Is it Time to Retire “Retirement”?

For years retirement had been seen as a single moment in life, and a point where everything work related is meant to stop. It was viewed as a time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the rewards for decades of work.

The reality today is very different.

And there certainly isn’t a one size fits all approach to this, and rightly so! Everyone is different and they need to do what’s right for them.

Through the conversations I have with clients, more and more of them are changing what retirement looks like, and moving away from the traditional view. Some decide to scale back work on a gradual basis, to test the water before making a more final decision.

For others it presents the opportunity to pursue their passions.

Some may turn a hobby into a business, whilst others opt to travel, spend more time with family or support causes close to them.

And for some stopping work doesn’t even cross their mind.

They love what they do and would never want to stop.

Don’t Stop

Retirement shouldn’t be about stopping, it should be about looking forward to what is to come and all the things that you have dreamed of.

And this is where I think there is a problem, as the very sound of the word retirement can strike fear into people and cause them to delay making a decision about what to do and when.

For some retirement implies:

❌Stopping work completely – and for some people this can lead to a loss of purpose, structure and regular social interactions.

❌It suggests an age-based milestone – when in reality, it's about financial freedom and personal choice, not hitting a certain birthday.

❌It can feel like an ‘end’ rather than a beginning – and this can scare people.

If not Retirement then what should we call it?

✅Financial Independence (sounds quite good!) – when work becomes optional, not necessary.

✅Working out of Choice (not very catchy!) – giving yourself the flexibility to choose when, how, and if you work.

✅Lifestyle Change (still not very catchy!) – transitioning from a career driven life to one based around your personal goals.

✅The Next Chapter (maybe?) – shifting the focus to what’s ahead, not what’s ending.

Or…

Maybe we don’t need to retire “retirement” but instead just change how people think about it and what they associate with it.