Retirement Isn't the Opposite of Work

It's Reclaiming your Autonomy

Written by Steve Sandoval, Ph.D.

Founder, The Flourishing Retiree

We’ve all heard it: “I’ve worked hard my whole life. I just want to do nothing.”

Fair enough—after decades of waking up to alarms, sitting through often-pointless meetings that could’ve been emails, driving through morning and afternoon traffic, and packing sad little lunches in plastic containers, the urge to finally walk away from work is real. And deserved.

But here’s the truth: Retirement isn’t the opposite of work. It’s the opposite of being told how to spend your time.

Wait… So You’re Saying I Should Just Keep Working?

Not necessarily (unless that’s what you really want to do). What I am saying is that meaningful activity doesn’t end the day your paycheck does. If anything, retirement is when you finally have full control over your time—and that’s a kind of wealth we don’t talk about enough.

Work becomes optional, yes. But purpose? Still essential. I mean, there’s only so much Oprah or Golf Channel to watch on TV before life becomes, well, less purposeful.

So, reframe the perception that retirement an empty calendar—Instead, view this important chapter as a full one that YOU get to design (though I’m willing to help, of course).

Autonomy: The Real Win in Retirement

When it comes to life, retirement isn’t the finish line, but as a new season—one where autonomy takes the lead role. You’re no longer bound by deadlines, HR policies or quarterly reviews—in other words, other peoples’ priorities.

Now, you choose:

• What projects matter most

• Which relationships to nurture

• What passions you finally have space to explore

• Whether you want to volunteer, mentor, travel, write, coach, learn to play the bass guitar (liked I tried and failed once)—or, yes, even start a small business or side hustle doing something that energizes you (which is what I chose to do, but everyone charts their own course).

But Isn’t Rest Important Too?

Absolutely. In fact, Restful Health is one of the four key domains I use to measure flourishing in retirement—so rest will never not matter. (And yes, that’s me proudly using a double negative.) What I’m saying is this: rest is essential, but it can’t be the whole story once you’ve “hung up the cleats.” Rest fuels you, but it’s purpose that keeps you moving.

I’m a morning person, so most of my high-energy tasks happen early. But by afternoon? Let’s just say I’m fully committed to naps—the kind that soothe your soul and your lower back. That said, rest works best when it’s paired with engagement. Without purpose, rest turns into boredom. And boredom—let’s be honest—can lead to questionable decisions, like joining the neighborhood HOA just to feel busy.

Passion Projects, Side Hustles & Purposeful Play

Some retirees build birdhouses. Others build consulting firms. Some grow tomatoes. Others grow YouTube channels. The common thread? They’re doing something they care about. Something that stretches their minds, connects them to others, or lets them leave a mark. Wise people have said for generations, “It ain’t work if you’re enjoying what you do.” For some, it’s the job they’re paid to do, and that’s ok; for others it’s their passions, skills, interests and experiences that drive their chosen purpose, paid or unpaid.

We don’t need to call it “work.” But if it brings meaning, requires effort, and builds momentum for a fulfilling life, call it what you want.

It counts regardless.

Final Thought: This Is Your Time

If you're nearing retirement, don’t fall into the trap of thinking your best contribution is behind you. Baloney! The most fulfilling part of your life may just be waiting for you to stop calling it “retirement” and start calling it what it really is: Reclaimed autonomy. That’s the heartbeat of existentialism—the freedom to choose how you live, paired with the responsibility to make it count. Retirement isn’t an escape from responsibility; it’s an invitation to live with intention, on your own terms.

Now the question becomes: What will you do with it?

African American woman gardening near her home

Want to explore what your version of flourishing looks like? Let’s talk. Visit www.theflourishingretiree.net and take the first step in designing a retirement that fits you.