Third Chapter Curious: Industry News Round-up - Segment 8 “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow”

What happens to a person when they finally choose to slow down and bow out of a traditional career? Will it be fulfilling enough? Some people are content with a life of leisure and activity, while others have difficulty adjusting to their new normal, especially after years in fast-paced environments. Arguably, the most essential practice for a happy and fulfilling life is to be of service to others, to engage with your community, and share your gifts with others who share their own. People need to feel valued and seen in environments where they feel most needed, using their unique attributes. There is no need to completely stop working—many seniors seek out jobs that may not be as high-powered or lucrative as their previous positions. Jobs that are social and low-impact are great options for retired seniors. Your options are endless, and the path is broad; just don’t stop moving. The possible side effects of adjusting to life after retirement can be serious and pose a threat to your health, so you have to figure out how to keep yourself busy and productive in new ways. Retirement can be a very rewarding and exciting time if you play your cards right.

ARTICLE 1: “Adjusting to Retirement: Handling Depression, Stress, and Anxiety”

Retiring after years of hard work can be a mixed bag for some. While it can be a time of celebration, the transition can be difficult and have negative physiological effects. Knowing what to expect and how to navigate the challenges while embracing the joy of your third chapter. Many people focus on the financial aspects of retirement, and they’ve done extensive planning, yet they haven't necessarily planned for their mental and emotional journey. While finances are crucial, you have to spend time determining how you’re going to live from this day forward. Some people don’t experience feelings of freedom and fulfillment, and become resentful and listless instead. It’s okay and normal to have those feelings, and identifying them is the first step to problem-solving. Some of the best solutions are to find a new purpose and to seek support, whether that be from friends and family or a professional. You don’t have to stay stuck, and finding new outlets that keep you occupied helps immensely. 

ARTICLE LINK

ARTICLE 2: “My 5 Stages of Retirement:

Or, how I learned to stop worrying and love retired life”

Katherine Skiba was a reporter for AARP who retired in 2022 and returned to share her journey with retirement. She found that she wasn’t content just to shut it down and needed more stimulation than traditional retirement seemed to offer, especially after a rewarding and high-octane career. After some time spent pondering what her third chapter would be, she began to carve out her purpose in this next phase of life, and learned that one of the best practices is to have a “playful, joyful retirement.” Her story has particular resonance because she was not the “poster child for retirement”, and it took some trial and error as well as her moving through these new phases at her own will.

ARTICLE LINK

ARTICLE 3: “Retirement advice: How to beat the retirement blues”

Retirement doesn’t occur in linear stages, and there is a similar process to grieving—you have to go through the motions at your own pace, and some people are predisposed to experiencing depression during this change in routine. The stages of retirement are listed as: pre-retirement, full retirement, disenchantment, reorientation, and stability. While it is natural to spend a bit of time in the disenchantment phase, searching for ways to fill your time, it is important to find constructive ways to keep experiencing life on your terms. This is your journey, so be patient with yourself and try not to compare your reality to anyone else’s—keeping busy and staying active with others in your community will provide purpose and keep you engaged. It may also help to speak with a therapist if you are struggling to adjust, ensuring that you are checking in with yourself rather than letting negative feelings fester. You will always find the spaces you are meant to occupy if you stay engaged in the world around you, perhaps finding a calling that has been waiting for you to discover.

ARTICLE LINK

Written and edited by Cameron Thompson for Third Chapter Curious, LLC, 2025