Retirement is Not About Retiring: It’s About Reinvention

After 34 years of service, I retired from the United States Air Force Reserve on 1 November 2024. So many emotions ran through my mind, from relief, a sense of accomplishment, and joy to anxiousness. However, the anxiousness dissipated as I decided to spend my day at an amusement park, taking in the sights, sounds, and rides. What was interesting was seeing patrons in wheelchairs determined to do their very best as they, too, took in the sights, sounds, and rides. This observation made me think about my retirement and that it is up to me to determine what I want to do moving forward.

Retirement has long been viewed as a time for relaxation and slowing down. But in today’s world, many people find that retirement isn't about "retiring" in the traditional sense—it's about reinvention. It’s a phase of life that offers the opportunity to rediscover passions, pursue new interests, and engage in meaningful activities that weren’t possible.

Additionally, many people are approaching retirement as a fresh start, a new chapter that can be a time to explore new ventures, projects, travel, or even pivot to a career. Instead of “retiring,” people are re-engaging in fulfilling activities without the pressure of their past schedules. This shift in mindset is not about avoiding rest but finding new meaning and joy in their lives. Whether taking up an artistic pursuit, mentoring younger generations, or embarking on entrepreneurial ventures, retirement today is a chance to turn a lifelong dream into a reality.

So, as I am now CMSgt Sam Caballero (ret.), I am now focused on the “Re” in retirement, which is about rediscovering what brings joy to my life, refocusing on my true purpose, or what the Japanese call one’s “Ikigai” (reason for being). Finally, it is about reinventing myself as an agent for continued change and growth as I grow my consultancy of Pivotn. So, remember, retirement is not about retiring. It is about reinvention regardless of where you are. Also, remember to keep calm and pivot on.