Embracing Freedom: Meet the Retirement Rebel Living Life to the Fullest

I used to view retirement as a time to slow down and slip into a more sedentary lifestyle. However, it has turned out to be one of the most active periods of my life.

Before retiring in 2016, my career was quite diverse. I spent years in the music industry with my band, Q-Rius, creating underground house music. Our track “Peace and Love” found some fame in the US during the 1990s. However, after a promotional stint in Los Angeles that lasted six months, I felt overwhelmed and somewhat disenchanted with the music scene.

Seeking a change, I moved in 1999 from London to St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex with my wife, JC, a poet and writer, and her children, Lauren and Lewis. There, I took a position teaching at a school for behavioral support and running evening programs for disadvantaged youth. With JC’s support, we founded the Respond Academy, a safe and nurturing space where young people could explore the arts, music, and media collaboratively.

Our goal was to ignite the students’ passion, collaborate with professional artists, and help them achieve their dreams. The work was deeply fulfilling, but the death of my parents in 2013 prompted me to reevaluate my priorities. Tired of the bureaucratic challenges of teaching and the demands of a full-time job, I chose to retire early at 52 to pursue personal projects.

After running the academy for many years, JC and I deliberated over our next steps. To finance our retirement—or our transition from full-time employment—we sold our large family home and purchased a modest apartment. We’ve never been drawn to luxury items like expensive cars or lavish vacations, so we managed to secure a comfortable, simpler lifestyle. Our move helped clarify our financial strategy, leading us to create a budget that allows us to enjoy cultural outings like dance and opera several times a year, besides managing family celebrations.

I ventured into acting sporadically, while JC, at 73, started a consultancy helping people downsize their living spaces. Having experienced downsizing firsthand, she is well-equipped to guide others, choosing her clients selectively now that we are retired. This setup allows us to earn without the pressures of full-time employment, enjoying work on our terms.

In retirement, I believe it’s crucial to stay connected to your passions and continue making meaningful contributions. I still engage in music-related projects, occasionally remixing tracks or assisting with the organization of Sono-Electro, a local sound festival.

I’m continually involved in new projects and often include former students in these endeavors, which feels like a natural progression of my career.

Aside from work, JC and I fully embrace our leisure time. We frequently travel to European cities like Berlin or Amsterdam, or take short trips closer to home. I often attend performances by my former students and enjoy the opera and ballet, which I’m passionate about. We also spend lively days with our grandchildren, Hendrix and Peaches, who are six and three; they teach us as much as we teach them.

Like me, many hold an outdated notion of retirement, but JC and I find ourselves more active than ever. I have friends who are redefining aging by continuing to engage in community writing and music well into their 60s.

I’ve come to understand that retirement doesn’t need to conform to a specific timeline or set of expectations, particularly if you have the freedom to shape it your way. Planning ahead for a retirement like ours is essential—it’s about looking ahead and preparing for old age.

We plan to consult with M&G, a firm with over 170 years in savings and investments, to ensure our finances remain robust enough to support our activities. While we’re currently enjoying a wonderful life, it’s important to prepare for whatever may come and maintain financial security.

Viewing retirement as “freedom” gives it a new dimension. To maximize this period, it’s wise to analyze your finances and explore how to make your resources work for you, no matter your stage in life. Then, you can truly enjoy your retirement, not just in comfort but with a renewed zest for life.

Discover how individuals like Pablo are relishing their retirement by visiting M&G