Have you had a chance to reconcile your current (isolated) reality with the fast-paced, schedule-filled life you were living prior to lock down? It’s a major transition that the whole world is having to adapt to, and much like the transition into retirement that it mirrors, it can be traumatic.

If you think about it, by the time you retire you could possibly still have a third of your life left to live. That’s a lot of life. With that in mind, the question of what you would like your retirement to look like becomes pressing. Finding something you love to do and being able to share it and give from it creates joy. Simply put: It’s not too late and you’re not too old!

My guest today, Maeve O’Byrne, is a former CEO of a hospital foundation turned certified coach who helps retirees thrive during their transition into their third act or next chapter. She suggests using this time of lockdown as a trial for retirement. Navigating big transitions such as retirement, requires internal reflection… What will it be like? What brings you joy? If you could do this completely differently, what would you want to do?

Show notes

[01.04] The key to adapting (and thriving) whilst going through the transition from your fast-paced, full of commitments life, to one of lockdown.

[03.05] As with all big life changes, major transitions require internal reflection. How do you want to BE in retirement?

[04.51] The importance of putting structures in place. When navigating big transitions such as retirement, unless you plan properly and think holistically you will get lost.

[06.43] The Four Pillars of Retirement, and using this time of lockdown as a trial for retirement.

[11.19] Deeply engaging pre-retirement and planning the transition effectively. Setting a vision for your retirement – what habits do you need to change to make those visions a reality?

[21.53] Side hustles and having something to move towards.

[25.40] Having a sense of purpose, and finding something you love to do and being able to share it and give from it is such an important part of our health.

[28.24] It’s not too late, you’re not too old! The outdated thinking regarding retirement age.

[30.32] An opportunity for companies to start rethinking retirement.

[31.53]  Financial concerns. Working with a financial planner when navigating big transitions such as retirement.

[35.53] The opportunity presented by this lockdown for deep reflection – what else do I want in my story for that phase of my life?

Learn more about Maeve

Connect with Maeve on her website, and find out more about the work that she does.


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Quotes from this episode

“Many woman in particular are quite empathetic, and take on the sadness of others.” – Maeve O’Byrne

“What is it you want to do? How do you want to be in retirement? Then look at whether or not you’ve got finances to support that.” – Maeve O’Byrne

“I think we’ve been misinformed about retirement.” – Maeve O’Byrne

“I’m a strong believer that you need to look through your goal, not to your goal” – Lisa Linfield

“I know in the US and Canada, there are more  start-ups started by 55-60 year olds than there are people in their 20’s and 30’s.” – Maeve O’Byrne

“If you think that retirement is the time that you’re gong to be travelling the world, skiing, climbing mountains, then your planning for physical health becomes so much greater.” – Lisa Linfield

“In your 50’s you should be starting your side hustle so that, regardless of whether you do have money or don’t have money, you have something to go TO, as opposed to moving away FROM work.” – Lisa Linfield

“Most people I’ve worked with right now, the majority of them, have to have a side hustle or have taken on a part-time job because they recognised both for their mental health but also their financial health, they need to do that” – Maeve O’Byrne

“If you start first with what you think that the best for your mental, physical and spiritual health will be, it often opens one far greater to work that you enjoy doing as opposed to work that you HAVE to do.” – Lisa Linfield