When Work Ends, Life Begins: Crafting a Purposeful Retirement

Retirement isn't something we must only have at the back of our mind, but also work towards and make sure we take proactive steps regarding so we can have an enjoyable and restful retirement, not one where we've to live in worries or have to continue working tirelessly in a quest not to lack and to sustain our needs. When we talk about retirement, I know what mostly comes to mind is the picture of an old individual, which is understandable because that's what we're made to believe, but then, it's worth noting that planning towards retirement isn't something we should wait till we're old to start acting on, but something we must begin work on from now when we're much younger.

to be honest If I were to respond sincerely to the prompt question of how I'd fare in a paraventure I require today, I'm afraid I must say that I'd be doomed to retire in this kind of state or position I'm in at this very moment. And the reason why I said that isn't far-fetched. You see, one thing I've come to understand is that for you to have a restful retirement and a comfortable one at that, you must have taken proactive steps before you retired that would secure your future to the point where you would most likely need not to work, or such steps or investments must have left a steady stream of income that can sustain you before you bid the world farewell.

I'm sure you'd be wondering why I said I'd be doomed had I had to retire at this very moment. Well, you need not wonder because the reason isn't far-fetched. Yes, I know it might not sound good and may even sound like I'm not well-grounded financially and have a bad financial execution. But then that's the truth: I haven't taken any concrete step towards life after retirement, and if I have to retire today, then I know I'd suffer and have to keep working or even go in search of work so I can sustain myself and my family, which is the best thing to do in that situation but not what anyone wishes to experience or go through after they've retired.

But then, going back to how I plan on spending my days after retirement in the event that I have no financial issues and want to enjoy my retirement without feeling bored or having the urge to go back to work out of boredom or years of inactivity related to work. Well, all I can say is that what can bring me to a point where I'll enjoy my retirement and not be bored is if I were to retire and have my loved ones, such as my wife, family, and friends, around me. You see, the major reason why people end up being bored is due to loneliness, although inactivity can cause that too, but that won't be the case if you have love around you and you get to share those golden periods where you have the luxury of time together.

I can also use that period of my retirement to chase my long desire of traveling around the world to explore different cultures and places, going from one place to another, meeting new people, learning new things, and the like. Not only will it make me so occupied to the point where I won't be bored, but it will also make me feel fulfilled and genuinely excited, because it's a dream I've nurtured for years, so finally being able to embark on it is a dream come true, knowing fully well that I have no work or commitment that can hold me back from actualizing that. dream.

All photos are taken and edited on canva.