5 ways to build a successful unretirement

Many clients look for guidance to help them chart their next stage of life; combining part-time work, volunteering or mentoring, exploration, friendship, family, and fun. While most feel they are in pretty good shape financially, many are unnerved by the idea of not being busy and needing to find ways to fill up their days in fulfilling ways. Let’s call this ‘unretirement[1]’ or semiretirement – working part-time or volunteering in retirement. Among the most important aspects of unretirement are finding meaning and purpose.

Here are five great tips for thriving in unretirement.

1. Try to figure out not just what you want to retire from, but what you want to retire to.

Few people seem to do that, which causes some of them to flounder, get bored, get depressed, or just get spooked in unretirement. Spend some time thinking about what would give you pleasure in unretirement and what you need to do to make that happen.

2. To transition from full-time work to unretirement, try to be a ‘purposeful pathfinder[2]’.

A ‘purposeful pathfinder’ as described in the ‘Longevity and the New Journey of Retirement’ report is the type of retiree who is most fulfilled, most liberated, and most prepared. Purposeful pathfinders often want to volunteer and go back to school.

3. When determining when, how, and whether to retire, try the six-word idea.

List six words that best describe you and then consider how retiring might change that description. If your identity is wrapped up in your job, you may not be ready to retire quite yet. Repeat the exercise in a few months while undertaking alternate activities to help prepare yourself for a transition to unretirement.

4. To find part-time work in retirement, go local and age-friendly.

Pitch yourself to local businesses and nonprofits for an unretirement job, freelance, gig, or consulting work. You likely won’t need to go through HR bureaucracy, and you may be a strong candidate simply because you’ve been a loyal customer, client, patient, or supporter.

5. Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of looking for meaning and purpose in unretirement.

Overcoming the challenge of redefining your sense of purpose in retirement involves a deliberate shift in perspective and a journey of self-discovery. It can be a great opportunity to explore interests you shelved over the years due to work commitments. Or it can be a chance to discover new passions – like volunteering, pursuing hobbies or learning new skills.

Research has shown that finding meaning and purpose can be good for your mental and physical health. You may find this through reconnecting with old friends or bolstering relationships with your family and relatives. Or by leaving a legacy as a mentor, passing along what you’ve learned over the years. Volunteering is an excellent way of finding meaning and purpose since it lets you spend time assisting a mission that matters to you. You could even find purpose through part-time work in unretirement.

Here’s hoping these suggestions help make your unretirement a spectacular one.

marketwatch.com/story/6-ways-to-build-a-successful-retirement-3ec635b

Longevity and the New Journey of Retirement Age Wave Report