Contrary to popular belief, retirement is not a fixed point on a map or a finish line you cross. There are no hard rules, just guidelines, habits, and choices that shape what this chapter looks like for you. And like any meaningful transition, retirement is deeply personal.
We often hear the same two things from clients in their first year of retirement:
- “I wish I had done this sooner,” and
- “I’m so busy, when did I have time to work?”
What they are really saying is: this phase is surprising in ways they did not expect. Not because of the finances we spend years helping people plan for those, but because retirement, like early adulthood, comes in stages. It is not unlike the transition from high school to college: first there’s curiosity, then exploration, then identity-building.
We have found this framework helpful when thinking about the early years of retirement:
The “Freshman Years” of Retirement
The first few years are often filled with energy and discovery. This is the ideal time to travel, try new hobbies, and explore interests that were pushed aside during your working years. If you have ever dreamed of retiring abroad or living in a new place, these are the years to test it out, without the pressure of permanence.
Instead of committing to a big move, consider renting a home in a place that interests you. Europe is a favorite for many: renting in France, Italy, or Spain for a year often costs less than a move across state lines. With a rail pass in hand and no agenda to rush through, many retirees discover a deeper kind of travel; one where you get to know the rhythms of local life and build real memories.
Healthcare abroad is a common concern, but there are good solutions: international travel policies and direct-pay medical systems can often meet your needs. And what about the grandkids? Invite them. Gift them the trip. These moments stay with a family for generations.
Shifting Into a Slower Gear
As time passes, the appeal of constant travel may fade. We often see a natural shift into slower routines: morning walks, time in the garden, or weekly meetups. This is also when hobbies become more important. Reading, taking a class outside your comfort zone, or learning a musical instrument offers cognitive and emotional benefits that last for years.
One of the most fulfilling ways to spend this stage of life is through teaching, offering your knowledge and experience to others. Community colleges, adult education centers, and even Zoom classrooms are all great venues for sharing what you know. And if you are ambitious, consider writing a book about your life to gift to your family. They will appreciate it decades from now, especially when they approach retirement.
When Should You Retire?
That’s the most personal question of all. The “when” depends on your health, your finances, your relationships, and your curiosity. But if there is one consistent truth that we have seen, it is this: retirement works best when you treat it not as a destination, but as a transition. One that unfolds, evolves, and grows, just like you.
Kumbie Mtunga