About Me
Retirement? Yes, please!
Making the decision to retire was a no-brainer for me. After a very fulfilling 35 year professional career, I was no longer enjoying my work and my health and wellness were suffering. After several conversations with my husband and our financial advisor, we determined that I could retire early at 58. I was giddy with excitement. I set up a countdown calendar on my phone (yes, I did that) and looked at it every day (sometimes twice a day), just to make sure I was getting closer to the big day!
But as the months ticked down to weeks, I was struck with the realization that I had no idea what I was going to do after my last day. All I was thinking about was getting to the finish line. But then it hit me…this was not a finish line, it was a starting line and I needed to start thinking of it that way. I used to train for marathons and triathlons so I know a thing or two about training for an endurance sport. It takes preparation, and not just the physical kind. So, getting my mind around what was to come and making a plan was not a foreign concept to me, but I had not considered it for my retirement beyond financial preparation. And, given the fact that I was retiring a couple of years earlier than we planned, I knew that I owed it to my working spouse to make a plan so that I would not squander this gift I was being given.
So, I started to create a plan. In full disclosure, I didn’t know that retirement coaching was a thing so it didn’t occur to me to seek one out. But, I’m a planner by nature so I began the process of planning…and DREAMING! I got clear about my values and priorities, set goals and had many, many conversations with my husband and others close to me about the life that I wanted in this next season. I thought very big and very granular and by the time I woke up on my first day of retirement, I felt ready. I had a solid plan and I had FUN! I also made sure that I filled my days and weeks with activities that were meaningful to me and where I felt that I was still contributing something of value to the community and the world.
Designing a Life of Purpose
I’ve always been interested in the field of coaching. Having trained as a therapist and working professionally as a licensed clinical social worker, I found coaching approach to be a better fit for me personally and professionally. Meeting clients where they are and designing a partnership to help them create the life they want, based on mutual trust and purposeful action truly lights me up. As I was considering the possibility of becoming a coach, I learned that retirement coaching is an emerging specialty and I immediately knew that this was the path I wanted to take. Most of us will live 20-40 years after we stop working full-time and I find myself a bit evangelistic about the importance of preparing for how people will replace their work identity and design the meaningful life they want. I truly desire to help people navigate this exciting season of life and I would be honored to partner with you or someone you know that is preparing to retire.
Is Retirement Coaching Your Next Step in Retirement Planning?
You’ve done the work to prepare for your retirement financially but perhaps you’re anxious or uncertain about what you’ll be retiring to.
If you’re interested in exploring a coaching relationship or even a little curious about how coaching could help you plan for a spectacular retirement, I’d love to explore the possibilities with you. Retirement (or whatever you choose to call this amazing season of life) is important to plan for and YOU are worth investing in to prepare for the life you want.