Life After Work: A Personal Story

A common question pre-retirees ask is “Who will I be when I stop working?”  Since work often provides structure, identity, and social status, individuals ask themselves if they will feel lost once their routine changes.

When I retired, a forced retirement due to a corporate take-over, I asked myself the same question.  Now who am I?  Prior to leaving work, I was a vice president employed in a successful medical firm.

Volunteering

As I searched for a new identity, I found CESO, the Canadian Executive Service Organization, now called Catalyste+.  Catalyste+ is a volunteer-driven economic organization which operates primarily by sending – often retired professionals – to provide mentorship and skills training to organizations and communities worldwide.

For over 20 years, I’ve primarily mentored Indigenous mentees as part of Nunavut’s Initiative Program.  Nunavut is the newest Canadian territory.  My mentoring has been both virtual and in-person.

The benefits of being a Catalyste+ volunteer advisor is, not only does it allow me to share my professional expertise, human resources, but also developing long-lasting relationships, playing an active part in indigenous reconciliation and experiencing other cultures and traditions first-hand.  One of my greatest joys was my mentees referring to me as an ‘Elder’, a highly respected gatekeeper of wisdom.

Teaching

During my early days of retirement, after it was suggested by friends I should teach. I contacted three community colleges.  The result was job offers from two colleges.  I’ve been teaching human resources for over thirteen years.

Teaching at a college offers the dual reward of shaping future human resource professionals and enjoying high intellectual autonomy.  It provides a stimulating environment to mentor young adults and continuous learning.

Retirement Research

Letting retirement just happen is exactly what many people do, to the detriment of themselves and their loved ones. My father, Jack, loved his job. His life happily revolved around work. Jack didn’t have hobbies or outside interests. Like many others, his mental, physical and emotional well-being was set adrift when he no longer had a job to do to.  Eighteen months later, Jack passed away.

With this remembrance, I began to research what makes for a successful retirement.  I interviewed hundreds of retirees, some successful, others unsuccessful. I came to realize the difference between thriving – succeeding – in retirement or failing was not about the money.

Successful retirees recognize that what’s needed involves careful planning across several areas including health, finances, and purpose.  I founded RA Retirement Advisors and am recognized as an expert in retirement fulfillment.  Known as Mister Retirement, I’m a popular speaker, I offer workshops and webinars and am author of six books and two workbooks.

I continue researching life after work, including conducting surveys and interviews and regularly blogs, creating learning materials aimed at helping people live their retirement.

My Facebook group, Retirement planning encourages group members to share and learn how best to prepare for life after work.

Indigenous Reconciliation

I am a founding member of an indigenous advocacy group at St. Dunstan of Canterbury Anglican Church in Scarborough, Ontario.

The group has launched an ambitious program aimed at furthering our knowledge and creating opportunities for others to learn and act. Recently we welcomed Catalyste+’s Director of Indigenous and Northern Services to share, with the congregation, her personal story as an indigenous person and provide ideas on how members of St. Dunstan can get involved in bringing positive changes in relations with indigenous people in Canada.

Personal Health & Wellbeing

As part of my strategy to being healthy, I am a member of the Port Union Recreation Centre and work out in the gym, on average, 5 times a week.  I’m part of the 6:30  am exercise group.  Not only do we provide each other with encouragement, we also share personal stories and experiences including giving tips on local bargains.

In Summary

I’ve found it’s better to look forward rather than backward and to relish the future with a spirit of adventure.  My research shows successful retirees choose the right behaviour and the right thoughts to get the right consequences.  They create the retirement they want!

When I consider my retirement, it has been a time of discovery, an opportunity to use and build talents and skills, and make new friends.  Doors have opened, my efforts have been appreciated, and best of all, I’m having fun!