How I Transitioned To A Slower Retirement Pace With My Type A Personality

Donna’s career had many versions, but all related to health, diet, nutrition and wellness. She has spent most of her career on her own and co-founded an online cannabis education program for medical professionals. This allowed him to divide his time between Key West, Florida and Colorado. She has a 24-year-old son, so her lifestyle and family commitments lean toward someone under 68.

You could say that retirement is another version of his career. This includes travel writing and blogging. This allows Donna to create income from her passion for travel, but it also helps people get out of their comfort zone. His blog is called Open-minded adventure. Through this, she is able to help people realize how many great experiences are still out there for them. We talked about her with Donna retirement.

Reality Retreat

Retirement awaits: What does a day at retirement look like to you?

Donna: There is no “typical” day. I typically write for my new blog, pitch stories to the media, and research and plan my next travel adventure. My 6-month itinerary in 2023 includes several months in Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido in Mexico, then Spain and Portugal. This type of scouting trip, for a potential part-time new home, requires a lot of planning. When I’m not planning and writing, yoga is a key part of my life. I love hiking in Colorado and our boat in Key West.

Your pension plan

Retirement awaits: Did you have a solid plan for your retirement?

Donna: This word itself sounds boring. I don’t really consider myself retired; I’m just doing something different from my previous careers but at a slower pace. I was clear with myself that I needed something mentally stimulating to do (there is then much more to know about successful blogging than just telling a good story!) which would also be mobile.

The best part of retirement

Retirement awaits: What’s the best part of retirement?

Donna: There is not as much pressure to chase the next dollar. With college expenses behind me, I can relax a bit financially. That doesn’t mean I don’t need an income; I expect to generate income from my writing and blogging. But there is no longer so much pressure. There is also the flexibility of a schedule. After spending an entire year renovating a house in Key West (I’m pretty good with a jigsaw now!), we were able to set off on a 3 month, 10,000 mile motorcycle trip. across Mexico. Try doing this with real work!

Retirement Challenges

Retirement awaits: What is the biggest challenge in retirement?

Donna: I’m not very good at sitting, so I’m not one to just go to lunch every day as my main activity. To supplement the days off my job, I also volunteer at the animal shelter in Key West and do private English lessons. For a type A personality like me, having my days full is a priority.

cost of retirement

Retirement awaits: We want people to understand how much retirement really costs. How do you manage your money now? You have a budget, meet regularly with your advisor, etc.

Donna: Even married, I have always been the main employee, so I am very aware of financial management. I changed financial advisors a few years ago because they just weren’t as responsive as I would like. You have to be your own lawyer with your money. Although I travel a lot, it’s never high end. Even though money was no object, I really enjoy finding the hidden deals, or the cute local Airbnbs, and discovering restaurants that won’t break your wallet. Anyone can go to a resort; it’s too easy for me. Of course, there’s always a loose budget in my head and the trick to making money isn’t to drastically change your lifestyle just because you’ve retired.

retirement advice

Retirement awaits: What is the best advice you would give to someone about to retire?

Donna: Be honest with yourself and know your personality. Don’t have an unreal vision of what it will look like. If you’re someone who’s always wanted some downtime after a grueling career, a quiet, laid-back retreat might be right up your alley. If you’re someone like me who likes to “do”, then make sure you have a game plan in place. It took me a while to get into a groove and it’s still evolving.

Things that I wish I had known

Retirement awaits: What are a few things you wish someone had told you about retirement/this season of life/transition?

Donna: Consider adding new friends to your mix. Most of mine are younger, still working and don’t have the flexibility and time I have. So reaching out to new people through dating or Facebook groups or expat groups (if you’re moving overseas) will help a lot. And don’t let your children/grandchildren hold you back. Of course, you want to be near them and see them, but they have their own busy lives. Don’t necessarily let this be a criterion for your future projects.

Best Retirement Vacations

Retirement awaits: What is your favorite vacation or vacation spot?

Donna: I have many favorites for different reasons. As a frequent traveler, I’m not one to return to the same place over and over again. The recent motorcycle trip through Mexico revealed how inexpensive it can be for a really good quality of life when living outside of the United States. It made me get serious about living abroad for part of the year. It will be culturally interesting and save you a lot of money.

Additional retirement tips

Retirement awaits: Do you have anything else to add or share about the retreat?

Donna: As long as your health is holding up, keep exploring and advancing. There will be time in old age to sit down and think. In the meantime, there are so many opportunities to learn new skills and get out of your comfort zone, at least a little bit.

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