How to find passion and purpose in retirement

Allworth financial advisor Michael Coates, CFP®, discusses how retirees can find passion and purpose in their next chapter by exploring meaningful activities, building routines, and reconnecting with what truly matters.

 

Retirement is often painted as a finish line—a time to kick back, relax, and take a well-deserved break. And while that may sound appealing for a while, anyone who’s been through the first few months of retirement knows there’s more to it. Eventually, the novelty of “doing nothing” wears off, and you’re left asking yourself, “What now?”

The truth is, retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s the start of a new chapter. It’s a chapter you get to write on your own terms. But that blank page can feel intimidating. If your career was a major part of your identity, finding new ways to stay fulfilled and connected can take time and intention.

So, how do you move from “retired” to truly thriving? It comes down to finding passion and purpose—two things that give your days meaning and your life momentum. Here’s how you can begin to rediscover what lights you up and craft a retirement that’s not only enjoyable but deeply fulfilling.

1. Reflect on What Matters Most to You

Before you jump into new activities or commitments, take a step back and think about what’s truly important to you at this stage in life. What are the values you want to live by? What brings you joy or a sense of accomplishment?

Ask yourself:

• What parts of my life have made me feel the most fulfilled?
• Who are the people, causes, or activities that energize me?
• What skills or passions have I neglected over the years?

This kind of reflection doesn’t need to be complicated—grab a notebook or simply take some quiet time to think it through. You might uncover a forgotten hobby, a desire to help others, or the spark of a new interest that’s been waiting for your attention.

2. Explore New Interests or Rediscover Old Ones

With the time and flexibility that retirement offers, you finally have the freedom to explore what genuinely interests you. Maybe there’s something you’ve always wanted to try but never had the bandwidth for—painting, playing music, traveling, or gardening. Or perhaps it’s time to rediscover the hobbies you loved in your younger years but let fall by the wayside.

The key is to give yourself permission to experiment. Try different things without worrying about being perfect or productive. Take a class, join a local club, or invite a friend to do it with you. You might be surprised by what sticks.

One client of mine picked up woodworking after decades of ignoring his tools. He started with simple projects, then turned his garage into a workshop, and eventually started gifting handmade furniture to his kids. For him, it’s been not just a hobby, but a way to create something lasting for his family.

3. Volunteer or Mentor Others

One of the most fulfilling ways to find purpose is to give back to others. Volunteering allows you to make a difference, build connections, and use your experience to help those who need it. Whether it’s mentoring young professionals, supporting a cause close to your heart, or working in your community, giving your time can provide a powerful sense of direction.

If you spent decades building skills in your career, consider how you might share that knowledge. Many retirees find purpose in teaching, consulting, or mentoring because it keeps them engaged and allows them to leave a meaningful impact.

For example, I know a retired executive who now mentors small business owners in his community. He’s as busy as he wants to be, feels valued, and—most importantly—enjoys what he’s doing every single day.

4. Travel with Intention

For many people, retirement is the perfect time to explore new places or revisit favorites. But travel can be about more than just seeing the sights; it’s also an opportunity to connect with your passions and purpose.

Think about what kind of travel would feel the most rewarding to you:

• Exploring your family heritage?
• Taking trips to learn a new skill, like cooking or photography?
• Volunteering abroad or experiencing different cultures?

Traveling intentionally—where the experience aligns with your goals and interests—can be both energizing and enriching. And the best part is that it doesn’t have to be extravagant. Whether it’s a road trip to a national park or an international adventure, meaningful travel is about creating memories and expanding your perspective.

5. Build Your Ideal Routine—But Leave Room for Flexibility

After years of structure and schedules, retirement can feel a little… loose. While that flexibility is a gift, most retirees eventually realize that a lack of routine can leave them feeling aimless. Creating a balanced, intentional daily rhythm can help bring focus and fulfillment to your days.

Your routine doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—just focus on what makes you feel your best. Maybe mornings are for exercise, coffee, and reading, afternoons for hobbies or volunteering, and evenings for family time or relaxation.

That said, don’t over-schedule yourself. One of the biggest joys of retirement is having room for spontaneity. A good routine should feel like a foundation, not a constraint.

6. Connect with Others and Build Community

One of the most important (and often overlooked) keys to a fulfilling retirement is staying socially connected. Work often gave us a built-in community, so when we retire, it’s easy to feel isolated. Actively building and maintaining relationships can make all the difference.

Seek out opportunities to meet new people or reconnect with old friends. Join clubs, attend community events, or gather regularly with others who share your interests. Whether it’s a weekly coffee group or volunteering with like-minded people, community brings joy and meaning to this stage of life.

Retirement Is a New Beginning

Finding passion and purpose in retirement doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. It’s a process of exploring, reflecting, and being open to what lights you up. This chapter of life is about more than just “keeping busy”—it’s about discovering what truly matters and embracing the freedom to live on your own terms.

If you’re ready to think through what this next stage of life looks like for you—financially and personally—I’m here to help. Let’s build a plan that not only secures your retirement but makes it one worth looking forward to.

Michael Coates, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Many of the clients I work with choose me because I’m a collaborative financial partner during the later years of their careers. When you’re in the final era of your work life, you need an equitable relationship with your financial advisor, so you feel empowered to make educated decisions that set you up for lasting financial success.

If you’re feeling uncertain about how to prioritize your goals, I’ll help to develop a path to get you to retirement in the most efficient way possible. 

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