Why I Do This Work

It's Not About the Money, It's About the Desire to Be Helpful to Those Struggling in Retirement.

Written by Dr. Steve Sandoval

Founder, The Flourishing Retiree

An Atypical Coach for A Common Struggle

I’m not your typical retirement coach—and that’s exactly the point. This work isn’t for everyone, but for those struggling to find meaning in this new chapter of life. Here’s why I might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

In my experience over the last few years, I've found two primary types of non-financial retirement advisors:

• The Veteran Retiree: These are folks who’ve retired for a while and offer advice based on their own experiences. While this can be helpful at times, it doesn’t always come from a solid research foundation or a professional background in psychology or gero-psychology.

  
  

• The Opportunist: These are people who’ve never retired—in fact some look like they’re in their 20s and 30s—but see a chance to cash in on vulnerable retirees, offering flashy courses and recycled lists like “Top 10 Tips to Stay Busy After 60.” It’s all glitz, no substance. And if you’re like me, you can spot that a mile away.

As for me, I didn’t step into this space to get rich. I’ve been fortunate enough to work for over 25 years in a field that pays a generous pension, along with fortuitous investments, which covers the expenses for my wife (who’s still working) and me. We’re fine financially, so money is no motivator. I also don’t crave the spotlight. As an introvert, I’d rather put others in it than be there myself, even though I’ve always enjoyed working directly with others.

Most importantly, I also don’t want to hand out cookie-cutter advice to retirees who are already doing well—that’s not worth my time or yours.

My focus is on those who are struggling, often quietly, in this new phase of life. I started The Flourishing Retiree because I saw too many smart, capable, kind people languishing at a time when they should be thriving. Unlike influencers selling hollow hope, I offer real tools grounded in psychological science, specifically designed for mature adults navigating the complex waters of retirement identity, purpose, and vitality.

Why me?

So who am I?

I’m a retired psychologist by training, with decades of experience in mental measurement, leading, and consulting. I help people unlock clarity through meaningful questions. I spent my career evaluating human potential—first with children & youth and now with mature adults—helping people navigate complex life transitions, and crafting systems of support for those who didn’t always fit into the box, or perhaps they once did but no longer do.

That experience didn’t retire when I did. Instead, I refashioned these skills into new interests.

Indeed, it shifted. Now I focus on those silently struggling in retirement—not with their finances (I leave that to the pros), but with their existence. What do I do with my time now? What do I do for others? What’s my new identity? Does any of this still matter? These are not small questions, and they’re not solved easily. My work is about going deeper.

Through tools like the Existential Vitality Index™ (EVI) and customized 1:1 coaching, I help retirees uncover where they’re strong, where they’re stuck, and how to build a life that feels like living again. And here’s the kicker: not everyone needs this. Many don’t. But if you do, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

I'm Not Here for Everyone. I'm Here for You

My parents don’t need me for this. They’re thriving. They’ve built purpose and meaning into their days, even if they stumbled a bit early on. Most retirees figure it out over time (some do immediately). But some don’t.

And those are my people.

They’re the ones quietly wondering why they still feel a little empty, even with a full calendar. The ones who miss being needed, being asked to chime in, being seen, having a reason to get up and get out. The ones who want more than just “staying busy”—they want something that matters.

They might take the EVI and get a thoughtful, no-fluff report that helps them recalibrate. Others might say, “I’m ready to talk. I’m ready to dig.” And we do. We dig into mindset and meaning, not to dwell in the past but to re-vision the present. Services through my website are varied purposefully. Why? Because everyone is different and would prefer not to participate in services—or anything—that are one-size-fits-all for everyone.

This isn’t coaching in the traditional sense—coaches tell others what to do. That’s not me or my practice. Instead, it’s existential advisement. It’s about aligning your values with your time and figuring out what’s worth saying yes to on —and what it’s finally time to let go of—on your terms, not mine.

No Strings. Just Support.

Here’s what you won’t find with me: hype, pressure, a “click here for my limited-time retirement masterclass” or a “retirement retreat in Tahiti” sales pitch (although the retreat idea sounds kinda cool). Instead, my goal is to build momentum for people who want to flourish, not just live past the next day.

If that means you click on my website and never talk to me again, great. If it means we partner together to chart your next chapter, even better. But either way, know this: my work is built on substance, not a pitch. There are no strings—just support. Heck, I’d do this stuff for free if my wife would let me. Why? Because I believe, with everything in me, that these years can be your best years. They just might need a little nudge in the right direction. And you deserve it.

If you would like to learn more, please log into www.theflourishingretiree.net or reach out to me at theflourishingretiree@gmail.com. Would love to talk more about how I can help.

A grandmother and her grandchild share a joyful embrace, radiating love and happiness in a serene outdoor setting.