Moving Mountains in Retirement: Rosee Elliott

From Redundancy to Retirement in Scotland: Paul MidgleySummaryGordon Callum, Founder of RetiringPoint, talks with Paul Midgley, a retired Chief Insights Officer who worked in senior NHS and healthcare roles. They cover how an unexpected redundancy in 2023 led Paul to set up his own consultancy. He and his wife then planned a joint retirement and a move from Nottingham to Scotland, which they completed this year in 2026. Paul describes how the transition feels now. He also gives three pieces of advice for anyone approaching retirement.Key topicsThe redundancy call that started his retirement thinking, and why outplacement coaching and a financial review took the panic awaySetting up a consultancy and a non-exec role as a three-year glide path into retirementWhat prompted the final decision: his mum's health scare in mid-2025, which made him rethink how hard he was workingPlanning the move together, including decluttering the loft, selling the house and closing both businesses in April this yearWhy Scotland: a summer trip there 40 years ago, his daughter's move to Edinburgh, and a shared love of the outdoors and golfBuilding a new community: neighbours, golf, volunteering with the Trossachs and Loch Lomond National Park, rewilding projects, and U3A groupsHaving a proper ending, with leaving drinks, before a new beginningLooking at what he gains rather than what he's lostPaul's three tipsThink about what has brought you joy in your life and reconnect with those things before you retire.Think about how you want to be health-wise at 80 and keep moving and doing strength training.Talk to recent retirees whose lifestyle you'd like to copy. Prepare well for retirement so you don't get bored, to avoid quickly jumping back into work.TakeawaysWork gives you structure, purpose and income. If you no longer need the income, you still have to replace the structure and purpose.Both partners need to agree on a big location move.Start trying out your retirement activities early, before your retirement date.Timestamps0:01 Welcome and introduction to Paul1:01 When retirement first came up: the redundancy offer2:27 Panic, outplacement support and starting a consultancy7:11 Now properly retired: the plan, the move and closing the businesses9:49 What triggered the decision, including his mum's health scare13:36 Why Scotland18:24 How retirement feels20:12 Not missing work, and the rewilding and conservation volunteering22:54 Why a proper ending matters23:20 Making new friends after the move: neighbours and U3A27:29 Structure, purpose and excitement28:05 Paul's three tips for approaching retirement33:23 Wrap-up and how to find Paul (LinkedIn)--Connect with Gordon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-callum-40022a4/Take our Retirement Readiness Assessment : https://gordon-lr9eplhq.scoreapp.comVisit RetiringPoint Online :retiringpoint.com

Philip VanDusen on retiring from a personal brand, redefining legacy, and easing into retirementGordon Callum talks with branding consultant Philip VanDusen about what it really means to retire when your business has been built around your own name, face, and expertise. Philip shares how he moved from a 40-year career in branding and design into a more intentional retirement transition, using therapy, reduced work hours, and a gradual “dimmer switch” approach instead of stopping all at once. We discuss how to process the identity shift, why legacy matters more than titles or campaigns, and how to create structure in retirement without turning it into another full-time job.Key topicsPhilip VanDusen’s career path- He shares a 40-year journey across fine art, apparel, agency work, and client-side leadership, including executive roles at major companies like Old Navy and PepsiCo.Why retirement felt different when his business became his identity- Philip explains that retiring from a company role is very different from stepping away from a consultancy built around a personal brand.Using therapy to process the transition- He describes how counseling helped him work through the emotional side of leaving work and clarify what retirement would mean for him.A gradual client handoff strategy- Instead of making a hard stop, Philip gave existing clients advance notice, referred new leads to trusted partners, and softly phased out new business.The “dimmer switch” model for retirement- He outlines his choice to reduce some work while continuing select activities like the podcast and YouTube channel for as long as they still feel good.Designing a realistic retirement week- Philip explains how he blocked Thursdays and Fridays, compressed work into Monday through Wednesday, and then rebuilt his time around gym sessions, piano practice, meditation, and home projects.Commitment over goals- He distinguishes between setting a concrete commitment, like meditating daily for 100 days, and setting outcome-based goals that are harder to control.Keeping structure without losing freedom- The conversation explores how retirement can still include discipline, routine, and self-challenge without becoming rigid.Legacy beyond work output- Philip says his greatest legacy is not the products or campaigns he created, but the creative people he mentored, led, and helped grow.Why early planning and community matter- He recommends starting early, getting outside perspective, and talking with others going through the same life stage instead of trying to figure it out alone.Timestamps00:00 - Introducing Philip VanDusen and the retirement conversation01:01 - Philip’s 40-year career in branding and design02:47 - Leaving burnout behind and starting his own consultancy03:11 - How content marketing built his client base04:57 - Why retiring from a personal brand feels different06:41 - The identity question: how do you walk away from yourself?07:10 - Using therapy to process retirement08:11 - How he told existing clients he was retiring09:52 - Working with partners to hand off new client work11:02 - The role of age, mortality, and perspective in the decision13:30 - Returning to music, art, scuba diving, and piano16:16 - Why experimenting before retirement matters17:12 - The dimmer switch approach instead of an on-off retirement19:01 - Compressing work into a shorter week20:00 - Building a retirement rhythm around gym, piano, and home projects22:03 - Structure, flexibility, and finding an equilibrium23:23 - Why commitments matter more than goals for long-term projects24:18 - The YouTube commitment that eventually became a client engine25:17 - A 100-day meditation commitment26:58 - Keeping the same level of focus while changing the activity28:02 - Continuing content work as a bridge into retirement29:01 - Mentoring as part of a broader legacy29:30 - Why people development matters more than campaigns or packaging31:49 - Three top tips for people approaching retirement33:46 - Why community and conversation make the transition easier34:59 - Where to reach Philip--Connect with Gordon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-callum-40022a4/Take our Retirement Readiness Assessment : https://gordon-lr9eplhq.scoreapp.comVisit Retiring Point Online :retiringpoint.com

Retirement is too often treated as a finish line rather than the start of a new chapter — and this episode is a powerful reminder of what's possible when you refuse to let age dictate your ambitions. For anyone approaching or already in retirement, it's a candid look at how purpose, curiosity and a willingness to be uncomfortable can completely reshape what "life after work" looks like.This week's guest is Rosee Elliott, founder of Moving Mountains with Rosee Elliott and former head teacher who went on to run a House of Colour franchise for 12 years. At 75, Rosie has skydived for Alzheimer's research, climbed Kilimanjaro for the charity Kidscape, written a book, and is now building an entirely new venture — making her a genuinely inspiring voice on what it means to keep growing later in life.Key TopicsFrom Head Teacher to Entrepreneur - Rosee left a long teaching career — stepping down as head teacher of a large Aberdeenshire primary school at 64 — to buy a House of Colour image and colour consultancy franchise. She reflects on the leap from a highly structured, supported school environment into running her own business, learning everything from networking to finance from scratch.Facing Fear and Finding Control - After losing her mother and aunt to Alzheimer's, Rosee decided to skydive to raise funds and awareness. The jump taught her something unexpected about herself: she wasn't afraid of heights, she was afraid of losing control — a realisation that would resurface, and guide a major decision, on Kilimanjaro.Climbing Kilimanjaro — and Knowing When to Stop - At 75, Rosee trained for and attempted Kilimanjaro with Kidscape, raising £120,000 for the anti-bullying charity. Battling a knee injury and altitude sickness, she made the difficult but empowering choice not to summit, choosing her long-term health and safety over pushing through — a decision she frames as taking control, not giving up.Key TakeawaysRetirement Needs a Purpose, Not Just a Plan - Rosee is clear that without a genuine sense of purpose, retirement can quickly become empty — whether that's coffee mornings, TV, or even golf. Finding something that gives you a reason to get up in the morning is, in her view, essential to a fulfilling later life."What Next?" Should Be a Lifelong Mindset - Rather than treating retirement as an endpoint to wind down towards, Rosee treats it as a springboard for constant reinvention — asking "what next?" at every stage, rather than settling into comfort.Control, Choice and Curiosity Are the Real Ingredients - Rosee's three recommendations for anyone approaching retirement: stay curious, feed your adventurous spirit (however big or small that looks for you), and believe that whatever you choose to do, you're capable of doing it.Timestamps[00:00] Introduction[00:47] From head teacher to House of Colour: Rosee's career transition[04:20] Skydiving for Alzheimer's and discovering the fear of losing control[08:10] The invitation to climb Kilimanjaro for Kidscape[10:30] Life before adventure: was there always a risk-taker in Rosee?[13:40] Buying the House of Colour franchise and learning business from scratch[19:50] Preparing for and climbing Kilimanjaro[24:00] The decision not to summit — and why that took courage[27:10] Launching Moving Mountains with Rosee Elliott[29:30] Why purpose matters more than a retirement date[33:00] Three pieces of advice for anyone approaching retirementIf Rosee's story reminds you of anything, it's that retirement isn't the finish line — so hit follow, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and go find your own mountain to climb.--Subscribe to Retiring Pointers today and take one concrete step this week toward designing a retirement that is as rich in purpose as it is in financial peace.Connect with Gordon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-callum-40022a4/Take our Retirement Readiness Assessment : https://gordon-lr9eplhq.scoreapp.comVisit RetiringPoint Online : https://retiringpoint.com

Preparing for retirement is about far more than just accumulating a healthy pension pot; it requires a mental shift toward how you will spend your time, energy, and wealth. Balancing the emotional realities of leaving a long career with practical financial planning ensures you do not just survive retirement, but actively thrive. Understanding both sides of this equation gives you the confidence to step away from work and build a fulfilling next chapter.Richard Wadsworth is a financial adviser at Carbon Financial Partners who specialises in working with individuals over the age of 50. With decades of expertise, Richard goes beyond standard investment advice to help clients align their financial resources with their personal purpose and lifestyle goals. His practical, human-centered approach makes him a trusted guide for anyone navigating the transition from saving wealth to spending it meaningfully.---Key Topics1. The Mindset Shift in Your 50s - Turning 50 often triggers a fundamental shift from passively saving money to recognising what your wealth actually needs to achieve. As retirement nears, the focus sharpens from abstract financial figures to real-life living costs and lifestyle expectations.2. Retiring From Work vs. Retiring To Purpose - While most professionals know exactly what job or responsibilities they want to step away from, very few have a clear vision of what they are stepping into. Exploring your personal values, health, and daily routine early on helps create a meaningful post-work identity.3. Conquering Drawdown Anxiety and Frugality - After 30 or 40 years of building a savings habit, transitioning to spending down your nest egg can trigger unexpected financial anxiety. Establishing structured monthly drawdowns and maintaining growth assets help ease this transition and provide long-term peace of mind.---Key Takeaways1. Embrace Retirement as "Rewirement" or Revivement - Reframe retirement not as an ending or a slow-down, but as an opportunity to revive your energy toward new projects, interests, and passions that bring genuine fulfillment.2. Test-Drive Your Post-Work Life Early - Don't wait until your final day at work to figure out your lifestyle; use your late 50s to trial part-time schedules, volunteering, non-executive roles, or new hobbies.3. Know Your Finances to Build Confidence - Gaining clarity on your actual income requirements and structuring your portfolio to withstand longevity and inflation allows you to give yourself full permission to spend and enjoy your wealth.---Timestamps1. [00:00] Introduction and balancing financial with non-financial planning2. [00:01] What changes emotionally and mentally when you reach your 50s3. [00:05] Why people know what they retire from, but not what they retire to4. [00:06] The shift away from the traditional "cliff-edge" retirement5. [00:09] Uncovering personal purpose, values, and cold Tuesday morning routines6. [00:13] Overcoming the tendency to deprioritise yourself in busy roles7. [00:17] Understanding "frugality muscle" and the fear of drawing down wealth8. [00:21] Practical ways to replace your salary and build spending confidence9. [00:25] Three essential habits to cultivate as you prepare for retirement10. [00:28] Where to connect with Richard Wadsworth and Carbon Financial---Subscribe to Retiring Pointers today and take one concrete step this week toward designing a retirement that is as rich in purpose as it is in financial peace.Connect with Gordon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-callum-40022a4/Take our Retirement Readiness Assessment : https://gordon-lr9eplhq.scoreapp.comVisit RetiringPoint Online : https://retiringpoint.com

Devesh Mathur's Transition Into RetirementCentral topicTransitioning into retirement isn’t just a financial event—it’s a personal identity shift that can surface as anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty long before your “official” retirement date. Devesh Mathur shares what surprised him most: the 12–18 months leading up to retirement can feel harder than retirement itself, and planning for the non-financial side early can make all the difference.Guest introductionDevesh Mathur is the Chief Operating Officer for HSBC across India, Asia Pacific, and Bangladesh. As a senior executive facing mandatory retirement at age 60, he offers a grounded, high-execution perspective on how to reshape purpose, relationships, and marriage rhythms—so retirement becomes a life you step into, not a gap you fall into.Key TopicsThe hidden pressure of the “in-between” yearsDevesh explains how the months before retirement come with an invisible countdown—where your role, routine, and sense of time start to feel like they’re slipping away. He describes how this anticipation can trigger more reflection than the day itself, making early preparation feel not optional but necessary.Identity: who are you without the title?A major theme is the question of identity when your work title disappears. Devesh challenges the idea that retirement is only about leaving a job—he points to the deeper loss of multiple identities built over decades, and the need to consciously define what you’ll be “for” next.Designing community and connection outside workBecause so much of Devesh’s social life is work-generated, he starts building relationships that won’t collapse when he steps away. He discusses making deliberate choices about friendships, reducing reliance on workplace networks, and keeping “old connections” alive in a way that still feels relatable.Key TakeawaysPlan your next chapter while you still have momentumWaiting until after retirement can make the transition sharper and more painful. Devesh recommends designing what comes next during the final runway—using that same drive and structure to test purpose-aligned directions.Create an identity separate from work—earlyTo protect your emotional landing, start defining who you are beyond your role before you retire. Devesh emphasizes that the earlier you can create “anchors” for purpose, the smoother the shift becomes.Protect your relationship with clear, shared agreementsRetirement changes daily life at home, not just professional life. Devesh highlights the importance of explicit conversations with a spouse about shared spaces, responsibilities, and decision-making—so retirement doesn’t become an unspoken mismatch.Timestamps\[00:00\] Introduction and why transition matters\[00:01\] Guest background: Devesh Mathur and his retirement timeline\[00:03\] The surprising difficulty of the 12–18 months before retirement\[00:05\] Identity shock: “Who am I without the title?”\[00:09\] Finding personal anchors: mentorship and advisory roles\[00:12\] Designing the next chapter before you retire\[00:15\] Social life shift: moving beyond work-generated relationships\[00:19\] Avoiding the “chorus of critics” trap\[00:22\] Work relationships and the evolving retirement “energy”\[00:24\] Retirement excitement—and the realistic “honeymoon” question\[00:28\] Purpose in pro bono work and what still motivates\[00:30\] Three tips: plan early, build identity, and protect marriage transitionIf retirement is a doorway, let this episode help you plan the life on the other side.--Connect with Gordon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-callum-40022a4/Take our Retirement Readiness Assessment : https://gordon-lr9eplhq.scoreapp.comVisit Retiring Point Online : https://retiringpoint.com

Retirement Transition Story : Graham BleakleyThe transition out of a high-powered career is often treated as a financial event, but it’s really a shift in identity and daily purpose. In this episode, Graham Bleakley shares how intentional preparation, especially around community and personal interests, helped him move from work to retirement in a way that felt more like starting living than “switching off.”Graham is an ex-Systems Engineering Technical Director at the Costain Group. With a thoughtful, practical lens shaped by years of leadership, he walks through what retirement planning actually looked like for him; what he front-loaded, what got disrupted, what he missed, and how he rebuilt his sense of self as an “artist” in the making.Key TopicsFront-loading your retirement (before you “retire”)Instead of waiting until the walkaway date to figure things out, Graham describes the importance of starting your post-work life while you’re still employed. For him, a major gap was community, something he intentionally began building years ahead, so the landing felt steadier rather than jarring.Managing the emotional weight of a professional exitLeaving a senior role isn’t just logistics, it’s emotional work too, especially when you’re responsible for succession planning and continuity. Graham reflects on the strain of trying to “leave well” while also preparing himself inwardly for a complete change in purpose.Rebuilding identity beyond the job titleWork can become a big part of who you are, so retirement may require redefining yourself in more creative and human terms. Graham shares how he found grounding through ceramics, and balance through Tai Chi, while also learning how to live without the daily rhythm of technical camaraderie.Key TakeawaysCommunity is a stabiliser, not a “nice to have”Graham’s story is a reminder that relationships can be the difference between a retirement that feels open and one that feels isolating. His local boat club became his most important support network, offering both belonging and a reason to get up each day.You may need rest before you go after the next thingHe emphasises that relief and euphoria can arrive alongside real fatigue. Graham’s experience suggests that slowing down (and letting energy return) is part of doing retirement well, not something to rush past.Plan with intention, but let life evolveAlthough he’s a planner, Graham doesn’t treat retirement like a fixed project. He describes taking “one step further” the way training works, allowing new interests to grow naturally into something deeper, rather than trying to recreate work in a new costume.Timestamps[00:00] Introduction[01:10] The 2019 Catalyst: Recognizing the Need for Change[03:40] Balancing Professional Succession with Personal Exit[05:40] Why Community Connection Must Come Before Retirement[09:50] The Evolution of Purpose: From IBM to Costain[12:30] Managing the Exhaustion of the Final Months[15:15] Finding Joy in New Interests: Ceramics and Tai Chi[19:15] Navigating the Loss of Work Camaraderie[23:05] Redefining Your Identity Beyond an Official Title[28:40] Three Top Tips for a Successful TransitionIf you’re approaching retirement, take one small step this week toward community and a life that feels like yours—then press play.--Connect with Gordon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-callum-40022a4/Take our Retirement Readiness Assessment : https://gordon-lr9eplhq.scoreapp.comVisit Retiring Point Online : https://retiringpoint.com

Deciding to walk away from a successful career, especially for an entrepreneur, is rarely as simple as just stepping off the treadmill. This episode explores the complex transition from business ownership to a new life rhythm, tackling the often-unspoken psychological challenges of losing one's professional identity and the search for purpose that follows.Today’s guest is Neil Osmond, who founded and built a company over 17 years before orchestrating a successful sale. His journey, stepping away in his early 50s, provides a raw, honest perspective on navigating the "wilderness" of early retirement and finding fulfillment beyond the boardroom.Key TopicsThe Entrepreneur’s Identity CrisisNeil discusses the immediate shock of selling his business, describing a period of feeling lost as his role shifted from owner to employee, and eventually, to someone navigating life after work. He highlights the jarring reality that while everything changes regarding one's position in the world, the external markers of life often remain the same, creating a unique dissonance.Replacing Mission and PurposeThe transition away from work is not just about filling time; it is about replacing the mission and purpose that a career previously provided. Neil reflects on the importance of creating new structures and finding meaningful pursuits, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply being present for family, to stay engaged and satisfied.Navigating the Expectations of OthersThere is often immense pressure from peers and society to immediately start a "second act." Neil shares his experience in overcoming the internal cognitive dissonance of feeling like he’d been given a "golden ticket" and the societal pressure to justify why he wasn't immediately rushing back into building a new business or seeking a new role.Key TakeawaysThe Seasonality of RetirementRetirement is not a uniform, static state. Neil emphasizes the difference between the seasons of the year and the seasons of life, noting that activities that are fulfilling in the summer may not be possible in the winter. Recognising these rhythms is crucial for maintaining a sense of well-being throughout the year.Financial Clarity as a De-stressorThe shift from earning a steady income to managing a capital lump sum can be a source of significant anxiety. Using tools like financial modeling or seeking professional advice can help transition from a state of uncertainty to one of confidence, allowing you to focus on living rather than worrying.The Power of Structured FlexibilityFor those used to high-octane professional lives, complete freedom can feel overwhelming. Neil recommends implementing just enough structure - like a personal Kanban board or daily habits - to provide a sense of achievement and purpose without stifling the freedom that retirement is meant to offer.Timestamps[00:00] Introduction[01:07] Neil’s journey from business owner to early retiree[03:28] The emotional stages of selling a business[06:12] Dealing with the loss of professional identity[10:43] Facing the "What's next?" question in your early 50s[14:10] The value of professional coaching and structured thinking[16:21] Creating a new, fulfilling rhythm of life[21:12] Looking ahead and the joy of intentional family time[23:25] Using a personal filter for choices and opportunities[30:24] Advice for others stepping out of business ownershipYour retirement should be tailored to your life—take the first step toward defining your own path by subscribing today and sharing this episode with someone currently navigating their own transition.--Connect with Gordon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-callum-40022a4/Take our Retirement Readiness Assessment : https://gordon-lr9eplhq.scoreapp.comVisit Retiring Point Online :retiringpoint.com

Retirement is rarely a clean break, especially for people who have built long, demanding, and meaningful careers. In this episode, Oliver Johnston shares what it really looks like to move gradually from full-time leadership work into a retirement that feels purposeful, energising, and fully his own.Oliver Johnston is a former business consulting leader and the founder of Stepping Out From The Top Team, an organisation focused on helping senior professionals navigate life beyond executive roles. Having made what he calls his “third attempt” at retirement, Oliver brings a refreshingly honest perspective on phased transition, identity, purpose, and creating a life that feels rich beyond work.Key TopicsWhy Retirement Can Take More Than One Attempt - Oliver explains that retirement did not happen for him in one clean step. After leaving his main career, he moved through two different encore phases before arriving at full retirement, showing that the space between work and retirement can be longer, more experimental, and more personal than many expect.Retiring to Projects, Not Just Leisure - A central theme in the conversation is the idea that retirement works best when it includes purpose. Oliver talks about creating meaningful personal projects around health, family, home, travel, photography, and even life admin, rather than drifting into empty leisure that can leave people feeling flat or disconnected.Creating a New Organising Principle for Life - Work often structures our days, priorities, routines, and even our sense of identity. Oliver reflects on the importance of replacing that structure intentionally in retirement, so life still feels directed and fulfilling without becoming pressured or overly rigid.Key TakeawaysMake Retirement Planning Elastic - Oliver encourages people to avoid treating retirement like a rigid project plan. A better approach is to create space to experiment, reduce work gradually if possible, and allow your plans to evolve as you discover what gives you energy and meaning.Don’t Retire Into Mediocrity - One of Oliver’s strongest messages is that people who pursued excellence throughout their careers should not settle for a diminished version of life in retirement. Retirement can be a time of freedom, curiosity, growth, and renewal if approached with intention.Know Your Numbers, Then Focus on How You Want to Feel - Financial clarity matters because it helps you make informed choices about when and how to step back. But beyond money, Oliver believes the deeper question is emotional: what kind of life will help you wake up feeling purposeful, enthusiastic, and glad to begin the day?Timestamps[00:00] Introduction[00:41] Why this is Oliver’s “third attempt” at retirement[03:26] Planning for retirement and starting earlier than most[06:10] Gradually reducing work and testing semi-retirement[08:04] Keeping retirement plans flexible rather than rigid[10:17] Recognising when travel and work no longer fit[14:55] Exploring new interests: golf, reading, history, health, and family time[19:01] Retiring to projects, not leisure[22:23] Replacing work as life’s organising principle[29:46] Oliver’s three recommendations for people approaching retirementIf this episode resonated, subscribe and share it with someone ready to start living well into retirement.--Connect with Gordon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-callum-40022a4/Take our Retirement Readiness Assessment : https://gordon-lr9eplhq.scoreapp.comVisit Retiring Point online : https://retiringpoint.com

Marcus Hurry’s conversation explores what it really takes to transition well from a long, high-level career into a new phase of retirement. For anyone approaching retirement, this episode is a reminder that leaving work is not just an ending - it is a chance to shape what comes next with intention, structure, and self-belief.Marcus Hurry spent many years in an international senior leadership career with HSBC before choosing a new direction through self-employment. His perspective is especially valuable because he reflects honestly on the planning, mindset shifts, and practical adjustments that helped him move from corporate life into a more self-directed and purposeful retirement.Key TopicsPlanning the Transition Before the Final Day - Marcus shares how he began thinking seriously about retirement around 18 months before leaving HSBC. By watching how others retired, learning from what worked and what did not, and asking himself what would truly maximise his potential, he built a more thoughtful path into the next stage of life.Leaving Well and Staying in Control - A central theme of the episode is Marcus’s determination to “leave well.” He reflects on the importance of controlling what you can control, maintaining your own standards in the final months of work, and making space to thank colleagues and close one chapter with real care and professionalism.Building Structure in Early Retirement - Retirement did not mean drifting. Marcus talks about having a plan for day one, using his network more intentionally, signing up for courses before he left work, and creating a structure that gave him momentum as he moved into self-employment and a new identity beyond his former role.Key TakeawaysBack Yourself - One of Marcus’s strongest messages is that retirement often requires a leap of belief. Whether you are moving into self-employment, study, volunteering, or something entirely new, confidence in your own experience and judgment can make the difference between hesitation and action.Control What You Can Control - Not everything about retirement will unfold exactly as planned, but some parts can be shaped with intention. Marcus shows how focusing on what you can influence - timing, preparation, conversations, and first steps -creates a more grounded and positive transition.Create New Habits for the Life Ahead - Retirement is not only about stopping old routines; it is about building new ones. From reading more widely and studying again to finding personal ways to stay motivated and measure progress, Marcus highlights the value of creating habits that support purpose, growth, and enjoyment.Timestamps[00:00] Introduction[01:11] Reaching the fork in the road: stay in corporate life or try self-employment[02:18] What Marcus learned from watching other people retire[06:03] The 18-month planning phase and the question of maximising potential[07:50] Why leaving well and controlling what you can matters[10:01] The final week, day one planning, and using your network wisely[12:15] The first month of retirement and building a credible new story[16:33] Early surprises: energy, admin, and working alone[19:00] Study, new habits, and the mindset shift retirement requires[28:56] Marcus’s three key pieces of advice for approaching retirementIf this episode resonated, subscribe and share it with someone who is ready to start living well into retirement.--Connect with Gordon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-callum-40022a4/Take our Retirement Readiness Assessment : https://gordon-lr9eplhq.scoreapp.comVisit Retiring Point online : https://retiringpoint.com

Retirement can arrive more like a cliff edge than a gentle transition, especially when your identity has been deeply tied to work for decades. In this episode, we explore what happens when structure, purpose, and professional status suddenly fall away - and why preparing emotionally for retirement matters just as much as preparing financially.Liz Preston joins Gordon to share her honest experience of leaving a successful career in healthcare leadership and stepping into an unexpected period of loss, uncertainty, and self-doubt. A former senior NHS leader in Scotland and founding director of Synaptic, Liz brings a thoughtful and hard-earned perspective on rebuilding confidence, rediscovering purpose, and creating a more balanced retirement.Key TopicsWhen Retirement Doesn’t Feel Like Freedom Yet - Liz reflects on the difficult final months after the sale of Synaptic, when the transition she expected never really happened. Instead of a gradual handover, she found herself in limbo - no longer fully involved, but not yet emotionally or practically prepared for what came next.The Loss of Identity, Value, and Routine - One of the strongest themes in this conversation is how retirement can affect self-worth. Liz speaks openly about missing structure, contribution, and the feeling of being needed, highlighting how the emotional side of retirement can be far more challenging than many people expect.Finding Purpose Again in New Ways - Over time, Liz began to rebuild a sense of meaning through third-sector non-executive and trustee roles, coaching, and a wider mix of personal interests. She shares how shifting from “what job can I get?” to “what kind of life do I want?” changed her experience of retirement completely.Key TakeawaysPrepare for More Than the Finances - Financial planning matters, but it is only one part of retirement readiness. Liz makes a powerful case for thinking earlier about the personal, emotional, and professional shifts that retirement brings, so the transition feels less like a shock.Don’t Wait Until the Cliff Edge - Putting off retirement thinking is easy when work is busy and rewarding, but it can leave you exposed when change comes quickly. Liz encourages listeners to start exploring possibilities sooner, so they have something meaningful to move toward, not just something they are leaving behind.A Good Retirement Includes Both Purpose and Pleasure - Work-like activity can still play an important role in retirement, but it does not need to dominate life. Liz’s story shows the value of creating a broader rhythm that includes contribution, friendship, learning, hobbies, travel, and space to enjoy a more flexible life.Timestamps[00:00] Introduction[00:19] Liz Preston’s career background and transition from Synaptic[01:24] The unexpected limbo before retirement officially began[03:08] Loss of purpose, self-worth, and the emotional impact of stopping work[05:12] Applying for non-executive roles and dealing with rejection[06:29] Discovering third-sector opportunities and regaining direction[12:17] Why retirement preparation should start earlier[15:03] Finding purpose through trustee and non-executive work[19:35] Redefining identity after a long professional career[25:42] Building a fuller retirement with hobbies, friendships, and flexibilityIf this conversation resonated, share it with someone who needs a reminder that retirement is a beginning worth preparing for.--Connect with Gordon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-callum-40022a4/Take our Retirement Readiness Assessment : https://gordon-lr9eplhq.scoreapp.comVisit Retiring Point online : https://retiringpoint.com