Expert Interview: Return to Work During Retirement
Retirement is often seen as the final chapter in one’s professional life, a time to relax and step back from the demands of a full-time career. But what if retirement could be more than just an end? What if it could be a new beginning, an opportunity to redefine what work and satisfaction mean to us? I am honored to interview my good friend, Yvette Mills, CFP®, ChFC®, about her journey through retirement. Her personal journey weaves through the lessons of financial planning, the virtues of hard work, and the unexpected joy of returning to the workforce.
Foundation of a Financial Planning
Yvette and I met when she earned her Certified Financial Planner (CFP), where we both served on the Pro Bono committee from the Financial Planning Association Charlotte Chapter. Yvette’s early life laid the groundwork for a career centered around financial wisdom and prudent planning. Yvette was born into an immigrant family, and she learned the value of diligence, saving, and financial foresight from a young age. These lessons weren’t just about surviving; they were about thriving and turning dreams into achievable goals through careful planning and determination.
The First Step into Retirement
In 2020, Yvette took their first step into retirement. With a comprehensive financial plan in hand, she felt ready to embrace her new phase of life. The pandemic underscored the importance of what truly mattered—health, family, and the pursuit of passions that had been sidelined during a bustling career. The pandemic period also highlighted the benefits of volunteering, where Yvette found fulfillment in offering their skills to those in need.
Volunteering: A Pathway to Purpose
For many, retirement offers a chance to give back, and Yvette was no exception. Volunteering became a vital part of her retirement life, filling it with purpose and connection. This engagement with the community wasn’t just altruistic; it opened doors to new opportunities that blurred the lines between work and passion. It’s a poignant reminder that retirement can be as dynamic and fulfilling as any other career phase, with the added benefit of choosing where to focus one’s energies.
Navigating Housing and Relocation
A significant aspect of retirement planning is deciding where to live. Yvette faced this decision head-on, considering factors like proximity to family, the desire to downsize, and the amenities that would make retirement enjoyable, such as a sunroom for relaxation and enjoyment. This process wasn’t just about physical location; it was about creating an environment that supported a fulfilling retirement life.
Returning to Work: A Renewed Purpose
The decision to return to work wasn’t made lightly. It came from a place of wanting to remain engaged and to continue making a difference. Yvette’s work wasn’t about financial necessity but about the joy of contributing and staying active in the field of financial planning, and she loved to help others. It’s a testament to the idea that work can be fulfilling and enriching, no matter the stage of life.
The Ideal Retirement Life
So, what does the perfect retirement look like? In Yvette’s definition, it’s about dreaming, planning, and doing what brings joy. It’s about leveraging the financial resources saved over a lifetime to pursue passions, whether that’s learning a new language (French for Yvette), traveling, or even returning to work in a rewarding capacity.
Yvette’s Advice for Pre-retirees and Retirees
For those approaching retirement, the advice is clear: live fully. Plan and prepare, certainly, but also embrace the opportunities that retirement brings. Whether through volunteering, exploring new interests, or even re-entering the workforce, retirement can be a time of growth, joy, and fulfillment.
Ready to Redefine Your Retirement?
Embrace the journey of a lifetime where retirement is not the end but a vibrant new beginning. The story, like Yvette’s insights, has illuminated the path for countless individuals to redefine retirement—balancing work, wisdom, and well-being. Whether you’re considering returning to work, seeking financial independence, or aiming to maximize your time and resources, the journey is yours to design.
Take the First Step Today. Explore your passions, volunteer, or even re-enter the workforce on your terms. Let your retirement reflect your dreams, hard work, and the life you aspire to live.
Join us in reimagining retirement. It’s time to live fully, with purpose and joy. Discover how on the Spending in Retirement YouTube Channel or contact Dr. Chien at jolly@valuegrowthinstitute.com for a consultation.
Watch the entire interview on YouTube: