I Retired at 55— Unexpectedly (And found a new purpose)

When I moved to America in my 30s, I was surprised to learn that many people work well into their 60s and even 70s to reach full retirement benefits. I remember thinking, “Nope, not me. I’m retiring at 55!”

Fast forward 25 years—and just two months before my 55th birthday—I was laid off.

At first, I laughed to myself and thought, “Okay Lord, I see You. You must’ve remembered that little wish I made decades ago.” Funny thing is, I wasn’t even planning on retiring at 55 anymore. Like most people, I had shifted gears and was aiming for age 70.

But when it happened, my first thought was, “I needed this break.”

After working for decades, it finally felt like I could breathe. I spent time traveling, eating out, shopping, and simply enjoying the freedom of doing everything—and nothing at all. And honestly, it felt amazing.

Until it didn’t.

About a year in, I felt the shift. Restlessness, boredom, and a lingering question: “What’s my purpose now?” I missed the structure, the connection, and yes, the income. I started applying for jobs again, but after months of rejection, I began to wonder—Was I really supposed to go back to the old routine?

That’s when I asked God for clarity. And the answer came in a gentle nudge:
“Why not create a space to share your journey with other women like you?”

So here I am—starting this blog, not just to write, but to connect, inspire, and grow alongside other women navigating this new chapter. Because midlife isn’t the end of the story—it might just be the beginning of the best one yet.

Rewriting the Retirement Script

The old image of retirement—the one with endless days in a rocking chair—is a bit outdated. (Though let’s be honest, a cozy rocking chair does sound nice on certain days… and now we’ve actually earned the right to enjoy it!)

But today’s retiree? She’s rewriting the rules and redefining what this chapter looks like. She's:

• Launching her own business or passion project

• Traveling—solo or with family and friends

• Taking classes, learning new languages, or finally writing that book

• Caring for grandkids and herself

• Living life fully—no alarm clocks (well... I still set mine because I love early mornings, but now it’s on my terms)

This isn’t about winding down. It’s about waking up—to freedom, fulfillment, and fun.

What Retirement Really Feels Like at 55

At first, it felt like a dream—no deadlines, no rush, no pressure. I could linger over coffee, stay in pajamas until noon, or book a trip on a random Tuesday. It was freedom in every sense of the word.

But let’s keep it real: after a while, the glow dims a bit. I started asking myself, “Now what?”
Because as much as we crave rest, we also crave purpose. And it’s okay to feel both grateful and a little lost. That’s part of the journey.

Redefining Purpose—On Your Terms

This season isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about doing what matters. For some, that means starting a second act. For others, it’s slowing down and enjoying the moment.

There’s no one-size-fits-all path. Your version of retirement might look like:

• Mentoring younger women

• Volunteering for a cause that fills your heart

• Finally saying yes to that thing you always said “maybe later” to

• Or simply learning to rest without guilt (that one takes practice, trust me)

Because This Chapter Is Yours to Write

Retirement at 55 isn’t the end—it’s a beautiful, blank page. And whether you fill it with adventure, creativity, service, or peace (or all of the above!), just know this:
You get to decide what it looks like.

And if you’re like me, maybe you’re still figuring it out. That’s okay too. Sometimes clarity comes after a nap, a good meal, or a random idea at 2 a.m.

So if you’re stepping into this new season—or even just thinking about it—welcome. You’re not alone. Let’s explore it together.

💬 Tell me in the comments:

Have you retired early—or are you planning to? What does your next chapter look like?