Finding Purpose in Retirement: A Surprising Lesson from My Mother-in-Law: Purpose Beyond Career

Happy Wednesday, Purpose-seekers!

Today, I want to share a story that opened my eyes to a new way of seeing purpose and career change. It’s a personal reflection from a recent dinner conversation with my mother-in-law, who retired in 2024 after a long and successful career as a lawyer.

When she first bought a copy of my book, Career Change is Chaos, Unless You Find Your Purple Purpose, I thought she was just supporting me out of kindness. But when she came over for dinner last night, she surprised me by diving into the book’s chapters and discussing specific paragraphs that resonated with her. She shared how much the book was helping her—and I was stunned.

I couldn’t help but ask, “But you’re retired! How is this book applicable to you?” Her response was a revelation:

“Retirement is a career change,” she said.

She explained how she’s transitioning from the structured routine of her work life, where every hour was accounted for, to a life with no set schedule. She has more time, yet paradoxically feels like she’s doing less and feels more tired. She realised this was because her sense of purpose and routine had been disrupted.

Finding Purpose in Retirement

Her words deeply resonated with me: “I need to find a purpose for my retirement.” She shared how my book inspired her to reflect on what she wants to achieve in this new phase of life. Her goals aren’t necessarily professional—they’re personal, tied to her well-being, her relationships, and her sense of accomplishment.

She particularly loved the final chapter on building new habits, which she felt was critical for her transition. Having purpose gives her new goals, and these goals can only be achieved by creating habits that support them. She’s now working on crafting a routine that helps her feel productive, fulfilled, and energised.

A New Audience: Retirees

This conversation made me realise that my book isn’t just for career changers moving from one job to another or transitioning from Corporate the Entrepreneurship. It’s also for retirees—those transitioning from a career to retirement. Retirement is one of the biggest life changes, and it can be just as chaotic as any other career shift.

To all my readers who are in or approaching retirement, I’m sorry I didn’t initially consider you in my audience. But now I see how much this book can offer you. It’s about finding purpose in every stage of life, including retirement. Whether you’re setting new goals, redefining your identity, or building habits that bring you joy and fulfilment, this book can be a valuable guide.

A Message to Retirees

If you’re transitioning into retirement and feel a little lost or unproductive, Career Change is Chaos, Unless You Find Your Purple Purpose can help you reflect, reset, and create a purposeful routine.

I’m deeply grateful to my mother-in-law for sharing her insights and showing me how this book can impact more lives than I ever imagined. Her journey reminds me that purpose is a lifelong pursuit, not just something we seek in our working years.

Get Your Copy

If you’re looking for clarity, inspiration, and actionable steps to build a purposeful life—whether you’re in the middle of a career change or navigating retirement—get your copy of Career Change is Chaos, Unless You Find Your Purple Purpose. It might just be the guide you didn’t know you needed. Here's the link: https://purposeekcoaching.com.au/the-book/

Until next week, stay purposeful,

Myriem Slater

Founder of Purposeek Coaching

P.S. I’d love to hear from you! If you’ve read the book and it has helped you, share your story with me. Your feedback inspires me every day.