Some people enter retirement with some idea of things they’d like to do – travel, home projects, pursue hobbies, etc. While all of these things are meaningful and important they sometimes lead to a feeling of emptiness.

     I surveyed a number of friends in their first five years of retirement. One of the things I asked them was what did they think was the most important thing for them to have to be fulfilled after quitting work. There was an assumption with the question that there were adequate financial resources and good health. While I received a number of answers the theme revolved around having something meaningful to do that helped others. Many have discovered that satisfaction comes from getting out of our own thoughts and doing things for the greater benefit of others. While this is hardly earth shaking news many of us don’t consider this when planning retirement.

     Giving back, as some refer to it, can involve a wide variety of pursuits. What they have in common is that they give us purpose. We are continuing to contribute and participate in society.

       I once worked with a remarkable fellow who studied retirement for several years before the big day came. He talked to fellow workers, bosses & friends. The one thing all of them had in common was that they appeared to be content in retirement. He thought all had the depth that comes from wisdom. The biggest takeaway for him was that finding the right amount of intensity was crucial. My friend had a senior position in a major company with vast responsibility and pressure. He didn’t want that much intensity but he knew he needed some of this to be happy. He ended up going on boards. He felt needed , and appreciated offering his experience. They appreciated his business savvy and he enjoyed the problem solving and challenges without it being all consuming. He reports being in the happiest phase of his life.