Retiring Retirement: Why Your Next Chapter Can Be Bigger Than Your Career – Anne Van Leynseele

In this episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie speaks with Anne Van Leynseele, creator of Preferment, about why the traditional idea of retirement may no longer serve today’s retirees. Anne believes that after decades of building careers, raising families, and meeting obligations, the post-career years should be viewed as a promotion rather than a withdrawal from life.

We explore the identity challenges many people face when work ends, why so many retirees feel lost despite having financial plans in place, and how curiosity, purpose, and intentional exploration can help create a fulfilling next chapter. Anne shares practical examples of people who rediscovered forgotten passions, found new communities, and built meaningful lives around activities they genuinely enjoy.

Key Topics Covered

• Why retirement was designed for a different era
• The concept of “Preferment” and what it means
• Identity loss after leaving a successful career
• Why hobbies alone often aren’t enough
• Expanding interests into meaningful life themes
• The importance of physical, intellectual, and social engagement
• Adapting passions as circumstances change
• Relationships and marriage after retirement
• Learning to say no and let go of obligations
• Building a life based on joy rather than achievement

Guest Links

Website: rarifiedlife.com

Related Episodes

• #296 - Michael Kay – Chapter X and Finding Purpose
• #302 - Sandy Laneville – Building Community After Retirement
• #312 - Marianne Oehser – Your Happiness Portfolio for Retirement (coming soon)

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