The Encore Years - How to succeed in retirement

Chris’s education and career revolves around nature conservation and animal welfare, working for many years in East Africa and the USA. Avoiding the “brick wall” of retirement, he became a consultant working part time and engaged in other interests, U3A, writing, table tennis and travel. His advice – keep involved, interested and active. Get an electric bike!

The Encore Years went on the road for our first live interview – and an audience – at the Twickenham Rugby Ground.The Mayor of Richmond, Nancy Baldwin, lives life in a very fast lane! Her career, education and activities have been intensive and varied; from studying languages, banking in New York and London, running a nursery school for 30 years, drama school and acting for 25 years and is now a councillor and local Mayor.  Her advice for retirement: make a six-month plan in advance, say YES and figure out how to do it later, don’t drift. Be the best you can be in whatever you choose to do. Don’t wake up with no reason to get up.Advice from the audience included keeping busy, getting out to see friends, volunteering and taking a course.  

Unusually for an accountant, Rob started without a plan for his later years, which could likely stretch to 25 by his reckoning. But he soon changed: reengaging his business head, putting his finances, pensions, and household budgets in order. One of two cars had to go, moving house to be nearer family, discarding many items he didn’t need anymore. He posed a question to himself. What had he really enjoyed doing? Casting back to his schooldays, he recalled happy times in his maths class and decided to become a maths tutor. His advice to others: sort out your finances, powers of attorney, medical checks – not forgetting your prostate (advising friends accordingly), “declutter for death” – don’t leave that task for your children, get a dog, meet new people, get a hobby - golf in his case - go to church - do what you really enjoy doing. You are not retired but merely redeployed."

John now coaches young lawyers passing on his wisdom and experience gained over many years in his long career. Describing his new work as being like moving between two ‘Travelators’. He advises exploring interests and planning ahead, to avoid stepping off a cliff.His new interests include adult educational courses, guitar playing, family and keeping up with old and new friends.Move into the next chapter avoiding unnecessary stress and anxiety, without seeking great achievements.

Plan your retirement well before the date and treat yourself to all those activities you've always wanted to try, but work got in the way.Monique gives valuable advice to thousands of people around the world, in particular to retirees. She explains how to deal with early unhappiness, loss of identity and sense of purpose and why the emotional side of retirement deserves as much attention as the financials - and why so many are unprepared when work ends.The early months can be hard and a simple 10-minute meditation practice can, she explains, help shape a more fulfilling retirement. Whether now or in the near future, retirement can be joyful and enriched by Monique's support and enlightened counsel.