Retirement – What’s Your Plan? by Sarah Tiffany
Retirement – the word conjures up a completely different image for each individual person. We were discussing the range of coaching that we offer at h2h– executive, group etc and when we turned our attention to the career planning aspect of our provision the topic of retirement inevitably came up. I was shocked by how varied, and predominantly negative, the associations with the word can be. As a result, I googled synonyms for retirement, and what I found was astonishing. Words like withdrawal, retreat, seclusion, pulling back, exile, and isolation topped the list. It left me wondering, is this really how we still view retirement?
For me, the idea of retirement couldn’t be further from this description. Instead of withdrawal or retreat, I hope, when I get there, to be able to see this next chapter in my life as a time of exploration, connection, and growth. I would like to be able to take advantage of multiple opportunities when I have more time and to make the most of the years I’ve worked so hard to earn. I think that we are living in an age where retirement is being redefined. People are living and working longer, advances in healthcare and improved lifestyle choices mean many of us can look forward to active and purposeful post-work lives. For those retiring in their late 60’s, the years ahead could hold over a decade of new and meaningful experiences -the (ONS) 2024 data shows that the average life expectancy in the UK is 78.5 years for men and 82.5 for women. That’s plenty of time to explore, contribute, and create. Retirement today doesn’t have to be about fading into the background—it’s about stepping into a new role in your life, one where you are in control of the narrative.
Purposeful planning
When it comes to retirement planning for the vast majority of people their first thoughts will of course turn to financial stability. After all, ensuring a steady income through pensions, investments, or savings is critical. Financial planning allows us to cover the basics—housing, healthcare, and day-to-day expenses—and creates a foundation for the kind of retirement we envision. But financial readiness is only one piece of the puzzle. How many of us are sitting down and purposefully planning just exactly what we want to do with all this time? Will you travel? Volunteer? Pursue hobbies? Spend time with family? A purposeful retirement plan goes beyond finances; it’s about designing a life you’ll wake up still excited to live.
Going from the daily commute and rhythm of a full-time job to having almost total freedom to how you structure your day will take some adjusting to and needs care and consideration. You may be thinking about:
- Community and Contribution
Volunteering, mentoring, or participating in local organizations can provide a sense of purpose and belonging. - Travel and Exploration
Whether it’s ticking off a bucket list of destinations or simply exploring your local area, travel broadens your horizons and keeps life exciting. - Learning and Growth
Retirement doesn’t mean the end of learning. It’s a chance to take up a new skill, attend workshops, or join a class. - Health and Wellness
Staying physically active and maintaining good health are key to enjoying retirement. Activities like yoga, walking, swimming, or dancing will improve both your physical and mental health. - Hobbies and Passions
Retirement offers the gift of time to focus on passions you may have put on hold during your working years. The possibilities here are endless. - Relationships and Social Connections
Investing in relationships with family and friends keeps retirement vibrant. Regular get-togethers with loved ones and meeting new people can enrich your life.
As people become more intentional about their retirement we will, I think, see a shift from viewing it as the end of something to embracing it as the beginning of something else—something extraordinary. We definitely need to be asking ourselves quite early on and well before our last day of paid employment:
- What do I want to accomplish in retirement?
- How do I want to feel each day?
- Who do I want to spend my time with?
By answering these questions and building a plan around them, you can craft a retirement that aligns with your dreams and values.In summary, I refuse to believe that retirement is about stepping back—it’s about stepping forward, or maybe sideways, into a new phase of life. With thoughtful planning and a clear vision, it can be a time of joy, connection, and fulfillment. Whenever it feels right it is definitely worth taking the time now to start to create a road map for a retirement that’s not just financially secure but also emotionally rich and meaningful.
If you would like to speak to one of expert coaches about career development, strategies to exit a business and/or retirement planning, then please contact us at enquiries@h2h.uk.com
