In a seaside community of Hobart’s southern beaches, three retirees—Brian, Helen, and Becca—share how they navigated this shift and found new meaning in their days. 

Letting go of the grind

Becca, who retired in her 50s after a high-pressure career in policing and strategic leadership, describes retirement as a ‘recalibration of what actually matters.’ For her, stepping away from the grind wasn’t about slowing down, it was about choosing a life of freedom, creativity, and connection. 

‘Retiring isn’t a retreat from relevance. It’s the beginning of how I choose to show up in the world—more on my own terms.’ 

Initially, Becca needed time to decompress. After decades of long hours and high stakes, she found herself sitting quietly in her home, learning to embrace rest without guilt. 

‘It’s taken me two years to stop thinking I should be going back to work,’ she says. ‘Now I’m finally okay with sitting down.’ 

Whether you’ve retired early or later in life, that shift from constant busyness to stillness can take time as well as courage. 

Different paths to acceptance

For Brian, a retired school principal, the shift was more gradual. ‘Initially I couldn’t bear to think of myself as retired,’ he admits. He spent a year doing part-time work and even took a job as a groundsman at a childcare centre before fully embracing retirement. 

Helen, a retired teacher and Brian’s wife, had a different experience. ‘I had total acceptance,’ she says. ‘I was ready. I had my gym routine, coffee mornings, walks, and friends who were retiring too.’ 

Their story highlights how retirement can affect couples differently. ‘The adjustment was having Brian at home all the time,’ Helen laughs. ‘You get used to doing things your way, and suddenly someone else is doing them differently!’ 

If you’re retiring alongside a partner, it’s worth talking about how you’ll share space, time, and routines—and how to keep your independence while growing together. 

Finding purpose beyond work 

Each of them found new ways to stay engaged. Brian coached his grandson’s soccer team, he volunteers with local groups and regularly catches up for coffee with his Sippers group—a circle of retired principals and teachers who meet to stay connected and support one another. Helen enjoys her social circles and a daily early-morning ocean dip with the CODs—a group of mostly retired locals. For her, this daily ritual has become a cornerstone of connection and community. 

Becca launched a podcast and radio show, capturing personal stories and legacies. ‘I wanted to preserve voices, laughter, and personality—not just written memories,’ she says. Her creative projects have helped her reconnect with her media roots and build new purpose. 

Whether it’s volunteering, creative work, or simply spending more time with family, retirement can be a chance to rediscover what brings you joy. 

Advice for the journey

All three retirees agree: preparing emotionally and socially for retirement is just as important as financial planning. 

‘You need to have a persona that isn’t just about your job,’ Brian says. ‘Start building that early through sport, hobbies, friendships.’ 

Helen adds, ‘Some people go from working to nothing. You need to think about what you’re going to do with your days. Otherwise, it can feel like you’ve lost your purpose.’ 

Becca’s advice is simple but powerful: ‘Choose you. Choose the life you’ve worked so hard to build.’ 

Ready to shape your next chapter? 

Retirement is more than a financial milestone—it’s a personal journey. Whether you're planning ahead or already adjusting to life after work, we're here to support you every step of the way. 

• Explore tools to manage your retirement income 
• Learn how to make the most of your super in retirement 
• Join a webinar for tips on finance, lifestyle and more. 
• Speak with us about staying financially confident  

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Information correct as at 1 September 2025.