Celebrating Next – Ann Zogbaum

It is our mission at Lifelaunch Consulting to help others define their ‘next’ with purpose and intention, and to celebrate as a new chapter unfolds. As part of this, we are highlighting our friends who have successfully navigated the move from ‘now’ to ‘next’ and are thriving as a result! It is our hope that by sharing these stories, we inspire others to live their lives to the fullest.

Name:

Ann Zogbaum

Pre-retirement career:

Clinical Dietitian and Educator

Three ways I spend my time in retirement:

I joined an exercise group, a knitting group, a book club and we’ve started traveling to bucket list destinations! I also volunteer regularly at a local hospital, which allows me to continue to help others and remain connected to the world of health care.

What I love most about retirement:

I am free to take advantage of great opportunities that happen during normal working hours. Travel when the opportunity arises and extend vacations just because we can!

My biggest challenge with retirement:

I miss the relationships I developed in the workplace. Also, accepting that I am not in the inner circle of the latest trends in healthcare has been a challenge.

What I did to prepare for retirement:

Throughout my career I took advantage of employer sponsored saving plans for retirement and practiced good financial discipline. I also sought the advice of financial planner. I didn’t have a definite social plan but always listened to other retirees and their experiences. I attended a few seminars on how to adjust to retirement. The best thing I did was to go back to work part time in the same role. This kept me active, allowed me to maintain many of my work relationships and helped me manage my free time better.

Something I’ve recently done for the first time:

I changed my state residency! I left behind snow for sunshine.

Most recent book I’ve read:

Since retiring I’ve been able to read for pleasure more often. Recently I read Honolulu, Before We were Yours, Small Great Things, A Piece of the World to name a few.

My Future:

I would like to be able to see my grandchildren more frequently, become more involved in our new community and enjoy the next chapter of my life.

My advice for those preparing to transition from ‘now’ to ‘next’:

Have a plan in place. Free time is difficult to manage when you don’t have the structure and demands of a work environment. Have a good idea of what your first six months of ‘next’ will look like, but be flexible. You will have the freedom to change your mind and jump on new opportunities – be open to that! And, if you having trouble putting a plan together, don’t be afraid to ask for help!