Category: Retire Slowly

  • Phased Retirement: Countdown to the Date

    While I’m an advocate for phased retirement – versus a sudden full stop – having a goal date and timeline is still an important motivator. Being able to count down to the date when your full-time work ends and some new type of work begins is not only motivating, it’s exciting! When I ask one of our friends, “How many…

  • Retirement: Self Worth vs. Net Worth

    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 involvement are commonly advised to…

  • Phased Retirement: “When I finally…”

    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 east from Arizona back to…

  • Phased Retirement – Unscripted Days?

    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 what you wish for!  Day…

  • Phased Retirement – Waiting for Someday

    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 was just waiting for ‘someday’…

  • Phased Retirement: Longevity

    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 today I am relaying a…