Retire by Degrees

Retirement is a significant life transition that brings about many changes, including a shift in one’s identity and perception of self-worth. After dedicating decades to their career, individuals often find themselves grappling with a sense of loss and uncertainty as they navigate the uncharted waters of retirement. While financial stability, hobbies, social engagement, and community…

This mentality, from the book “Four Thousand Weeks” by Oliver Burkeman, can keep us from really living our lives.  We push happiness out into the future while we’re waiting for some other day “when I finally”…have more money, or have more time or achieve some milestone. This week my wife and I drove north and…

When I talk with people about their retirement plans, it seems this is what many of them long for. Unscripted days. No crises to deal with, no unproductive meetings to attend, and no decisions to make or issues to resolve.  Their view is that of an ‘endless weekend’ to kick back and enjoy themselves. But be careful…

My dad liked to save things. He wasn’t a hoarder or anything, but if he got a nice gift at work or home, say a nice shirt or a golf accessory, he’d put it away and save it.  While I sometimes wondered about it, I really didn’t think too much about it. I think he…

Most of my posts here are meant to illustrate some facet of approaching your retirement in a thoughtful way. Usually my theme revolves around a ‘phased approach’ to retiring, which I believe helps by easing the transition from work to retirement. Your ongoing health is obviously also a key factor in enjoying your retirement. So…

Is that how your life feels?  Just like a leaf bobbing along on a river, you’re carried by the current wherever it may take you.  One day blends into another and you move from meeting to meeting or task to task depending on your situation? You can start to live a more purposeful life by…

A recent Wall Street Journal article (1) delved into the interesting concept of why we’re so busy and what we’re each chasing that keeps us so frenetic.  According to one person’s opinion in the article, in Italy the professional class are chasing a better tan, showing where they’ve been on vacation, and portraying how much…

The percentage of retirees who return to the workforce varies depending on the specific study, but it can be significant. For example, according to a 2020 survey by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, approximately 57% of American workers expect to continue working in some capacity after they retire. Another survey conducted by the Federal…