there’s another important step: deciding how you actually want to spend your time.
Many new retirees recommend creating a ‘retirement bucket list’ of sorts. It doesn’t have to be filled with grand adventures; small joys count, too. Whether it’s learning to play an instrument, visiting local parks, volunteering, or tackling that honey-do list, having goals to look forward to helps create rhythm and meaning.
One of the core principles of happiness is having something to anticipate. Retirees who plan for this intentionally, before the big day, tend to experience smoother, more satisfying transitions.
Retirement Can Be Wonderful—With the Right Plan
Retirement isn’t just about leaving work behind; it’s about stepping into a new phase of life. Financial planning is a critical foundation – you need the numbers to work and the strategy to be flexible. But beyond that, the retirees I speak with consistently say that what makes retirement great isn’t just freedom from work, it’s having a sense of purpose, engagement, and daily joy.
So, if retirement is on your horizon, take this advice from those who’ve recently made the leap: plan for your finances, but also plan for your life. That way, your retirement won’t just be something you can afford, it’ll be something you love.
