Alastair’s retirement story

Making the decision to retire was difficult. I’m hopeless with financial matters and making ends meet has been a constant source of panic. In the two years leading up to my retirement, I realised I needed solid financial advice. Once I received it, I was finally able to focus on what I really wanted to do.
I wanted to retire so I could become more involved with volunteer work, especially with children.

I love spending time with my grandchildren. Two boys live within walking distance of us and the first-born was the catalyst for making the decision to retire early. Over the last 5 years, I’ve been helping children with their reading at the school. It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve also been a volunteer guide at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) for 10 years, and I genuinely enjoy the work and the people I meet there.

Five years ago, I was asked to join the AWM education team, which led me back into paid work. This wasn’t my original retirement plan, but it has turned out to be one of the greatest pleasures of my retirement life. Working with children and young adults has shown me just how important they are to our future and reminds me of their breathtaking innocence.

After retiring, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) —surprising given it was nearly 50 years after Vietnam. I’m not through it yet, but I’m very much on the mend, thanks to the amazing support provided by VVCS (DVA) and their programs. Combined with my work with children, it’s helping to pull me through. It’s heartening to realise that young children are helping an oldie like me.

I do spend a bit too much time in volunteer work, but I find it hard to slow down. When I first retired, I tried a number of different volunteer jobs but realised that what I do now gives me more pleasure than other outlets. Sometimes I feel guilty about enjoying it so much but then remind myself that if I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn't be doing a good job. Having sound financial advice has helped me set myself up for a secure retirement, which allows me to focus on the things I truly enjoy. My retirement hasn’t gone the way I thought it would, but that’s the beauty of being in my 3rd Act. Life doesn’t stop after retirement, and it isn’t linear. I’m embracing the flexibility it offers.

Alastair