Rewirement: A New Approach to Retirement

For years, I enjoyed an exciting and fulfilling career. I was passionate about my work in association marketing and the impact it allowed me to make, so the thought of retiring felt bittersweet. While I occasionally wondered what life after full-time work might look like, I knew I needed to approach it thoughtfully. The idea of stepping into a new chapter was enticing, but I didn’t want to leave a job I loved without a clear vision for what was next.

I wanted my next chapter to be as meaningful and engaging as my career, with opportunities to contribute, learn and grow, spend more time on relationships and passions outside of work, and enjoy greater balance and flexibility. Some of my friends planned to retire and figure things out later, but I knew I needed a plan to draw me forward.

Discovering and Developing the Concept of Rewirement

The idea of “rewirement” began to take shape when I heard about “Don’t Retire, Rewire!” by Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners. This book gave me a roadmap for conceptualizing my next chapter, complete with exercises and case studies to spark ideas and frame my goals. I joined a group of four friends who were also navigating transitions. We drew inspiration from Sedlar and Miners’s book, a second book called “Designing Your Life” (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans), and other exercises group members brought in. Over two years, we explored possibilities, shared insights, and supported one another in our rewirement planning journeys.

Finding My Why: Identifying Drivers and Values

Understanding your drivers, a key concept in “Don’t Retire, Rewire!,” is important in designing a fulfilling next chapter. I identified five drivers, with “purpose” as my primary driver—I wanted to continue making a meaningful impact while creating space for personal growth and new experiences. Another common driver among our group was “engaged belonging,” the desire to be part of communities with shared values and missions. Exploring my drivers and my values helped me ensure that the paths I considered aligned with how I wanted to live and what would fulfill me.

Exploring Possibilities and Finding Your Path

I found one exercise from “Don’t Retire, Rewire!” especially valuable: a three-step process of generating ‘Possibility Profiles’ by brainstorming roles and activities aligned with my drivers and interests, prioritizing those possibilities based on what resonated most, and developing an action plan to bring them to life.

There are many ways to shape a rewirement! Both “Don’t Retire, Rewire!” and “Designing Your Life” highlight the importance of experimenting to discover what works best. During the second year of my rewirement planning process, before leaving my full-time job, I began trying out some new engagements to see what felt right. These early experiences gave me valuable insights and helped me envision how different activities might fit into my next chapter.

Crafting a Mix of Meaningful Activities

My rewirement is built around a dynamic mix of activities that will evolve over time. Currently, this includes part-time marketing consulting, nonprofit board work, and personal pursuits like music, travel, and spending time with family and friends. These activities not only bring me energy and joy but also allow me to stay connected to meaningful work and relationships. Rewirement isn’t a one-and-done process—it’s an evolving journey that adapts as interests and priorities shift, ensuring this chapter remains fulfilling.

The Power of Community

Collaborating with my group of friends was a rewarding and helpful aspect of my rewirement planning. Meeting every few months, we supported one other through brainstorming, resource sharing, and accountability.

Rewirement is personal, but it doesn’t have to be solitary. Whether through professional networks, volunteer roles, or shared pursuits, finding a community of like-minded individuals can provide helpful encouragement and fresh perspectives.

A Journey Worth Planning

If you’re contemplating retirement but aren’t sure what lies ahead, consider rewirement planning as a way to imagine your future. Start by identifying your core drivers—motivations that bring you joy and purpose—and explore activities that align with your values.

Books like “Don’t Retire, Rewire!” and “Designing Your Life” offer practical tools to guide this process. Collaborating with friends or trusted mentors can add valuable support and perspective.

Rewirement isn’t about planning every detail— it’s about staying open, trying new things, and adjusting as you go. Rewirement isn’t about stepping away from work—it’s about stepping into a new life phase designed with intention and passion. With thoughtful planning and flexibility, you can create a chapter as fulfilling as the one you’re leaving behind. 

About the Author—Her Rewirement

Elisa launched her rewirement in November 2024, leveraging her expertise to support mission-driven organizations and initiatives. She currently serves on the boards of Impact100 DC and UNICEF USA. Reach her by email at elisajosephanders@gmail.com or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/elisajosephanders.