There comes a point where we want to pause or to take a step back. No longer a ‘full on’ career focus, but definitely not checking out.
So, what are we? Semi-retired? But that sounds a bit dull.
It sounds like we’ve downshifted into a holding pattern. Neither working nor fully retired, just hovering somewhere in the middle. But that’s not how it feels to many of us who’ve moved on from full-time jobs. We’re still busy, still curious, still contributing, just in a different rhythm now.
When language feels too small – moving beyond semi-retired
As a psychologist and career coach, I’ve spent decades helping people navigate identity shifts. One of the most under-recognised, yet deeply felt, is what happens when full-time work ends. The job title is gone, the structure fades, but you haven’t disappeared. In fact, this next chapter often involves becoming more yourself, not less.
But the language we’ve inherited doesn’t quite keep up. “Retired” can feel too final. “Semi-retired”, vague and a little lifeless. And yet, what we call ourselves matters. Words shape identity. And identity influences how we show up in the world.
Naming this phase with intention can be the first step to claiming it.
The historical context we’re breaking free from
Retirement, as we know it, is a relatively recent invention. In 1935, when the U.S. introduced Social Security, the retirement age was set at 65, even though life expectancy at the time was only 61. The idea was to create space in the workforce for younger employees and provide a safety net for older ones.
Now, we’re living longer, often well into our 80s and beyond, and staying healthier for much of that time. Yet our vocabulary hasn’t caught up with our longevity. We’re living in a historically unique moment, with potentially decades of health and vitality after our primary career ends. No wonder the old labels don’t quite fit.
Reimagining life beyond full-time work – alternatives to semi-retired
Two years ago, I created a list of possible labels to use instead of semi-retired, alternative ways people were describing themselves in later life. I recently found the list again and thought it was time to share. See if any of these resonate, or spark ideas of your own.
Active Ager Still curious, still moving. Life’s full of walking groups, travel plans, creative projects, or simply staying engaged in the world.
Consultant You’ve stepped back from the 9-to-5 but not from sharing what you know. You offer your expertise on your own terms.
Part-Time Professional : You’ve kept a foot in the working world, just not full-time. A balance of meaning and breathing space.
Lifelong Learner : Maybe now’s the time for that language course, local history seminar, or MA you always meant to take. You’re not done growing.
Volunteer : Giving your time, energy, or experience to causes that matter. Contribution becomes its own kind of currency.
Mentor : You’ve got wisdom to share, and it feels good to help others navigate their path by drawing on your own.
Passion Pursuer : Finally, time for what lights you up: painting, singing, writing, restoring bikes, baking bread. Joy gets to take centre stage.
Flexibly Employed : Still working, but with control — maybe freelancing, working remotely, or just saying yes to projects that suit you.
Encore Careerist : A second act with purpose. A new field, a new role, or something that aligns more closely with your values this time around.
Self-Employment Trailblazer : Running your own show — whether that’s a small business, consultancy, or side hustle. It’s about freedom and direction.
Portfolio Liver : Mixing several of these identities — perhaps some paid work, some volunteering, some creative pursuits, some family time. You’re creating a mosaic of meaningful activities rather than a single focus.
Wisdom Worker : Your value now lies in perspective, experience, and the ability to see patterns that others might miss. You’re not just sharing knowledge but understanding.
These are suggestions, why not develop your own? (and I’m sure I have a bigger list somewhere!)
Real lives, new identities
Consider Jane, who after 30 years in corporate finance now calls herself a “Community Weaver” as she applies her organisational skills to connecting local groups and initiatives.
Then there’s Robert, who rejected the term retirement completely and now introduces himself as a “Late-Blooming Artist” after taking up painting at 67.
What strikes me about these stories is not just the creativity of the new identities, but the sense of agency and authenticity they reflect. These aren’t consolation prizes for no longer being who they once were, they’re accurate descriptions of who these people have become.
The numbers tell a story
By 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over, increasing from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion. By 2050, the world’s population of people aged 60 years and older will double to 2.1 billion. The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050 to reach 426 million .
We’re witnessing the emergence of an entirely new life stage, one that previous generations rarely experienced. It’s not simply an extended retirement; it’s a distinct chapter with its own possibilities and patterns.
Cultural variations
Different cultures conceptualise this life stage in diverse ways. The Japanese concept of “ikigai” refers to a passion that gives value and joy to life, a reason for being that extends throughout life. Still working, not retired – semi-retired.
In many Indigenous cultures, elders are viewed as entering their most valuable contribution phase, transmitting traditional knowledge, strengthening social cohesion, and helping to develop positive attitudes such as reciprocity .
These perspectives remind us that our Western notion of retirement as withdrawal is just one cultural construct, and perhaps not the most useful one for the lives we’re actually living.
None of these might fit you perfectly. Or one of them might open a door. Either way, the most important thing is that you get to decide. You’re no longer defined by an employer’s title or society’s outdated assumptions.
You get to name this chapter of life for yourself.
A coaching reflection for you – alternatives to semi-retired
If you were writing your own title for this stage of life, playful, powerful, or poetic, what might it be?
Try filling in the blanks: “I’m no longer ___, but I’m not yet ___. I’m a ___.”
There’s no right answer. Only one that feels true for you, today.
In my next book, I talk about later life as a time rich with purpose, connection, creativity, and personal growth. It’s not a slow fade; it’s a fresh unfolding. And language, as ever, can help us light the way. We can be semi-retired but we need to find a word that fits.
The power of community in redefinition
Sharing our new identities with others can both validate them and inspire different perspectives. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What term resonates with you? Or have you created your own language for this chapter?
Your responses will not only enrich our collective vocabulary but might just inspire someone else who’s searching for the right words to describe their own journey.
As for me? I think of myself as a “Purposeful Pathfinder,” navigating this new terrain with curiosity and intention.
