Career stress led to a breakthrough

After 28 years in global sales, Jim Walker suffered panic attacks so severe he was hospitalized. He and his wife decided his happiness mattered more than his paycheck.

“You get trapped in your career.”

He found his perfect fit

Walker researched franchises and gravitated toward outdoor activities involving kids and animals. He opened a Wild Birds Unlimited store in 2020 and now brings his rescue dog to work.

“I feel like this is retirement that I get paid for.”

Retirement itself has changed

People now live 30 more good years after leaving work. A generation ago, you turned 65, moved to Florida, and played shuffleboard. Today's retirees want to do things differently.

Identity crisis after success

David Rich sold his marketing businesses at 49 and spent two years adrift. He realized people don't recognize how deeply their careers define them until after they leave.

“This company was our purpose, and no amount of money can replace that.”

Spain taught him what matters

Rich reflected on time spent in Southern Europe, where people focus on who you are, not what you do. This sparked the idea for Palabra, a platform connecting business leaders through story-driven conversations.

Retirement can be a beginning

Rich now sees retirement as multiple events, not an ending. Some people take mini retirements at 40 to reassess, then work another decade before trying something new again.

“We think about retirement as an end, but in many ways it can be a beginning.”

Volunteering gave him purpose

Alfred, 75, retired from 30 years as a systems engineer and now volunteers four to five days a week at Second Harvest food bank. He's logged over 7,000 hours and says the community of volunteers lifts him up.

“I needed to do something constructive. I wanted to give back to the community.”

Writing became his new challenge

Brian Brady, 78, spent 35 years in law enforcement and 12 in corporate security. Retired without a plan, he started writing crime fiction to keep his brain sharp and stay connected with his wife.

“Writing keeps your brain working.”

Four novels and counting

Brady has published four crime novels and is working on a fifth. He and his wife travel together to research new locations for his books, keeping them connected as he explores this new phase.

Start with three key questions

Robert Laura, founder of the Retirement Coaches Association, recommends asking: What feels timeless? What can I relentlessly pursue? What energizes me? These reveal your true passion.

Add two more questions later

Once you identify your passion, ask: How can I use this to connect with others? How can I use this for the good of others? Purpose grows when it serves beyond yourself.

Financial stability lets you experiment

If you have financial security, you can take risks. Try something new. If it doesn't work out, you can pivot. Many retirees have the freedom to explore without fear.

“Hopefully, you're in a financial position that you can stick your toe in the water.”

Your passions evolve over time

Ruth Gotian, an executive coach for high achievers, warns that what interested you in your 20s won't excite you in your 40s and 50s. Think critically about what you want now, not what you wanted decades ago.

Do a passion audit

Gotian recommends listing what you're good at, what you dislike, and what you'd do for free. Then research people already working in that space. Everything you need to learn is online.

Veronica McCain built a retirement business

After 31 years in federal government, McCain became a retirement coach and author. She now hosts curated travel experiences for women in retirement through her Savvy Retirement Sisters Cruise.

Caregiving led to a calling

Beverly Gianna cared for aging parents while working in public relations. She volunteered as a nursing home ombudsman, loved it so much she accepted a paid part-time role, and later earned a master's in gerontology at 75.

Life bumps you toward purpose

Gianna now visits 26 long-term care settings yearly. She reflects that life is like bumper cars, each experience directing you toward something meaningful. Her education, age, and relationships all enriched her work.

“It's so enriching to my life. What I learned from them is making my life worthwhile, purposeful and happy.”

Your future can be bigger

The goal is to find meaning that gets you excited to start each day. Rich warns that people get stuck reliving past glory instead of building a future that's bigger and better than their past.

“We want to be in a place where our future is bigger than our past.”

Passion transforms everything

After 18 months running his bird store, Walker's wife told him, 'You're back.' His old job was so consuming he wasn't present. Now he's engaged, energized, and fully alive in his work.

“I'm present now.”

Resources to find your next chapter

Start with community college classes, volunteer opportunities, or coaching organizations like the Retirement Coaches Association, Modern Elder Academy, or the National Council on Aging.