Oct 13, 2026

On Retirement

I’m retired. What does that mean exactly?

For me the word used to conjure images of senior citizens in sunny climes, enjoying a round of golf, or birdwatching, or socializing midday without a care in the world. The sort of images you’ll see in well-produced television commercials for pharmaceuticals. The images are just an impression, and don’t represent me as I don’t play golf or spend much time socializing with other people my age. So what does retirement mean to me?

It starts with a question I’ve heard more than a few times since retiring: “What are you doing in retirement?” Doing is not the point of my retirement. A better question to ask me is: “What are you enjoying in retirement?”

Now I have good answers:

I’m enjoying time with my family.
I’m enjoying activities like hiking, reading, travel, photography, and cooking.

I’m enjoying the fact that my activities and hobbies are optional.

I’m enjoying taking my time with the few things that need to get done, like housework, health and finances.
I’m enjoying not having a set schedule.
I’m enjoying being idle and taking time to appreciate what’s around me, especially outdoors.
I’m enjoying not having to rush anywhere.
I’m enjoying my autonomy, and am grateful for all I’m still able to do, on most days.

I’m also enjoying doing nothing from time to time.

Hiking is great. So is pausing to appreciate the view. - Ari M. Weinstein
Hiking is great. So is pausing to appreciate the view.
Hiking is great. So is pausing to appreciate the view. - Ari M. Weinstein

What I’m not doing: Working toward a concrete goal of any kind.

When asked, I will gladly share anything I know or have experienced; it’s a way to pay forward all the great guidance I benefitted from in my careers. But I’m no longer volunteering as a career coach or mentor. I leave this important work to others, especially younger people who have years of productivity ahead of them. When I volunteer occasionally I prefer to work outside maintaining hiking trails. This too is opportunity, not a goal or a commitment.

I find it perfectly okay not to have a purpose I’m working toward. For me retirement is not a “second (or final) act” because “act” suggests taking on a new role of some kind. And while I enjoy all the activities I listed, I’m also okay with stillness. With contemplation. With gratitude.

A YouTuber I came across recently made an eloquent video about this, and she inspired me to write this piece. Check out this video by Michelle Meitler: The Retirement ‘Purpose’ Trap.

I’m grateful to Michelle, and to everyone who is celebrating retirement with no pressure to do anything in particular. ◼️