I am particularly curious, as you settle in and meet more people, to hear stories of what retirement looks like in the EU. What is the common route and what are the unusual stories and new ideas that might peak our interests and help us redefine our own paths.
Thank you, Sue. I appreciate it. There is definitely both a balance to strike between the experience of living abroad and some of the original, core Never Retire themes. But there is also a clear connection between the two. The tricky part is hitting the sweet spot. I am always thinking about it.
You've got this. I love hearing about both. Not that I will ever move to Spain, but that is almost the point for me. Because I enjoy your story and experience knowing it's not what I am looking for. If that makes any sense. But it's those other pieces you mention in this post - finding ways to entice and excite life in our second half. That's the key. And the life lessons you find along the way that are powerful for me in my life too. You will find the balance in writing because it's who you are.
Rocco, I’m with you. The balance of reporting of late has been on Spain as in getting to the place that you want to be so that you can power the never retire approach that you are taking. That’s fine.
Perhaps as the newsletter evolves over the year we see a little bit more about the effort involved in trying to achieve that balance and keeping income coming in for new customers.
And I will be paying even more attention as we are fourth in goal as our cousins on the other side of the pond would put it on doing our own never retire semi retire thing. If our house sale goes through then we will be in full planning mode too.
You're correct. A lot of it is that, during this transition phase, the way I am organizing my time, often because I have no choice, is not how I will do it in full Never Retire mode once we're fully settled. I feel like we are about 80% of the way there. I see 100% coming after we return from our first trip back to the US and around Europe with our kids in mid-May to mid-June.
In my conversations, age comes up, often as a restriction. As if your number means you can't do something anymore. Granted age brings some health issues and physical limitations, but among my friends and family we are all very healthy and able. (we just get tired faster) I think that official retirement is the beginning of this thinking. Too old to work? Or you earned the privilege to not have to do much. I'm 68 and my husband is almost 73. Sometimes he tells me he feels too old to be doing this (move to Spain). But what's the alternative? I wish that we could have done it sooner, but I don't want that to stop us. Retirement life doesn't have to mean that they put you out to pasture. It can mean a better work-life balance when your younger or an active and engaging life when your older. Reading what others are doing whatever age is interesting and inspiring.
For what it's worth, we had lunch with a guy who is 80. He moved here five years ago.
I love your attitude. It's the opposite of what you usually hear. For my whole life, my family has always emphasized age limitations around things. I was not going to follow the same path.
To me, this - your attitude - is what Never Retire means!
Yes!!! Do not hesitate to update us on the process. And, of course, if you have questions, ask. If I can help (and not set you on the wrong path!), I will. When you get here, we will find a time to have a cafe or beer!
My take on the comment? Many of the issues are that many if not most of us are either struggling to retire, trying to figure out our next move (not necessarily geographically), finding a way out of the American trap, thinking about relocating to another country, and wondering how to move forward.
You aren't living here anymore (lucky soul). So those of us who are still here and contemplating never retiring are thirsty for alternatives, resources, and ideas to help us move forward in the current American climate we're living in. We're all in unique situations but still paddling the same sinking canoe.
I wonder if you have guest appearances from those who are thriving, semi-retired, living in various areas of the country, and navigating successfully to share their stories. A community shares ideas. And thankfully, this is what your Substack is all about.
Just my two cents in the mix.
And as for me, I love everything you write about because it comes from a raw place, and boots on the ground. At the moment I must live vicariously through you and Melisse. I'm 67 and you're 50. So there are plenty of humans between us who are struggling maybe not financially, but trying to find a way to sustain where the original intent came from.
I am particularly curious, as you settle in and meet more people, to hear stories of what retirement looks like in the EU. What is the common route and what are the unusual stories and new ideas that might peak our interests and help us redefine our own paths.
Keep writing! It's great.
Thank you, Sue. I appreciate it. There is definitely both a balance to strike between the experience of living abroad and some of the original, core Never Retire themes. But there is also a clear connection between the two. The tricky part is hitting the sweet spot. I am always thinking about it.
You've got this. I love hearing about both. Not that I will ever move to Spain, but that is almost the point for me. Because I enjoy your story and experience knowing it's not what I am looking for. If that makes any sense. But it's those other pieces you mention in this post - finding ways to entice and excite life in our second half. That's the key. And the life lessons you find along the way that are powerful for me in my life too. You will find the balance in writing because it's who you are.
Rocco, I’m with you. The balance of reporting of late has been on Spain as in getting to the place that you want to be so that you can power the never retire approach that you are taking. That’s fine.
Perhaps as the newsletter evolves over the year we see a little bit more about the effort involved in trying to achieve that balance and keeping income coming in for new customers.
And I will be paying even more attention as we are fourth in goal as our cousins on the other side of the pond would put it on doing our own never retire semi retire thing. If our house sale goes through then we will be in full planning mode too.
I can't wait to follow your planning process.
You're correct. A lot of it is that, during this transition phase, the way I am organizing my time, often because I have no choice, is not how I will do it in full Never Retire mode once we're fully settled. I feel like we are about 80% of the way there. I see 100% coming after we return from our first trip back to the US and around Europe with our kids in mid-May to mid-June.
In my conversations, age comes up, often as a restriction. As if your number means you can't do something anymore. Granted age brings some health issues and physical limitations, but among my friends and family we are all very healthy and able. (we just get tired faster) I think that official retirement is the beginning of this thinking. Too old to work? Or you earned the privilege to not have to do much. I'm 68 and my husband is almost 73. Sometimes he tells me he feels too old to be doing this (move to Spain). But what's the alternative? I wish that we could have done it sooner, but I don't want that to stop us. Retirement life doesn't have to mean that they put you out to pasture. It can mean a better work-life balance when your younger or an active and engaging life when your older. Reading what others are doing whatever age is interesting and inspiring.
I really appreciate this perspective.
For what it's worth, we had lunch with a guy who is 80. He moved here five years ago.
I love your attitude. It's the opposite of what you usually hear. For my whole life, my family has always emphasized age limitations around things. I was not going to follow the same path.
To me, this - your attitude - is what Never Retire means!
We registered for fingerprints last night!!
Yes!!! Do not hesitate to update us on the process. And, of course, if you have questions, ask. If I can help (and not set you on the wrong path!), I will. When you get here, we will find a time to have a cafe or beer!
My take on the comment? Many of the issues are that many if not most of us are either struggling to retire, trying to figure out our next move (not necessarily geographically), finding a way out of the American trap, thinking about relocating to another country, and wondering how to move forward.
You aren't living here anymore (lucky soul). So those of us who are still here and contemplating never retiring are thirsty for alternatives, resources, and ideas to help us move forward in the current American climate we're living in. We're all in unique situations but still paddling the same sinking canoe.
I wonder if you have guest appearances from those who are thriving, semi-retired, living in various areas of the country, and navigating successfully to share their stories. A community shares ideas. And thankfully, this is what your Substack is all about.
Just my two cents in the mix.
And as for me, I love everything you write about because it comes from a raw place, and boots on the ground. At the moment I must live vicariously through you and Melisse. I'm 67 and you're 50. So there are plenty of humans between us who are struggling maybe not financially, but trying to find a way to sustain where the original intent came from.