Redefining Retirement: Lessons from My Mom's Second Act

Retirement isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing.

I first realized this when I watched my mom retire from an accomplished career in state government… only to unretire six months later, declaring, “I can’t spend all my time cleaning my house!” She stepped into a second career—fewer hours, less stress—and thrived in that role for another 13 years, officially retiring again in her mid-70s.

When I asked her why she returned to work, her answer was simple and powerful: she enjoyed seeing people, staying informed, and earning her way. Raised in a family with few resources during the late 1930s, she started working young—collecting newspapers and odd items to earn money. Work, for her, wasn’t just about income. It was about purpose, connection, and pride.

Her second act brought her all of that—plus time for hobbies and a lifestyle she loved. With her part-time income added to Social Security, a pension, and savings, she ended up with the same total income she’d had working full time. That chapter of her life gave me my first real glimpse of what a fulfilling, reimagined retirement could look like—and I’ve admired it ever since.

If you’ve always pictured retirement as golf, rocking chairs, and stepping back from everything, it’s time to reframe that image. Today’s retirees are launching businesses, mentoring the next generation, traveling the world, and staying active well into their 70s and 80s.

Let’s explore how retirement has evolved—and what it could look like for you.

From End of the Road to New Beginning

In the past, retirement was commonly viewed as the end of something: the end of productivity, the end of contribution, and often, sadly, the start of decline. You worked hard for 40+ years and then stopped completely—sometimes abruptly—at 65.

But today, retirement is being reimagined as a transition to something new.

Why the Change?

Several factors are reshaping retirement:

• We’re living longer.  According to the Social Security Administration a 65-year-old today can expect to live into their 80’s. That’s a lot of time to simply “do nothing.”
• We’re staying healthier. Many retirees remain active, curious, incorporate more exercise, and are capable of pursuing passions, volunteering, or working part-time.
• We value purpose. People are asking: “What do I want this next chapter to mean?” Retirement today is about more than leisure—it’s about legacy, fulfillment, and joy.
• Finances are more complex. Few people have pensions.  While retirement savings continues to increase, data from the Federal Reserve indicates just 38% of people ages 45-59 and only 45% of people ages 60 and older feel prepared financially.  Many need to supplement their savings with side income or part-time work.

What Retirement Looks Like Now

Today’s retirement could mean:

• Starting a side hustle or encore career
• Volunteering for a cause you care about
• Spending quality time with grandkids—or traveling solo
• Continuing to consult in your field
• Learning a new skill or returning to school

The possibilities are more open than ever.

What This Means for You

If retirement is on the horizon, don’t just plan to “stop working”—plan to start living on your own terms. Ask yourself:

• What do I want to do with this time?
• What legacy do I want to leave?
• What brings me joy and purpose?

The best part about retirement today is that it’s yours to design!