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Learning in Retirement: Let Curiosity Be Your New Compass

After decades of managing deadlines, leading teams, and making strategic decisions, many professionals find themselves wondering: What now? Retirement promises freedom—but what do you do with that freedom? One unexpected (and joyful!) answer: you learn—but this time, not for a promotion or professional credential.

This time, you learn for you.


Learning That Lights You Up

Two elderly people smiling, looking at papers in a sunny park. Other seniors in foreground, trees in the background, relaxed atmosphere.

Throughout your career, learning likely had a purpose—an outcome tied to performance, results, or responsibility. In retirement, learning can take on a completely different shape. It can be playful, creative, and deeply personal. It becomes less about climbing and more about curiosity.

This isn’t about signing up for another course unless you want to. It’s about giving yourself permission to explore simply because something sparks your interest.



Explore What Brings You Joy

Artist in a blue shirt painting on canvas in bright studio, palette in hand. Others paint in background, creating focused and creative mood.

Think back to the hobbies, interests, or dreams you set aside when life got busy. Did you love painting as a kid? Were you curious about astronomy, poetry, or world history but never had the time? Now is your chance to return to those early sparks—or ignite new ones.

For me, it started with kayaking. I enjoyed kayaking when I was younger, and it wasn’t something I had ever made time for during the busy years of work and raising a family. A couple of years ago, I decided to try it again, “just for fun.” No goal, no agenda—just the joy of gliding quietly across a lake. That simple experience reawakened my sense of wonder—and reminded me how refreshing it feels to try something new, just because it calls to you.

Your joy might look different. That’s the beauty of it. This is about you.



Be Playful with Possibility

Two women dance joyfully in bright workout clothes, laughing in a studio with large windows. Others dance in the blurred background.

The beauty of this season is that the pressure is off. You don’t have to master anything. Try something totally new with zero expectations. Whether it’s taking a dance class, trying your hand at photography, or dabbling in a foreign language—the joy is in the experience, not the outcome.

This kind of learning isn’t about getting it right—it’s about getting motivated.


Start Small and Stay Open

Woman with gray hair and glasses works on a laptop at a dining table with salad and juice. Brick wall and plants in background. Calm mood.

Not sure where to start? Try this:

  • Create a list of all the topics or activities you are curious about. 

  • Read a book on a topic you’ve always wondered about.

  • Watch a TED Talk that piques your interest.

  • Attend a local lecture, workshop, or class just for fun.

  • Follow your curiosity—one step at a time.

You don’t need a big plan. Just a little willingness to follow what fascinates you.


Reflect and Reconnect


Take a moment and consider:

  • What topic, idea, or skill have you been curious about lately?

  • When was the last time you lost track of time doing something you enjoyed?

Sometimes, those small moments are the biggest clues to what brings us joy.


You don’t need a syllabus, just curiosity and an open heart.Your next chapter is not about proving yourself. It’s about rediscovering yourself.


Curious about what’s next for you?


Take the Retirement Readiness Quiz and receive personalized insights to guide your journey.

Lori

Lori Candela, M.Ed., ACC, CPC, CPRC

Certified Professional Retirement Coach

Retiring on Purpose, LLC

Retire with Clarity, Live with Intention!

(203)556-0254

 
 
 

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