I’m retired and doing a happy dance. But that just means I’m not doing things on other people’s timelines or to get paid or popular. I’ve got tons to do and it’s a wonderful adventure!
Thank you for writing this. I’m spending this year being curious what work may look like as I move into the second half of my 50s. I seem to get triggered by the word retirement - it is a word that needs redefining for me because golf, knitting and bridge parties is not where I’m heading into my 60s 🤣
Applauding your journey and writing! I’ve been outta the corporate world for 13 years this May and so I live in re-inspire-ment. Love your word for it all.
Oh my - same battle here! I quit the corporate world at 60 to follow my passion; now almost 3 years into my new creative 'rebirth' - I could not be happier; I was very clear and vocal about my new pursuits - and whenever I get asked about how retirement is going, I bristle - then hand them my new business card 🌟 - here's to re-inspire-ment! ❤️
It's strange how retirement sits differently depending on what we feel validates us. I retired at 57 after leaving an extremely toxic work environment. It felt like unfinished business, so I went back and worked one day a week for another year when I was 60, and then it suddenly clicked that I was done with working with and for other people. I left with gratitude and have settled into retirement with joy - I've earnt every bit of this new freedom and I'm relishing doing life on my own terms. I no longer care about explaining it to people who don't get it, I'm just grateful every single day - and I think it's the life I was born for. I'm glad you're finding your sweet spot now too.
Yes.... I have a friend who called it rewiring... love that one as well! I do also like re-inspire-ment! I'm there as well (well without the "corporate part")... and 62 and in Vermont :)
Yes to this! I retired from my 40-year dance career in 2022, and I bristled when people asked what I was going to do in retirement. I started an interior design business and got back to my writing. I love your word "re-inspire-ment." I recently wrote about the reinvention that so many midlife women experience. I called it Giving Birth During Menopause and talked about the "rebirthing" we do of ourselves. Thanks for this! It resonated.
I had a big smile on my face all the way through! I am with you! Super triggered by the word. I "retired" in June and was a teacher and community School Coordinator for 35 years. I loved my job, but just like you, I wanted to spend more time on my writing (and my podcast), more time with my again father, and my first grandson is now two years old. I find I am working like crazy on my writing and I am soooo happy. I am indeed giving more time to my dad, and my daughter's family, but mostly -- I am spending more time on my passions. We took a big hit financially in order for me to do this. I started a business and am hoping to be (WILL BE!) paid for my writing, speaking and podcasting, as before I did them off the side of my desk, or through my regular job with the school district.
Like you, I have struggled with the word, and really just see what I am doing as entrepreneurship. I feel like I am 40 and starting a whole new career. I am excited, until I have a couple of days with no new subscribers, and what seems like no interest in my notes, and then I wonder what the hell am I doing??
I have to give it a go, though. I have put off my "re-inspire-ment" long enough!
If you were 29 and left a job as a teacher to pursue the exact same path, you'd be an entrepreneur, full stop. But at some point, ageism kicks in. No wonder we resist. We SHOULD resist! Here's to your re-inspired life!
I’m retired and doing a happy dance. But that just means I’m not doing things on other people’s timelines or to get paid or popular. I’ve got tons to do and it’s a wonderful adventure!
Keep dancing!
Thank you for writing this. I’m spending this year being curious what work may look like as I move into the second half of my 50s. I seem to get triggered by the word retirement - it is a word that needs redefining for me because golf, knitting and bridge parties is not where I’m heading into my 60s 🤣
Right? Am I supposed to buy an RV or move to Florida now? 🤣
Ha! And the difference between US and UK retirement stereotypes 🤣
Applauding your journey and writing! I’ve been outta the corporate world for 13 years this May and so I live in re-inspire-ment. Love your word for it all.
Thanks so much Shawn. Living more bravely in re-inspire-ment is my next stwp.❤️☘️
Oh my - same battle here! I quit the corporate world at 60 to follow my passion; now almost 3 years into my new creative 'rebirth' - I could not be happier; I was very clear and vocal about my new pursuits - and whenever I get asked about how retirement is going, I bristle - then hand them my new business card 🌟 - here's to re-inspire-ment! ❤️
Business cards! Love that. What title did you give yourself?
I left it blank as my website is there...but what fun to think about the possibilities! 🌟 So much more fun than the boring corporate titles!
Love this. Echoes so much of what I see around me in other women and feel in myself. Keep writing!
Thank you for reading. And yes, so many women are re-inspiring in midlife. 🦸🏼♀️
Bravo!
It's strange how retirement sits differently depending on what we feel validates us. I retired at 57 after leaving an extremely toxic work environment. It felt like unfinished business, so I went back and worked one day a week for another year when I was 60, and then it suddenly clicked that I was done with working with and for other people. I left with gratitude and have settled into retirement with joy - I've earnt every bit of this new freedom and I'm relishing doing life on my own terms. I no longer care about explaining it to people who don't get it, I'm just grateful every single day - and I think it's the life I was born for. I'm glad you're finding your sweet spot now too.
Bingo. My job was my validation. It took a while to figure out what “my own terms” were, but I’m definitely close to the “sweet spot.”
Yes.... I have a friend who called it rewiring... love that one as well! I do also like re-inspire-ment! I'm there as well (well without the "corporate part")... and 62 and in Vermont :)
Rewiring! That’s nearly perfect. I had to rewire my brain after 30 years of corporate work. I’m in the NEK — and the wind is howling tonight!
Same, 57, in central VT!
Same here in Shelburne, coming across the lake!
Yes to this! I retired from my 40-year dance career in 2022, and I bristled when people asked what I was going to do in retirement. I started an interior design business and got back to my writing. I love your word "re-inspire-ment." I recently wrote about the reinvention that so many midlife women experience. I called it Giving Birth During Menopause and talked about the "rebirthing" we do of ourselves. Thanks for this! It resonated.
It IS a rebirth! A long, hard, bloody, messy one with the best gift at the end —- our selves!
Catherine,
I had a big smile on my face all the way through! I am with you! Super triggered by the word. I "retired" in June and was a teacher and community School Coordinator for 35 years. I loved my job, but just like you, I wanted to spend more time on my writing (and my podcast), more time with my again father, and my first grandson is now two years old. I find I am working like crazy on my writing and I am soooo happy. I am indeed giving more time to my dad, and my daughter's family, but mostly -- I am spending more time on my passions. We took a big hit financially in order for me to do this. I started a business and am hoping to be (WILL BE!) paid for my writing, speaking and podcasting, as before I did them off the side of my desk, or through my regular job with the school district.
Like you, I have struggled with the word, and really just see what I am doing as entrepreneurship. I feel like I am 40 and starting a whole new career. I am excited, until I have a couple of days with no new subscribers, and what seems like no interest in my notes, and then I wonder what the hell am I doing??
I have to give it a go, though. I have put off my "re-inspire-ment" long enough!
If you were 29 and left a job as a teacher to pursue the exact same path, you'd be an entrepreneur, full stop. But at some point, ageism kicks in. No wonder we resist. We SHOULD resist! Here's to your re-inspired life!
love this
Thanks for reading!
Brillant—keep blooming!
Working on it. 🌷