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Redefining Yourself in Retirement

Published by Pam Finnie

Government

Finances are generally the focus of retirement planning and often there is little planning done in relation to what happens to your identity. Redefining Yourself in Retirement explores thoughtful, real-life experiences from a diverse range of people, examining what made their transition to retirement easier, what proved challenging, and what they wish they had known. Hosted by Pam Finnie, who combines her HR and academic research background to explore how identity evolves through life transitions, each episode brings together both lived experience and practical guidance. These grounded, honest accounts reflect both the rewards and the complexities of this stage of life, drawing on perspectives from people who retired by choice and those whose journey took an unexpected turn. Redefining Yourself in Retirement is relevant for anyone adjusting to or preparing for this next chapter of life.

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Recent episodes

Redefining Yourself in Retirement: The tradie who just wouldn’t stop until his body made him.

Aug 4, 202630 min

In this episode, we hear from Neil, a builder who owned his own business. Neil has a life that has been - and continues to be - well lived. I have known Neil for years and he was always on the verge of retiring. But there was always one more house to build, one more builder mate to help out, and then there would be another house to build. This went on for years...and years. So what slowed him down in the end – maybe realising it was his body that now needed (re)building. And even then he was heard to mutter maybe just one more house. Yes, he still wears a Swandri and gumboots (because they are comfortable) and drives a ute (because it pulls the boat). Neil talks about what he misses about working and what he doesn’t.

Redefining Yourself in Retirement: One size does not fit all

Jul 28, 202629 min

In this episode, we hear from Amanda who sees retirement as a time to work out what makes you happy - not what everyone thinks should make you happy (and is often based on their experience of retirement). As you listen to Amanda’s story you will hear how she put a great deal of thought into what a successful retirement would mean for her. She is clear, that there is no one size fits all but there are things you can do to make the transition to retirement easier. Amanda also shares how two years prior to retiring, she deliberately tested her ability to survive on a reduced income, treating it as a practical rehearsal for the changes ahead.

Redefining Yourself in Retirement There Is No Magic Wand — But Some Things Will Make Your Transition Easier

Jul 21, 202628 min

In this episode, we hear from Jenny who chose to leave her job five years earlier than planned, after her husband had a health scare. This was to ensure they fully enjoyed the retirement they had saved hard to have. As you listen to Jenny’s story, you’ll hear how her well‑developed non‑work identity — which she continues to grow — supported her through the transition. It is clear Jenny reshaped her life after leaving work, without losing herself in the process. Pam’s research into how people transition to retirement, highlighted the importance of having a strong non‑work identity before retiring, to make the shift significantly easier.

Redefining Yourself in Retirement: When Work Stops but Life Doesn’t

Jul 14, 202627 min

Everyone, no matter who they are, works through a transition process as they move towards retirement. Grief can be felt as people work through who they are going to be, and what they are going to do, in retirement. Transition is an ongoing work-in-progress and there is no 'one size fits all'. During this episode, Lisel — who is self‑employed and moving towards full retirement — shares her retirement journey so far. Throughout this podcast series expect your thinking about retirement to be challenged as Pam blend’s her guests’ real experiences with thought‑provoking, practical insights drawn from her recent research into the transition to retirement.

Redefining Yourself in Retirement: Retired but Not Expired

Jul 7, 202620 min

As baby boomers are: living longer, healthier, better educated, and know they still have much to offer society, the meaning of retirement and aging is changing – to the baby boomers at least. With no compulsory retirement age, just how do you know when to do it, and whether you are doing it 'right'. And when and how is someone old and why is that important. So many things to think about. In this episode six people ranging in age from their 20s to 80s answer a series of thought-provoking questions that pull apart the assumptions, the clichés, and the stories we’ve been told about retirement and aging.