As Christmas edges closer, so does retirement — and with it, a whole new way of living. For years, we’ve talked about taking off around Australia, and now it’s finally within reach. But before the adventure begins, there’s a strange mix of excitement, relief, and a hint of disbelief that this chapter of life is about to close. Here’s where my head’s at right now…
People keep telling me I should be reluctant to retire. “You’ll miss work,” they say. “You’ll get bored,” or “You’ll struggle without the routine.”
Work is becoming a challenge — not just the hours, but the constant treadmill of expectations and pressure. It’s not that I dislike working; it’s just that I’ve reached the point where I want to be working for me — doing things that feed the soul instead of the time sheet.
For now, circumstances have nudged us into van life a little earlier than planned. We’ll be living in the van until Christmas, when I finally hang up my work boots for good. Then, come January, we’ll roll out properly — no deadlines, no rush, just the open road ahead.
So, when people say I should be hesitant to retire, I smile and nod — but inside, I’m already gone. I’m ready to leave the grind behind, hitch up the van, and roll into the next chapter.
