Beyond the Paycheck: How to Plan for a Happy, Active Retirement
Many find fulfillment in their work and plan to continue their careers well into their 70s and even beyond. After spending decades in the workforce, others eagerly anticipate retirement, dreaming of the day they can leave the office and the working world behind.
Retirement represents a significant transition, a milestone marking the close of one chapter and the exciting start of another. It is essential to recognize the advantages that we often take for granted or overlook, such as daily structure, routine, a sense of self-worth, and the friendships that develop along the way.
While we set goals for our careers, the businesses we run, or the companies we built from the ground up, many are unprepared for the lack of structure, the dissolution of relationships, and the new environment they will encounter after bidding farewell to their workplace.
You have financial independence—a result of careful planning. But as you close one chapter of your life and begin another, the question remains: Are you prepared for the new life that awaits you?
A tale of two retirees
“Tom” spent more than 35 years in the oil and gas industry and human resources for a large health care organization. He retired at the age of 61. Today, he is active in the community, can often be found on the golf course, and volunteers in various ways, including at a local blood bank.
Additionally, he maintains his fitness, visits family in another state, travels with his wife, and stays busy pursuing activities he enjoys.
Thoughtful financial planning, combined with an outline that guided him after leaving the workforce, has allowed Tom to enjoy retirement on his terms.
“Larry,” in contrast, spent nearly 40 years in the workforce, with about half of that time at a prominent financial services firm. He now operates an Airbnb business from his home and rents out his RV.
While he loves to travel, Larry occasionally misses his profession’s routine and his colleagues’ camaraderie. He is often surprised by the abundance of free time he has.
Emulating Tom’s success
When you were in school, did you eagerly anticipate graduation so you could enter the workforce? Some students move effortlessly from academics to full-time employment, while others struggle with the transition as they trade the classroom for the workforce.
Ask any student. If they are honest, most will concede there is an adjustment.
Today, you may be preparing for another substantial adjustment—leaping from full-time employment into the world of retirement.
For many, this shift may bring forth unexpected surprises. The lack of identity, status, daily routines, and goals can hurt self-esteem, leave you feeling directionless and even contribute to depression.
If you aren’t careful, you may find yourself transitioning from a structured environment to one of excessive freedom, resulting in too much time and not enough activities to fill your day.
Extended idle periods are not the type of freedom envisioned when dreaming of retirement.
It’s easy to fall into that trap, but here’s how you can avoid it.
Staying active, fulfilled, and engaged
Extensive evidence supports the relationship between longevity and social connections, and the importance of maintaining physical and mental activity during retirement. What specific actions will you take each day to address these needs?
When asked about retirement plans, many often respond with common answers such as “spending time with grandchildren” or “taking vacations.”
Traveling is exciting, and spending quality time with the grandkids always brings joy. However, what else is available between travel adventures and the joy of being a grandpa or grandma?
Those who flourish in retirement are engaged spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Consider setting new objectives and revisiting interests and passions that you have held for many years, even decades, but haven’t had the opportunity to nurture and transform into hobbies and activities simply due to time constraints.
Begin by creating a daily routine that incorporates time for your interests and hobbies that you enjoy, and keep your mind sharp. If you don’t exercise regularly, consult your doctor and develop a plan to stay active.
Local community centers often offer retirement planning assistance, which can also be a great way to connect with others.
Ideas to spark inspiration
Perhaps you can ease into retirement by working part-time, allowing you to stay connected with your profession while enjoying additional freedom.
Today, about 25% of retirees engage in part-time work, while 73% of pre-retirees expect to work after officially retiring, according to the Greenwald Research 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey. Retirement is an attractive option for many. Others would prefer a hybrid option: partial retirement while keeping one foot in the workforce.
Pursue activities you love or explore something new. Have you ever considered:
- Learning a new language?
- Playing a musical instrument or improving your singing abilities?
- Taking dance lessons or enhancing your photography skills?
- Have you considered art and painting?
Did you know that former President George W. Bush took art lessons about four years after leaving the White House? That’s right. The 43rd president is an artist.
Other ideas:
- Volunteer for causes that spark your interest. You might consider Volunteer Match, which helps connect volunteers with various organizations.
- Join a senior-friendly travel group to safely and enjoyably explore destinations near and far. These groups can assist with planning and provide companionship on your journeys.
We hope to equip you with inspiring ideas and practical steps to help you enjoy your retirement. Developing a comprehensive plan enhances the likelihood of a smooth transition, setting the stage for a fulfilling new chapter in your life.
