When I turned 65, I gathered my courage and posted about reaching this milestone on LinkedIn. The post took off, generating thousands of views, public comments, private messages and shares. For decades, turning 65 has signalled becoming a senior, but I don’t relate to that label. Words matter. When someone asks, “Are you retired?” it often feels like they’re checking if you’ve reached the finish line. If you’ve ever hesitated to answer because “retired” doesn’t capture where you’re at or still want to do – here are nine empowering ways to respond. Become confident with an answer that feels right for you.
The Future is Modern Retirement
Let’s start by recognizing the opportunity of modern retirement. According to the authors of The 100-Year Life, lives today are based on stage, not age. They encourage us to define ourselves by our personal journeys, regardless of our chronological age. We’re not going to be limited to our parents’ retirement.
Given the lack of relevant language to describe retirement in the 21st century, I created my own definition of retirement.
Modern retirement is having freedom to choose your personal paths, live life to the fullest and thrive.
Women I work with respond enthusiastically to this definition because it’s inspiring and future-focused. It highlights the opportunities ahead, you have options for many paths, instead of emphasizing what you’re retiring from.
While modern retirement offers vision, language to describe ourselves at this stage hasn’t kept pace. “Retired” doesn’t capture who we are or our intention to explore new paths. We need language that inspires us and affirms that we’re active in navigating into a new chapter.
Are You Retired?
I remember feeling caught off guard when someone asked me if I was retired. This happened shortly after running into them on the street near my home at midday. It was just a few weeks after I had unexpectedly left my career. Their question lingered in my mind and I was uneasy about not knowing how to answer. It took some time, but one day it popped into my head – that I’m not done yet.
These words spurred me to realize my new path. I now make it my mission to guide other women who feel the same. These days, I refer to myself as a modern retirement lifestyle coach for women who aren’t done yet.
“I’M NOT DONE YET”
Women I connect with immediately recognize themselves as not done yet. They’re at a crossroads and often clearer about what they don’t want than where they’re headed next. The phrase conveys possibilities. The language is bold and aspirational, reflecting how they currently feel and their hopes for what’s next.
8 More Ways to Answer “Are You Retired?”
Here are eight additional ways you can answer the question “Are you retired?” These words are especially relevant if you’re at the beginning of your modern retirement journey. You can say that you’re:
- reveling
- rejuvenating
- reviewing
- recalibrating
- reclaiming
- redesigning
- reorienting
- rewiring
These words are also guaranteed conversation starters, if you choose to share your journey with others.
You may have noticed I didn’t mention reinventing. That’s because many women tell me it’s just too overwhelming to contemplate when you’re initially coming off a high stress career. But if you wish, feel free to claim that word, too.
Benefits of Having the Right Words
Words matter and language is powerful. It shapes how we see ourselves and how others see us too.
It Broadens Your Perspective
The words you use define how you see your future. Outdated words can hold you back. But when you have an expanded vocabulary, you can express what you really want. Talking about retirement with a sense of possibility means there’s still more to look forward to ahead.
The way you talk about your life influences how others see you as well. Language isn’t just personal, it affects your relationships and the opportunities that come your way.
It Contributes to Your Identity
The words you use shape how you define yourself beyond your career. Using words that are aspirational and intentional gives you direction. You’re much more than retiring, you’re stepping into what’s next.
It’s Motivating
Language doesn’t just describe your reality—it influences it. When you use language that reflects growth and possibility, you reinforce the mindset that your story is still unfolding. That fuels motivation and enthusiasm for what’s ahead. More than that, it signals to both yourself and others that you’re open to new experiences, making it easier for fresh opportunities to find you.
Let’s Have More Meaningful Conversations
Now that you have options for answering whether you’re retired, they can also serve as conversation starters if you want to share your journey.
I also want to encourage you to lead by example and move away from the standard question, “What do you do?” Instead, try asking, “How’s your week been?” or “What’s on your mind?” This changes the focus from defining others by their work to listening to understand how they see themselves. It creates space for more authentic and engaging conversations.
Own Your Story
You now have nine ways to respond when someone asks you if you’re retired. These are options to answer on your own terms.
These words offer more than an answer about what’s happening with you – they can change how we talk about this new age. Now, it’s about us navigating new directions so we can head into thriving.
Curious about your thoughts and ideas. Would love to hear from you. Click here to be taken to the contact form where you can leave me a message.
