Retirement, a realm painted with dreams and aspirations, is a chapter that defies anticipation until it is lived. We weave fantasies about this phase during the twilight of our working years, envisioning the life we wish to lead. Yet, the truth dawns on us – some experiences are beyond the grasp of imagination.
Much like the unfathomable realms of marriage, parenthood, or a new job, retirement is shrouded in a mystery that only living it can unravel. As I mark 3 1/2 years into this uncharted territory, the time feels ripe for introspection. My musings were sparked by a simple question posed by Al Cam, a thought-provoking query that lingers like morning mist in a tranquil forest:
“How does what you actually do in retirement…compare versus what you thought you would do…”
This query accompanied me on my daily stroll through the woods, igniting a process of reflection that has culminated in this contemplative piece.
Retirement: Where Assumptions Meet Reality
Retirement is a canvas where expectations blend with reality in unexpected hues. Here, the evidence of this contrast materializes in five distinct realms, where the contours of my retirement landscape diverged from the sketches I had initially drawn.
1. A Second Home: A Surprise Investment
In the prelude to retirement, the notion of a second home was a mere footnote in my plans. We had once owned a cabin that served as a weekend retreat and a source of rental income. However, the prospect of managing another property post-retirement was dismissed. The allure of our mountain abode held us captive, rendering the thought of residing elsewhere an alien concept.
Fate, however, has a way of crafting its designs. A twist of circumstance led us to purchase a modest condo near our daughter in Alabama. A proximity that facilitated cherished moments with our granddaughter was a siren call we could not resist. As we embraced this unforeseen addition to our retirement, it was clear that life’s twists and turns can lead us to places we never envisaged.
2. Navigating the Boardroom: An Unexpected Role
In the waning days of my career, a call arrived that defied my expectations. The invitation to join a Board of Directors for an international aluminum recycling company was a curveball I hadn’t anticipated. This opportunity to contribute my expertise in a new capacity entailed a quarterly commitment to guide the company’s strategic path.
A deviation from my preconceived retirement script, this engagement proved to be an enriching endeavor. My foray into a realm I had ostensibly bid adieu to, underscored the importance of flexibility in embracing unexpected pathways. This journey reaffirmed my resolve to seize intriguing opportunities as they emerge, staying open-minded even after embracing retirement.
3. A Charitable Venture: Co-Running a 501c3 Charity
While altruism was always part of our retirement blueprint, the role of active charity organizers was a page yet to be written. What unfolded was an unexpected chapter of our story – the establishment and administration of a 501c3 charity called Freedom For Fido. This endeavor, born from a desire to enrich lives, grew to become a source of joy, fostering new connections within the “Fido Family.”
The rewards of giving, as exemplified by our completion of 50 fence builds, were unforeseen treasures. Our shared efforts not only transformed lives but also deepened our sense of purpose and forged bonds within our community. This testament to the power of a purpose-driven retirement is a vivid reminder that unforeseen endeavors can often lead to the most profound fulfillment.
