Finding Our Way: Conversations on Life After Work

Finding Our Way- Net, Stef, Shel

Three sisters, three retirements, one messy, meaningful journey. After 30+ years in their careers, three sisters explore the mystery of what to do in retirement. While many plan financially, few prepare for the emotional and purpose-driven side of life after work — a stage that can last decades. Without a plan, retirement can bring frustration or isolation. Join the sisters as they talk about transitioning from full-time work, rediscovering passions and values, and building a fulfilling next chapter.

  1. Jul 21

    Episode 14- The Impact of Retirement on Relationships

    Retirement isn't just about financial planning — it's also about maintaining healthy relationships, whether you're partnered or flying solo. In this episode of Finding Our Way, we explore how retirement impacts relationships, common challenges faced, and practical exercises to enhance communication and connection during this new phase of life.In this episode: How retirement can change the dynamics of your partnership and the concept of the "seasons" of marriage, inspired by Dr. Gary Chapman The rise of "gray divorce" and factors contributing to long-term relationship dissolutions post-retirement The importance of open communication and exercises like the assumptions and expectations assessment to prepare for retirement together Strategies for maintaining intimacy and connection, including understanding each other's love languages and relationship seasons Challenges faced by singles in retirement, including managing expectations and establishing personal boundaries How to assess personal satisfaction and future goals in one's happiness portfolio, whether single or partnered Tips for dating in later life: knowing your needs, setting boundaries, and the importance of self-awareness The significance of good communication skills, active listening, and vulnerability in sustaining meaningful relationships after work. Resources & Links: Your Happiness Portfolio for Retirement by Marianne Osher (search for the exact title and author on Amazon) The Four Seasons of Marriage by Dr. Gary Chapman Retirement and Be Happy Assumption Download Nancy Sloshberg's Story Connect with the Hosts: findourwaypodcast1@gmail.com

  2. Jul 6

    Episode 13- To Work or Not To Work

    This episode explores the multifaceted role of work in retirement, emphasizing intentionality and fulfillment beyond just staying busy. We discuss how to assess your personal motivations and match them to the types of work that bring purpose and joy.Key Topics: The concept of the happiness portfolio and its key components Eight areas beyond finances that influence a fulfilling retirement life Four types of working retirees based on motivations and satisfaction Challenges in returning to work, like clarity of purpose and effective contribution Practical tips for retooling skills and exploring encore career options The importance of aligning work with personal values and lifestyle goals Strategies for transitioning from traditional employment to part-time or volunteer roles The significance of maintaining current knowledge and re-engaging with new skills How expectations and industry-specific factors impact work beyond retirement Encouragement to approach career exploration with curiosity and self-compassion Encore.org - Connect with encore career opportunities Idealist.org - Volunteer and job options for retirees The Muse - Career quizzes and ideas for encore careers BrainSpan.org - Learning new skills for mature learners RetireandBeHappy.com/action-plan - Free downloadable form for action steps Connect with the speakers: Findingourwaypodcast1@gmail.com Remember: The journey to fulfilling work in retirement is a process rooted in curiosity and self-awareness. Take small steps, enjoy exploring new possibilities, and prioritize what aligns with your happiness. Your Happiness Portfolio for Retirement – Marianne Oehser

  3. May 25

    Episode 10 - The 5 Steps to Rediscover Your Purpose After 50

    Retirement isn't just about leaving a career; it's about discovering and reconnecting with your authentic self. This episode explores how to embrace your current passions, core values, and evolving identity post-retirement. Main Topics Covered: The importance of redefining your identity after retirement Exercises to reconnect with your current self, passions, and strengths Reflection tools like creating a personal memoir and personality assessments How to identify what truly makes you happy, motivated, and engaged Practical tips for embracing change and finding purpose In this episode: Discusses Marianne's three-step process to focus on what you do well, your purpose, and opportunities to implement your skills Explores five key areas: personality, interests, strengths, skills, and motivators Shares personal experiences from journaling, creating memoirs, and visualizing life as a journey with exits Emphasizes the significance of understanding your strengths, such as listening, loyalty, and organizational skills Offers exercises like personality trait selection and interest reflection to identify what brings joy and fulfillment Highlights the importance of self-compassion and honest reflection during this transformative phase  The Happiness Portfolio for Retirement by Marianne Osher Note: The journey of self-discovery can be emotional and deep. Take your time, be kind to yourself, and remember that every step you take is progress toward a fulfilling retirement life. Connect with the Hosts: findingourwaypodcast1@gmail.com

  4. May 11

    Episode 9- Finding New Beginnings in Retirement

    Retirement is a time of profound change and endless possibilities. In this episode, three sisters share insights from expert Marianne Osher’s 'The Happiness Portfolio for Retirement,' discussing how retirees can approach this chapter of life with intentionality, flexibility, and creativity to find purpose and fulfillment.The concept of endless possibilities in retirement and how to navigate feeling overwhelmed versus liberated. This episode encourages retirees and pre-retirees to reflect on their life’s baggage, explore various paths, and craft a compelling vision for their future. Whether you prefer a structured plan or spontaneous adventures, embracing experimentation and visualization can lead to a more joyful, authentic retirement. Exploring six different retirement paths: continuers, easy gliders, adventurers, searchers, involved spectators, and retreaters. The importance of self-awareness in choosing paths, experimenting, and integrating different approaches. Repacking your mental and emotional baggage—reevaluating beliefs, habits, and relationships that no longer serve you. Developing a vision board to clarify your future goals, activate your subconscious, and stay motivated. How to balance structure and spontaneity in retirement for a fulfilling lifestyle. The significance of community involvement, travel, hobbies, and personal growth as part of your retirement vision. Reimagining your identity—shifting from a career-focused mindset to one rooted in joy, purpose, and self-care. The role of mindfulness, living intentionally, and celebrating small wins during this transition. Practical exercises including visualizing your ideal future and reassessing your baggage The Happiness Portfolio for Retirement by Marianne Osher The Art of Possibility by Rosam Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander The Artist's Way series by Julia Cameron

  5. Apr 13

    Episode 7- Letting Go of the Past for a Fulfilling Retirement Journey

    In this episode, we explore the emotional and practical aspects of letting go of your previous career identity to embrace a new chapter in life. Join us as we discuss how to navigate change, shed emotional baggage, and find purpose after retirement. The importance of releasing your former professional identity How to accept the loss of organizational power and perks Overcoming fears and emotional attachment to the past Practical exercises to let go, including symbolic fire rituals The role of memories and creating new opportunities Recognizing job-related stressors that make letting go challenging Personal stories of growth and adjustment in retirement 00:00 - Introduction to the importance of letting go for a successful retirement00:24 - Overview of challenges faced when retiring and transitioning to a new life phase01:17 - The significance of releasing old identities and roles02:26 - Letting go of who you used to be—career identity and recognition03:14 - Impact of community environment on perceptions of your former career04:45 - The loss of authority, power, and perks after retirement07:21 - Guilt associated with no longer earning a paycheck08:36 - Maintaining personal traits and professional qualities post-retirement10:56 - Why holding on to the past can hinder emotional and physical health12:20 - Using memories to stay connected and transition into the unknown13:16 - The necessity of emotional growth through letting go15:18 - Strategies to trust in the process and release fear17:47 - Exercises for letting go: listing what to release and symbolic burning25:50 - Creative ways to say goodbye to the past, including talk, crumble, or burn lists26:39 - Humor and support, including "fireball" rituals and sharing with others27:05 - Encouragement to reflect and embrace the next chapter with joy Your Happiness Portfolio for Retirement by Mary Ann Usher (search for exact link) The Happiness Portfolio for Retirement: It’s Not About the Money by Mary-Ann T. Oshoor “Your Happiness Portfolio® For Retirement, It’s Not About the Money!” workbook, go to RetireandBeHappy.com/workbook/ Join us for next week's discussion on discovering new passions.

About

Three sisters, three retirements, one messy, meaningful journey. After 30+ years in their careers, three sisters explore the mystery of what to do in retirement. While many plan financially, few prepare for the emotional and purpose-driven side of life after work — a stage that can last decades. Without a plan, retirement can bring frustration or isolation. Join the sisters as they talk about transitioning from full-time work, rediscovering passions and values, and building a fulfilling next chapter.