Ep # 146 - What’s Next? How to Create Meaning and Momentum with Retirement Coach Nancy Collamer
Joe sits down with retirement coach and author Nancy Collamer to explore how retirees can find purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in their second act. They discuss practical steps for designing a purpose-driven retirement, overcoming fear of change, and discovering passions beyond the paycheque. Whether you're planning to work part-time, volunteer, or simply explore new interests, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real-life strategies for thriving in retirement.
Key Takeaways
Redefining Retirement with Purpose
Retirement isn’t just about stopping work—it’s about starting a new, meaningful chapter. Nancy emphasizes that the most fulfilling retirements involve purpose, whether that’s through work, volunteering, caregiving, or personal passions.
Second Act Careers Are About Meaning, Not Money
Nancy defines “second act” careers as post-retirement pursuits focused less on income and more on fulfillment. These may include consulting, teaching, writing, or turning hobbies into flexible part-time work.
Identity Shifts Can Be Challenging—And That’s Normal
Many retirees struggle with a loss of identity and structure after leaving the workforce. Nancy notes that fear, uncertainty, and a lack of direction are common—and that reflection, support, and time help navigate this transition.
Practical Tools to Find Your Next Step
Nancy shares a simple yet powerful exercise: list what you love to do, what you do well, and what you find meaningful. Identifying the intersection of these areas helps retirees uncover purpose and direction for their next chapter.
Start Small and Build Support
Purpose doesn’t have to be “big”—small contributions, like helping family or volunteering locally, are just as valuable. Nancy also stresses the importance of finding community and partnering with others to stay motivated and inspired.
Ideas Worth Sharing
“Retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s the start of a new chapter.”
“Purpose doesn’t have to be big—sometimes the little ‘P’ is just as powerful.”
“If you feel stuck or uncertain, you’re in very good company.”
“The most fulfilling second acts aren’t about income—they’re about meaning.”
“Treat your first year of retirement like a gap year—explore without pressure.”
Resources
🔗 Mentioned Websites & Platforms
Nancy’s website: nancycollamer.com
(formerly MyLifestyleCareer.com – now consolidated under her name)Next Avenue: nextavenue.org
A PBS site focused on people over 50; Nancy is a contributing writer.
📚 Books
Second Act Careers: 50+ Ways to Profit from Your Passions in Semi-Retirement
By Nancy Collamer – discussed as a guide for meaningful and flexible post-retirement work.
📝 Tools & Exercises
Three-Sheet Exercise for Self-Discovery:
Write on three separate sheets:What I love to do
What I do well
What I find meaningful
Reflect, revisit, and look for common themes.PASSION Acronym Framework:
A helpful reframe for people who don’t feel they have one “true passion”:
P – People you want to serve
A – Activities you enjoy
S – Skills
S – Strengths and sensibilities
I – Interests
O/N/S – Opportunities and Needs in the marketplace
Finding Purpose After Retirement: Expert Tips from Nancy Collamer
When planning for retirement, most people obsess over the numbers—savings goals, investment returns, and withdrawal strategies. But what happens when the paycheques stop and your calendar suddenly opens up? For many new retirees, that blank space feels more overwhelming than freeing.
In our latest episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe speaks with Nancy Collamer, retirement coach and author of Second Act Careers, about navigating the often-overlooked emotional and psychological aspects of retirement planning.
Retirement Purpose: More Than Just Financial Security
"Retirement isn't the end of the road—it's the start of a new chapter," Nancy explained during our conversation. This transition period offers an opportunity to redefine your life in ways that might be even more fulfilling than your working years.
What Exactly Is a "Second Act" in Retirement?
According to Nancy, a successful second act isn't just about continuing to work. It's about finding engagement that's driven by meaning, not just money. This could take many forms:
Part-time consulting in your field
Starting a small business built around a passion
Volunteering with organizations aligned with your values
Mentoring younger generations
Pursuing creative endeavors or learning new skills
The Identity Challenge Many Retirees Face
Many listeners might be surprised by how much of their identity is tied to their professional role. Without a job title or workplace routine, it's common to feel adrift. In our discussion, Nancy emphasized that this reaction is completely normal.
"Among the dozens of second-act stories I featured in my book, almost everyone experienced periods of fear and uncertainty," she shared in the episode. "If you're feeling stuck or anxious about this transition, you're in very good company."
Practical Strategies for Finding Your Retirement Purpose
Nancy offered several actionable approaches that our listeners can try:
The Three-List Exercise: Create separate lists of:
What you love doing
What you excel at
What gives you a sense of meaning
Look for patterns and intersections between these lists as potential direction for your retirement activities.
The PASSION Framework: If identifying a single "passion" feels overwhelming, break it down with this acronym:
People who energize you
Activities you enjoy
Skills you've developed
Sensibilities (your core values)
Interests you want to explore
O/N/S – Opportunities and Needs you see in your community
The Retirement Gap Year: Consider your first year of retirement as an exploratory period without pressure to commit. Sample different activities, volunteer roles, classes, or travel experiences before making longer-term decisions.
Key Takeaway for Listeners
As Nancy reminded us in this episode, purpose in retirement doesn't have to be grandiose. "The little 'p' purpose—like helping grandchildren or supporting local community efforts—can be just as fulfilling as big 'P' world-changing causes."
Retirement represents a transition, not a destination. Through thoughtful reflection, exploration, and maintaining connections, you can craft a second act filled with meaning and joy.