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Over the past couple of years, you've read the stories of those who have retired from a variety of positions in life and learned how they are handling this potentially exciting phase of life.
What you may have noticed is that there is no one right way to retire. Whatever you chose to do that gives you satisfaction is the right choice for you.
Here is a brief summary of the choices made by those we have interviewed.
- A retired professor searching for someone to carry on his cancer cell research, creates hand-made puppets and writes scripts for his puppets which allows him to extol his philosophy of life and, at the same time, entertain his friends.
- A former bank officer, grandmother of two, is a go-to-volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She helps plan dream days for recent transplant recipients.
- A beautiful 95 year old Portuguese lady who raised her children, worked in a factory, and stood up for what was right for the workers, organized them, led them, and ultimately made a difference. Her advice upon retirement was, "Do what you gotta do! And ask yourself, 'Is this what you really want?'" She ended by saying, "Life is like a bowl of cherries; if you don't like one, you spit it out and try another."
- One successful corporate marketing retiree stressed how much "belief" played in his life. He believed he could succeed and he did. He now travels with his wife and friends, writes a monthly blog, plays golf, and indulges his love of history though his choice of books and his places of travel.
- Another became heavily involved with a jazz group, as president of the organization.
- One couple has chosen to have a relaxed retirement, sleeping late, reading the paper, going to the local eatery for lunch, and doing exactly what they feel like doing every day. This is after years of very satisfying careers. When asked to describe their lives in retirement, they answered, "Fulfilled."
- A life-long need to prove himself to his mother drove one man to achieve extraordinary success in life. For those who carry unrealized ambitions, needs, and dreams, retirement may be the phase of life to recognize and eliminate those things that don't allow us to enjoy those hard-earned benefits of our working years.
- An award-winning reporter/columnist, author, PR consultant, TV and radio talk show host retired from her last job, a 15-year writing career as an animal columnist for a large newspaper to continue doing what she loves--writing and editing.
- The wife of a couple interviewed volunteers at the Habitat for Humanity store and for the Soroptomist organization each week. Her husband does what he loves--designing and building southwestern furniture and custom doors. He has been blessed with an abundance of talent and an indefatigable work ethic. This perfect match is now reaping their just deserved rewards.
- A teacher with a talent, a natural kindness and understanding of others retired and now lives his passion. He plays the banjo and sings at homes for the elderly, hospitals, local establishments, even home parties. The intrinsic rewards for these gigs far outweigh the monetary ones. He has seen a man talk for the first time in 20 years as a result of following along with his singing. He brings joy to those who listen to his music.
- A former public employee that enjoys staying up later and getting up later as he fulfills his passion for singing in a barber-shop quartet with his close friends. He cherishes the camaraderie that comes from the teamwork necessary to create the music and the opportunities to travel that the music provides.
- One retiree said that for him, the greatest part of retirement is the time he has to visit senior citizens who do not have the freedom of movement that he has. He also runs his own business on his own time. He started his own independent distributorship business from his home, with close to 300 employees. His main areas of enjoyment are 1) family, 2) church, and 3) sales, all of which encompass the basis of his enjoyment: interacting with PEOPLE!!
- After running his family farm for 51 years, one retiree was not prepared for this next phase. He and his wife traveled until they were "traveled-out." It was then he fell into the perfect job--he has become the primary driver to fulfill the transportation needs of the local Amish community. He loves it!
- After leaving a wonderful but stressful job, this retiree started the interview with the comment, "Now that I'm a nobody...," a feeling prevalent among those who have worked for so many years. What is important to her now is her strong network of friends, close family ties in the area, an involvement with her church, a daily exercise routine, a fantastic up-beat spirit, and an optimistic attitude.
We would love to hear your story. Every story makes a difference. Yours may be just the one someone else needs to read.
Please send your story to gail@coachability.com or edtopar@gmail.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!!
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