Weather and Retirement

Seriously, can there be a connection between weather and retirement? I'm not saying there is. I want to employ weather as a metaphor rather than actually connecting it to retired life. What is my metaphor?

 Let me explain. When I worked full-time there was a constant stream of activity, without end. So in the language of the weather, it rained every day without stop (except weekends and holidays). As a retired person I have discovered something different.

 But first a few facts about me. The truth is that I am semi-retired. What do I do with my time? First, I'm a retirement coach; but you knew that already. In addition to that I have several hobbies, such as: learning languages, learning to play the piano (badly), I have my own podcast (called Talk About Friends), I do some charity work and - oh I almost forgot - I'm a grandfather. This is called a portfolio life in retirement.

 All that makes for a busy life. Well sort of. It occurred to me that there are days (and today is such a day) when not much is happening for me. Back to the weather, I call that a day of full sunshine. That’s a welcome relief and gives me a chance to relax.

 However sometimes I find myself mildly anxious with that lack of activity because, above all, I want to lead an active portfolio life. But here’s the lovely thing. Just as night follows day, so rain follows sunshine and some days later I always find myself busy and fully active in my portfolio again.

 This is the benefit of a portfolio life. It gives structure, routine and a level of predictability about how busy you will be. Let me stress that a good portfolio life in retirement is one in which you are as busy as you choose. That is a consequence of working out your meaning/purpose in retired life.

 Please email me at jon@64plus.com.au if you want help to construct your portfolio life in retirement.