Exploring life after work — real voices, real stories.

Two American perspectives on finding meaning, balance, and joy after work.

Over the past few months, our Rookie Retiree series has shared open and honest reflections from people navigating life after work — the surprises, the satisfactions and the challenges that come with this major life adjustment.

This time, we’ve taken our conversations a little further afield — all the way to the other side of the Atlantic in fact — to hear from two voices from “the other side of The Pond.”

ROOKIE RETIREE INTERVIEWS

Come and meet Leanne and Gina….

Leanne from Virginia and Gina from California offer their own flavour of American retirement: one shaped around family, and caregiving, while still finding time for themselves; the other defined by wellness, freedom, and fun. Their responses show that, whilst geography and culture may differ, the themes of identity, life balance, and meaning remain the same wherever you are.

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Meet Leanne…..

‘FROM NAVY CAPTAIN TO GRANDMA-IN-CHIEF’

1. How long have you been retired?

I retired five years ago, after a 22-year career in the U.S. Navy followed by a 19-year teaching career.  I was 63 years old. 

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2. What led you to retire when you did? Was it all part of the plan, or more of a plot twist?

I left the Navy when my oldest son started high school — I wanted my kids to stay in one place during those years, rather than moving every few years as we’d done with military life.

I hadn’t planned to retire from teaching when I did; I honestly thought I’d work forever. But both my daughters became pregnant with our first grandchildren just as COVID hit. Teaching in an elementary school meant constant exposure to germs, and I didn’t want to risk passing anything on to newborns. I also wanted to be available to help with childcare and reduce their exposure to illness. So, I stepped away — it felt like the right time for family to come first.

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3. Before you took the plunge, what did you think retirement would be like?

Everyone around me said it was time to “take it easy” — to rest and enjoy life after working so hard in both the Navy and education. But I’ve never been good at sitting still!

I pictured spending more time with my grandchildren, travelling, and finally tackling projects I’d put off for years — like digitizing our old home movies. As it turned out, I became the childcare provider for one of our daughters, so in a way I just traded one full-time role for another (this one with a lot more playtime and hugs).

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4. So, what’s retirement actually like now?

Busy — in the best way!

My husband and I have four grown children. Our oldest daughter lives nearby and now has three young children, so most weekdays I look after the middle one, who’s almost two, and her older sister whenever school is out. 

Our days are full of playing, reading, swimming, and the occasional trip to the grocery store. As the two year old gets older, I’ll take her on “field trips” to various museums and historical places like I did with her older sister.  Soon I’ll be caring for their baby brother too — so days are about to get even busier!

Despite my childcare duties, I make time for myself. I swim laps once or twice a day, nap during their nap time if needed, or work on projects around the house. My husband and I also travel regularly — to visit our other children across different states, attend car shows, and even enjoy overseas trips like a two-week tour of Morocco.

In general, retirement has been what I hoped it would be — a healthy balance of family life, time with my husband, and time for myself.

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5. What’s been the best — and the trickiest — part of retirement so far?

The best part is definitely spending time with my grandkids — watching them grow, sharing their milestones, and forming such a close bond. When our kids were little, both my husband and I worked full-time, so we missed a lot of those early moments. Being there for our grandkids now feels like a wonderful second chance. 

The challenging part is coordination — my time isn’t entirely my own because my daughter relies on me for childcare. We have to plan around each other’s schedules for appointments or holidays. Thankfully, we’re flexible and communicate well, but it does take planning!

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6. What’s surprised you the most about retiring?

That I still never seem to have enough time!

People assume retirees have endless hours to do whatever they like — but in reality life stays full. I enjoy being active and involved, so my days always fill up fast. Even without childcare there would be plenty to keep me busy.

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7. Has retirement changed the way you see yourself, your time, or your purpose?

Transitioning from a Navy Captain — a position of high authority and visibility — to teaching was a huge adjustment. I went from leading a hospital and managing large teams to being “just another teacher” starting at the bottom. But over time, I built respect, trust, and purpose again.

Now, in retirement, I’m “just Grandma,” but I’m perfectly at peace with that. The respect I get from my grandkids — their excitement when they see me — means everything. And every so often, I bump into a former student or someone from my military days who recognizes me and says thank you for my service. Those moments remind me that the different chapters of my life have all mattered.

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8. Looking back, is there anything you wish you’d done differently to prepare for retirement?

Not really — though I do wish we’d built our swimming pool earlier! We signed the contract two months after I retired, but demand for pools during COVID delayed it for three years. It would’ve been great to have had it ready from the start.

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9. Finally, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s nearing retirement?

First and foremost: make sure you can afford it. Financial security gives you freedom to actually enjoy retirement without constant worry.

Beyond that, do some introspection before retiring.  What do you have a passion for?  What have you always wanted to do that you never had time for?  What gives you joy or purpose?  Then get involved in something related to those answers.  That’s the real key to a satisfying retirement.

Meet Gina…

‘“FROM THE COURTROOM TO CALIFORNIA SUNSETS’’

1. How long have you been retired?

Seven years.

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2. What led you to retire when you did? Was it all part of the plan, or more of a plot twist?

I’d always hoped to step away from litigation after 20–30 years and move into teaching — perhaps trial advocacy, litigation skills, or some kind of practical clinical course. I also imagined doing some part-time work as a mediator or judge pro tem.

As I neared the earliest optimal retirement age with my firm — which would give me a pension and continuing health coverage — I noticed that the “civility of civil practice” was fading. That, coupled with the desire to travel and explore while I was still physically able, made it clear that the time was right.

I knew I’d need a plan: a loose schedule, new interests and hobbies, and a sense of purpose in how I spent my days. I also wanted to focus on health, wellness, and the freedom to travel more often than work had allowed.

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3. What did you imagine retirement would be like before it actually happened?

I expected to stay busy and engaged — to fill my time with meaningful activities rather than just rest.

I wanted structure, variety, and a sense that each day had purpose, even if that purpose shifted between exercise, travel, and social time.

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4. So, what does retirement really look like for you now?

After a bit of well-deserved rest and indulgent laziness, I found my rhythm. Six days a week, I have scheduled workouts — alternating water aerobics and weight-training — and I make time daily for current events, social media, and an hour of “my time.”

That might mean reading, gardening, sunbathing, getting a massage, or simply enjoying a sunset with music. I have regular social engagements — lunches, dinners, pool or beach days, and museum trips — and I’m part of a book club that meets every other month.

Staying connected with friends is a priority, so my calendar is full of calls, texts, and travel plans. Honestly, it’s pretty much exactly what I envisioned.

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5. What’s been the best part of retirement so far? And what’s been the most challenging?

The best part is simple: I do what I want, when I want, for as long as I want. No work stress before or after vacations, and the freedom to travel at my own pace.

The challenge is making sure my time feels well spent — that it contributes to my health or quality of life. It’s easy to slip into over-planning or too much TV time. I also know that, having retired early, there’s always a small worry about whether my resources will last if I’m lucky enough to live a long life.

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6. What’s surprised you the most about life after full-time work?

How quickly the time has passed! I imagined endless days, but they fly by.

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7. Has retirement changed how you see yourself or your sense of purpose?

Every so often I think, “I still have so much to offer.” I’d probably make a great teacher — but honestly, I’m having too much fun right now to interrupt my travels to find out.

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8. Looking back, is there anything you wish you’d done differently to prepare for retirement?

Not really. I feel I retired at the right time, and I’m content with how it’s unfolded.

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9. And finally, what advice would you give to someone standing on the edge of retirement?

Have a plan.

Think ahead about how you’ll fill your days — include activities that stimulate your mind, challenge you, and keep you socially connected. It makes all the difference.

FINAL THOUGHTS

From Virginia to California, Leanne and Gina’s stories show two very different but equally fulfilling approaches to retirement.

For Leanne, life is fashioned around family, routine, and helping the next generation. For Gina, it’s about freedom, health, and the joy of doing exactly what she wants, when she wants.

Both approaches underline the fact that there is no one single way to get the most out of retirement. It’s not an end, but a reinvention — a new way to live life, built on experience, self-awareness, and choice. And whether your days are filled with grandchildren or golden sunsets, what matters most is that the approach you choose suits you.

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📝 CLOSING AUTHOR NOTE

My thanks go to both Leanne and Gina for being so willing to share their stories. and for being so candid.

From caring for grandchildren in Virginia to watching sunsets in California, their approaches remind us that there is no single retirement route to follow — it’s shaped by our very own values, choices, and the moments that bring us the most joy.

If you’re reflecting on your own “life after work,” I’d love to hear from you. Your story might inspire or comfort someone else who’s taking this same journey.

💬 Email me at rookieretiree@btinternet.com or leave a comment below — I’d love to feature more voices, from near and far, in future posts.

OUT OF TIME – Unfortunately there is no time for the other features this month but I’ll catch up with your questions next time.

FUTURE BLOG CONTENTS

In March I’m inviting you to join me as I journey down The Nile.

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Links to the previous post (Part 12) is provided below:

Link to PRIOR POST

💡 Want more stories and insights on the Rookie Retirement journey?

Every chapter explores a different side of life after full-time work — from personal stories to health, ways of finding fulfillment, and travel.

👉 Browse the full series here: [Contents Page]

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Regards