Retirement. Reinvention. Encore Career. Next Chapter. The Good Life. These are just a few of the many terms that are used to describe “retirement”. The list of these terms continues to expand as more and more individuals are making their way forward in this major life transition. When I first began the process of thinking about making this major life change, the only word that came to mind was in fact, the term retirement. My energy in the beginning was firmly focused on the financial aspects of this next stage in my life and most of the research that I came across was focused on finances. To be sure, outliving your monetary resources is a state no one wants to face. However, it is only a piece of the puzzle.
I soon discovered that the emotional upheaval that I was about to experience was not discussed in any of the books that I had been reading. Observing what family members and friends were doing once they left full time work, provided little insight into what my experience would be. It never occurred to me to probe the emotional aspect of this transition until after I had retired from my full time work.
The purpose of this blog is to explore the journey I have been on, and hopefully, to learn from others about different or similar experiences in their pathways to retirement (still not certain what the best term is!). Writing through this transition has been helpful to me so anticipating and seeking an opportunity to connect with others has led me to the development of this blog.
I have always enjoyed researching any question that arises in my life, and this major life change sent me off in a number of directions trying to find information and people that I could seek out for assistance with my many questions. It quickly became obvious that the term, “retirement” was only one of many that would help me navigate the information highway as I searched for answers. It also prompted me to reflect on what I thought the best term might be. Since I am still doing short contracts as a professional person, I have landed on “semi-retired” at this point. What do you think the best term is?
Visions of Transition 
What an important topic to discuss! I appreciate your willingness to share this journey and to banish the idea that retirement automatically means easy living. I hadn’t thought of the many aspects of your life that will change, and how much you will change because of it. Bravo, Linda! I look forward to reading more!
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I have been retired 31/2 years now and have indeed been on an emotional rollercoaster at times. It is a big transition but one that I am very glad to be in. I am glad that you are doing this. When I first retired and I was asked what I was going to do I told people I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. I worked hard for 35 years so I could retire at a younger age(551/2years) and even though It has it’s challenges I feel I am “Living the Dream”
Thanks for this Linda
Candace
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