You've done the spreadsheets. The numbers work. On paper, you're ready.
But there's a moment - maybe it's a colleague's leaving drinks, maybe it's 11pm and you can't sleep, where the question changes shape. It stops being "will we have enough" and becomes something harder to say out loud: who am I, when I'm not this anymore?
You laugh it off when people ask what you'll do with your days. "Travel. Golf. Finally relax." But some nights, even you don't quite believe or know if that's the whole answer.
Perhaps it shows up in the quieter moments of your day.
Who am I now that work no longer defines me?
What am I actually going to do with my days?
Is it normal to have the money sorted and still feel completely unready?
Why does this feel more like losing something than gaining something?
If I'm not busy, what will I actually think about?
What if the version of "us" that worked for thirty years doesn't work for this next bit?
Will I become someone my kids manage, instead of someone they call for advice?
This is the part that no financial plan accounts for: the fear of losing the structure, the identity, the sense of purpose and the reason you get up in the morning, the belonging and being a part of something larger than yourself. If that's the feeling sitting underneath the spreadsheets, when you finally allow yourself to stop and think outside of the financial planning, then you're not imagining it. And you're not alone in it either. These are very feel and normal thoughts and concerns that we face as we stand on the threshold of retirement.
I’ve been coaching people into a fulfilling retirement for over 12 years. Like you, when faced with my own retirement, I realised that I had never taken the time to consider how I might feel and who I might become. Ultimately, this is what has led me to retirement coaching helping people to embrace their retirement with confidence and joy.
If any of this resonated, then I offer a free 15 minute no obligation phone call. Just an honest chat about how you feel about your retirement and how I might be able to help you.
Alternatively, you can also send me a text on 0409 116 766 or email me jon@64plus.com.au and we can discuss how I might be able to help you. Most people start with the free 15 minute call and from there, we book in a series of 6 coaching sessions.
“As I was approaching retirement I had many questions and uncertainties about what the future might look like. Jon helped me work through those challenges with patience, insight and encouragement. He assisted me in creating a realistic plan that now gives me confidence and direction, while also helping me see the many opportunities. It was the best investment I’ve made in planning for my retirement.”
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I'm not going to sell you anything on this call, in this call I’m just here to listen. You can tell me what the prospect of retirement actually feels like, and what made you pick up the phone today. I'll be honest with you about what I hear, including if I don't think I'm the right person to help - that happens sometimes, and I'd rather tell you than waste your time. If it does feel right, I'll walk you through what working together looks like.
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I book you in myself - no automated system, just you and me finding a time that suits your diary. We'll talk by phone or Zoom, whichever you're more comfortable with. I'm old-fashioned enough to prefer it that way, and most people I work with seem to as well.
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Because I've been through this myself, and I know it doesn't sort itself out in one conversation. When I left full-time work, I was confused for months before I worked out what I now call "the formula" - a real, deliberate mix of activities and purpose that actually holds a retirement together. Six sessions is enough time to get you there properly, with someone helping you along, instead of stumbling through it alone the way I did.
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I don't run a script. Every conversation goes where you need it to go. Over our six sessions, we'll usually end up covering what comes up for almost everyone eventually - who you are now that work doesn't define you, how things are at home with your family, what's happened to your friendships, and how you want to give back. We won't necessarily go through them in that order. I follow where you actually are, not a checklist.
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Not a worksheet you'll file away and forget. By the end, you'll have real clarity on who you are in this next chapter, a proper shape to your days that's more than "I'll play more golf," and a plan for staying connected - to people, to purpose, to a reason to get up in the morning. I want you to leave with a retirement that feels like yours, not one you've had to improvise.
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The formal coaching finishes, but I don't disappear. I like to check in afterwards and see how things are settling. And if something new comes up down the track, you're always welcome to book in again for more coaching.
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"My partner thinks I should do this, but I'm not sure I want to."
I hear that a lot, honestly. Often the person next to you notices something before you're ready to say it yourself. You don't need to be convinced to have the first call, it's just a conversation, not a commitment.
"Is this actually for me, or am I overreacting?"
If you're even asking yourself that, it's worth fifteen minutes finding out. And if I don't think I can help, I'll tell you straight - I won't talk you into something that isn't right for you.
"Will this feel like therapy?"
No. I'm not a psychologist, and I'm not going to dig through your past. Think of me as an emotions coach - practical conversations about the shape of your life now, not clinical treatment.
“Retirement is a huge step. Working with Jon clarified my priorities and - most importantly - our sessions gave me confidence in approaching this major life transition. I wholeheartedly recommend Jon to anyone thinking about or struggling with the concept of retirement. ”