Your retirement your way

Retirement used to mean slowing down and withdrawing from the world. But these days we’re more likely to be looking for a fresh start – to quit doing what we've been doing and do something that better meets our needs. Something more fulfilling, more flexible. That stretches us, and gives us purpose and joy. 

Saying YES to doing different things in different ways, YES to finding the time and space to live more of our life on our own terms – and YES to staying active and engaged with the world.

So how does retiringworks help?

This site is about exploring what a fulfilling post-work life looks like to you, and then working out how to make it happen.

We look at the thinking side of retirement as well as the practical side: from reflecting on what you want more (and less) of, to understanding the financial realities that support the lifestyle you’re aiming for.

Whether you’re planning ahead, rethinking your options, or already navigating life beyond full-time work, you’ll find ideas, tools, and perspectives here to help you move forward.

Retirement planning is not just about the money...

The essential first step is taking time to reflect on what you actually want from this next chapter of your life — not what’s expected of you, not what you think you should want, but what genuinely matters to you.

What do you want to carry forward from your current life?

And what’s no longer serving you — and ready to be left behind?

This kind of reflection creates clarity. It helps you imagine the shape of a life that feels purposeful, balanced, and rewarding — whether that means new adventures, more space and flexibility, meaningful work, or simply more time for the people and things you care about.

... but of course the money helps

Hey, it’s essential. But how much will you need to fund the lifestyle you’re looking for; to feel secure and do the things you want to do?

What level of income will support the life you want to live? And how should your money be invested to support that — without adding unnecessary stress or risk?

For some, retirement includes continuing to work, by choice or by necessity. You may want to keep an income coming in, reduce hours, consult, re-skill, or create something new. Others may have left work earlier than planned and are now reassessing their options.

We explore the financial side of retirement alongside the practical realities of earning, investing, and adapting — so your plans are grounded, flexible, and aligned with the life you want to lead.

Bob Dylan still on the road, still producing new music. [Image via Ray Padgett, Flaggin' Down the Double E's on Substack.]

Different paths into post-work life

There’s no single way to move beyond full-time work — and no single moment when everything suddenly becomes clear. People arrive at this stage of life from very different places, and the path forward can take many forms.

Continuing to work (unretirement or ‘flextirement’)

Many people choose — or need — to keep working in some form. That might mean staying in your current role if it still fits, reducing hours, consulting or mentoring, re-skilling, or creating a business or side project that now becomes your main focus (and no longer on the side of another job – phew!!).

For some, working longer brings purpose, structure, income, or all three — just on different terms.

Stepping away earlier than expected

Others are looking toward early retirement. As early as… 55… 45…. or even at an ultra-early 35. We’ll look at how you might plan for early retirement, what it means and what it might take to make it viable. This path raises different questions about lifestyle, financial independence, and long-term sustainability. We explore how to think realistically about both the freedoms and the trade-offs.

Finding your own blend

For many of us, the answer sits somewhere in between. You might combine periods of work with time out, scale back gradually, or change direction entirely. Plans can evolve — especially when life throws the unexpected into the mix.

At retiringworks, we look at these different paths with honesty and flexibility — helping you explore what’s possible, what’s practical, and what feels right for you.

Letting go – and choosing what matters

For some people, this stage of life is about ticking things off a bucket list. For others, it’s just as much about deciding what they’re no longer going to worry about, chase, or carry with them.

Letting go — of expectations, habits, obligations, or even identities that no longer fit — can be as freeing as taking on something new. Clearing space for what matters most often means releasing what doesn’t.

This phase of life offers a rare opportunity: to choose more intentionally how you spend your time, energy, and attention. That might mean a long-held dream, a new adventure, meaningful work, or simply more presence with the people you love.

The goal isn’t to do everything — it’s to do what feels right for you.

Non, je ne regrette rien

Edith Piaf on stage

Easier said than done, but this is no time to allow the past to get in the way of your happiness. Don’t dwell on what did or didn’t happen in the past. It’s time to take a moment, gracefully forgive yourself the things that didn’t go right, take the opportunity to learn from mistakes… and then get started on embracing this next phase of your life.

Bright thinking for a brilliant retirement

Some retiringworks principles that reflect our values — and that we believe support a stimulating, fulfilling life in later years:

• Do the things you love: Make time for what genuinely brings you enjoyment and meaning.
• Be a lifelong learner Stay curious. Learning keeps life interesting and minds engaged.
• Focus on what matters most: Identify what’s important to you — and, where possible, let go of everything else.
• Do work that inspires you (if you want or need to work): Choose work that motivates and energises you, rather than drains you.
• Reduce stress and complexity: Create space for calm, balance, and happiness by simplifying where you can.