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Refirement Has Helped Me Redefine Life beyond Age 65

I used to think retirement was just part of life. You hit 65, collect your gold watch and settle into a quieter existence. But over the last few years, I’ve realized that traditional retirement wastes talent, experience and wisdom. So, I’ve been writing about refirement: a way to stop going to work without stopping work.

People are living longer, healthier lives. It makes no sense to throw away decades of knowledge simply because someone reaches an arbitrary age. I’ve seen colleagues hit the halt button at 65 and pass away soon after retiring. Personally, I think when your brain stops being challenged, the rest of you kind of stops, too. In other words, the “juice” of keeping your brain engaged helps keep your body going.

What’s more, the economy suffers when industries lose experienced professionals. Individuals lose a sense of purpose when they go from decades of productivity to endless leisure.

So, people and society as a whole lose out when capable, talented people step away from contributing.

Redefining the End of Work

Many people don’t understand that paradigms have changed. I, and many others, want to continue facing challenges and contributing. When people ask why I still work, I look at guys like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.

Now, I’m pretty sure they all have their financial affairs in order. And none of them need to work another day in their lives.

Gates hasn’t run Microsoft in years. But he co-chairs the Gates Foundation, putting his wealth and influence to work in philanthropy and business initiatives. Bezos is no longer Amazon’s CEO. But he’s still deeply involved in Blue Origin, The Washington Post and his venture capital firm.

And Buffett, well – he’s still dispensing investment wisdom while running Berkshire Hathaway.

These men don’t “work” in the traditional sense, but they are undeniably still working. They have the flexibility to choose how and where they spend their free time. They pursue meaningful projects, guide organizations and continue shaping industries.

That’s refirement.

Why Traditional Retirement Falls Short

The old model of retirement – work until 65, then spend your remaining years drawing down your retirement accounts – has its drawbacks:

  • Loss of talent: Industries and businesses lose invaluable expertise and mentorship when experienced professionals step away.
  • Economic impact: A large, retired population strains Social Security and reduces the number of active contributors to the economy.
  • Personal well-being: Many retirees struggle with a loss of purpose. Their mental and physical health sometimes declines.

I don’t expect everyone to be like me, still starting companies and building professional networks. Few people older than 65 want to work 10 to 12 hours a day.

But if you want to keep contributing in some way, age shouldn’t stop you. Experience is a blessing, not a limitation. You can do more than sit around a retirement community.

The Flexibility of Refirement

One of the best things about refirement is the flexibility it provides. Like I said, you don’t have to work 60 to 70 hours a week. You can work 10 hours one week, five the next and take a couple of weeks off when you want.

Refirement isn’t a rigid schedule unless you want one. Instead, refirement is about engagement and fulfillment.

I know people who have structured their lives this way. One of my Tompkins Ventures’ colleagues has a friend who is “refired.” This person sleeps from about 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. He spends his awake time volunteering in the community and dreaming up new business ideas.

His schedule would never fit a traditional job, but in refirement, it works just fine. And if one of his ideas takes off, he can set his own hours.

This approach allows you to stay engaged without burning out. Maybe you take on consulting projects, mentor younger professionals or volunteer for causes you’re passionate about. You’re still working, but on your own terms.

The Case for Refirement in Today’s World

A recent article in The Wall Street Journal explored how many people find retirement less fulfilling than expected. The reality is, endless leisure isn’t for everyone. Some people miss the intellectual stimulation, the structure or the sense of purpose that work provides.

Refirement solves that problem. It lets you remain active and engaged while also enjoying the benefits of a more flexible lifestyle. Imagine working without stress and contributing without overcommitting. That’s the way to stay sharp without being tied to an office.

Refirement also could boost businesses and the economy. Companies benefit from the expertise and mentorship of experienced professionals. Industries can tap into seasoned talent on a flexible basis, avoiding the complete loss of knowledge from traditional retirement.

From a business perspective, it makes sense to keep knowledgeable professionals involved in some capacity. Whether through consulting, part-time work or advisory roles, “refirees” bring value without the constraints of full-time employment.

The Future of Work and Refirement

As more people rethink retirement, society needs to adapt. Companies should embrace flexible work models that allow older professionals to contribute on their own terms. Policies should support a more fluid transition from full-time employment to refirement. And individuals should realize their retirement plans include options beyond working full-time or quitting altogether.

I’ve embraced refirement because I believe in staying engaged, learning and contributing. Whether you choose to work five hours a week, start a new business or dedicate your time to philanthropy, the key is to remain active in ways that matter to you.

Traditional retirement may work for some. But not for those of us who still have energy, ideas and drive.

For me and many of my peers, refirement is a much better option. So, stop seeing age as a limitation and start viewing experience as an advantage. Instead, redefine how you plan to keep going with refirement.