The definitive guide to a meaningful & happy retirement

The 5 life style questions you must ask yourself before you retire that have nothing to do with money!

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Here's what you'll learn!

These 5 questions will provoke you to think deeply about your retirement plans. Grab your favourite beverage and sit somewhere quiet where you can reflect on a series of questions that will help you design a meaningful and happy retirement.

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Question 1: What's going to get you out of bed in the morning?

Is there a project that gets you excited to start your day? What are you passionate about? What causes do you want to contribute to with your time and enthusiasm? Find out why it's ESSENTIAL that you have retirement goals.

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Question 2: Do you have friends outside of work?

Chances are good that you have made some great friends at work - especially if you're a man. Unfortunately, we rarely stay connected to our working colleagues when we retire. Retirement can be a very lonely experience if you don't have friends to share it with. Find out how to make friends later in life.

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Question 3: Why are you retiring?!

This is one of the most important questions that you need to ask yourself. Why are you retiring? Are you ready to embark on a new adventure or have you fallen prey to the irrational belief that because you turned 65 you have to retire? Don't be fooled by this one. It's imperative that you get this right BEFORE you leave work. 

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Question 4: How will you meet your need for accomplishment?

For some people leaving behind all the benefits that work provides can be traumatic. Especially for those who meet their need for accomplishment at work. You need to figure out what drives that feeling of accomplishment and then find outlets that will satisfy your need for achievement in retirement. Don't skip this question if I have just described you. In fact, if this resonates start with question 4!

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Question 5: Is your marriage retirement ready?

You took an oath when you got married, "for better or worse", but it said nothing about lunch everyday! Retirement can wreak havoc on your marriage if you don't discuss some very important subjects with your partner. Don't get caught in the dark. Find out what you and your significant other need to talk about before you leave work! The answers to these questions may just save you from becoming the next casualty of grey divorce.

About the author

Gillian Leithman, PhD

Gillian Leithman, PhD is best known for her pre-retirement seminars, which focus on the psychological and social aspects of retirement planning to ensure a smooth and fulfilling transition. She is also the co-creator of the Certified Retirement Coach Program, along with two of her American colleagues.


Gillian has facilitated programs for some of Canada's premiere businesses and organizations such as Bell Canada, Air Canada, TD Canada Trust, Federal Express, Novartis, Telus, Hollis Wealth, HSBC, BDC, the RCMP and Exxon Mobil. When she is not facilitating seminars, Dr. Gill, as her students refer to her, teaches in the Executive MBA and the Goodman Institute of Investment Management at the John Molson School of Business. Her research focus encompasses the career motivation of older workers, the retirement transition process, age friendly workplaces, and knowledge sharing cultures. Her teaching focus includes organizational behavior, leadership development, professional business skills and negotiation strategies.


Gillian’s research has been featured at the Canadian Psychological Association and The Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and she has received the Best Paper Award from the Administrative Sciences Association of Canada twice. She has also been featured in Forbes, the Conversation Canada, Montreal Gazette, Reader’s Digest and the National Post and been a guest on the Tommy Schnurmacher radio show and on CBC.


Dr. Gill is the founder of Rewire to Retire™, and Life Skills Toolbox™ and the forthcoming author of the Corporate G-spot.