As part of my ongoing series, on transitioning into retirement, I’ve been exploring what this big life change looks and feels like. However, retirement isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience – and that’s what makes it both challenging and interesting.

In this new thread – ‘Other Voices‘ – I’ll be sharing the stories of fellow “rookie retirees” who’ve stepped away from full-time work and are figuring out what to do in this new phase of their lives. Whether it’s early retirement, a career pivot or a move into part-time freelancing, these are the real stories of people who are making this transition.

ROOKIE RETIREE INTERVIEWS

Exploring life after work — real voices, real stories.

Meet Nick…

‘FINDING BALANCE THROUGH FLEXIBILITY’

1. How long have you been retired?

Well, I’ve been intermittently retired for about seven years now — I first stepped back at 60, but it hasn’t been a full stop. More like a comma.

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2. What made you decide to retire when you did? Was it all part of the master plan?

Not really. It was more about needing a break. Full-time work had become too demanding, and I just knew it was time to step away. Simple as that.

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

I pictured it being wonderfully relaxing — no work stress, no daily grind. I’d have the freedom to reconnect with friends and family, and just enjoy life without that constant pressure of the next deadline.

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

I still work part-time — but it’s a whole different experience now. The stress is gone, and it feels more balanced.

That said, there are moments when I look around and wonder, “Okay… what now?” when there’s nothing urgent on the to-do list.

These days, my typical week is a blend: three days of work, four days of leisure. I spend a couple of days every fortnight out in the countryside, I play more bridge, I volunteer a bit, and I’ve reconnected with my siblings. Oh — and let’s not forget the dog, who’s a big part of the weekly rhythm too.

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

The Best? – Honestly, all of the above – the mix of activity, freedom and flexibility – has been a real highlight. The variety, the freedom, the flexibility — it’s been great.

The Most Challenging? – Making sure I’m not just frittering away time when there’s nothing urgent on the list. Having all the time in the world sounds great until you’re staring at the wall wondering what to do next!

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

I missed work. Not necessarily the stress or the schedule — but the structure, the sense of purpose, the social side of it.

Also, retirement doesn’t give you complete freedom like people imagine. Life still has responsibilities and constraints — just different ones.

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

It’s made me happier, without a doubt. I finally have the time (and headspace) to focus on things that matter — family, hobbies, just living a bit more fully. The “mental bandwidth” that used to go toward work is now free for other, better things.

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

I wish I’d taken better care of my health in my 40s and 50s. That’s when the groundwork really gets laid for a longer, healthier retirement — and I only fully realised that after stepping back from work.

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

Win the lottery! Or the football pools! 😄
But seriously — plan beyond just the financials. Think about how you’ll spend your time, and what will give you purpose when the job is no longer the centre of your day.

Meet Jon….

‘FROM RESTRUCTURE TO REINVENTION’

1. How long have you been retired?

About six months now although it still feels a little weird saying that I’m retired out loud!

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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?

Definitely more of a plot twist. After a corporate restructure, my position was ‘displaced’ and I was offered two options:

• Take a voluntary redundancy package that included early access to my pension, or
• Stay on and try to find another role within the company.

After 30 years in the same place, I saw it as a sign — a chance to secure my financial future and start the next chapter. It wasn’t exactly the way I envisioned retirement starting, but looking back, it felt like the right door to walk through.

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

Probably what most people imagine: more time for holidays, spending time with family, and diving into hobbies that had been on the back burner for too long.

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

To be honest, it came a little earlier than I had originally planned. I always pictured retiring in my mid-to-late 50s — I’m not quite there yet. I can’t officially access my full pension until 55, but technically, I’m a company pensioner!

Most weekdays still have a familiar rhythm — kind of like the working week, just more relaxed and a lot less structured. My days usually include a mix of chores, DIY projects, hobbies, staying active, and more recently, some freelance work. By 8am most days, I’ve got a pretty good idea of how the day will unfold.

My wife is still working for now, so during the day it’s just me and the dog. That was part of the reason I decided to keep busy with freelance work and make sure that I’m staying both mentally and physically active.

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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? – This sort of “phased” retirement I’ve landed in. I didn’t plan it this way, but working freelance — on my own terms — in an industry I know and enjoy has been a win. I plan to keep going with it for the foreseeable.

The Most Challenging? – Honestly, just getting my head around the idea that I’m technically retired. It’s a strange word to associate with yourself when you still feel like you’re mid-career!

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

How much I still crave structure. I mean, we grow up with routines — from school all the way through our careers — and I thought I’d be fine letting all that go. But it turns out my inner five-year-old still likes a good daily plan. That need for a routine definitely caught me off guard.

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

Not really. I still feel like the same person, just minus the full-time job. What’s interesting is how others react when they hear you’re retired or semi-retired. You get comments like “Must be nice!” or “Bet you’ve got loads of free time now!”

It also makes you notice just how much of our social conversations revolve around work. When you’re no longer in that world full-time, you can feel a little marginalised.

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

Not yet — although that could always change down the line. So far, I’m feeling good about how it’s all unfolded.

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

Everyone’s journey is different, so take the time to figure out what works for you — and for the people you care most about.

I’m not usually into self-help books, but I found ‘Die With Zero’ by Bill Perkins really thought-provoking. It’s worth a read. Also, there are some great YouTube channels where people share their retirement or early retirement experiences — both the highs and the hard stuff. That kind of real-world insight can be incredibly helpful.

Thank you to both Nick and Jon for their insights and candour.

More interviews will follow latter in this series.

Everyone’s retirement story is different – and that’s exactly the point of sharing these ‘interviews’. There’s no single ‘right’ way to handle this transition, just what’s right for you..

If you’re reflecting on your own answer to these questions I’d love to hear from you. Your story might just help someone else who is taking this same journey.

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

FUTURE BLOG CONTENTS

As promised, the next blog will look at staying mentally and physically active.

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Links to previous (Part 5) & next post (Part 7) are provided below.

Link to PRIOR POST

Link to NEXT POST

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💡 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, purpose, and travel.

👉 Browse the full series here: [Contents Page]

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Regards