If you’re somewhere in your 40s or 50s, you’re likely in that stage where the word retirement starts popping up more often — sometimes in conversations, sometimes as a quiet thought in the back of your mind.

But here’s what I want to challenge: the outdated idea that retirement is a cliff you fall off once you hit 60 or 65.

Because for most Gen Xers, retirement is no longer about putting your feet up and switching off. It’s about designing the life you want next — and there are more choices than ever before.

The key is: choice requires planning.

 

The mindset shift: You’ve got more time than you think

Let’s break a common myth — the one that says, “I’m 50… I must be running out of time.”

Think about this: if you’re 50 today, and you live to 90 (which is more than realistic these days), you’ve potentially got 40 years ahead of you. That’s the same number of years you’ve lived since you were 10.

Now think about everything you’ve done between 10 and 50 — school, careers, families, mortgages, businesses, highs, lows, wins, failures, friendships. That’s a whole lifetime.

So what could the next 40 years hold?

It all depends on how you prepare for it.

 

The three paths of modern retirement – and why all of them are valid

When I speak at events or coach clients, I often describe retirement today as falling into three broad camps. You might already know where you sit — or be somewhere in between. Either way, the most important thing is to recognise that all three options are valid, as long as you plan accordingly.

🛠 1. “I love what I do – I want to keep working”

You’ve built a career you enjoy, you’ve got momentum, and you don’t feel ready to stop. For many Gen Xers, work provides purpose, identity, social connection – and let’s not forget, income.

Plenty of people are choosing to work well into their 60s and beyond – not because they have to, but because they want to. But even if you love your work, it’s worth asking:

  • How long do I want to stay in this pace?
  • Will my health, energy or industry allow me to continue?
  • Do I have a financial buffer if I need or want to slow down?

Staying in the game is great — just make sure you’re still putting money aside for later, and considering what retirement on your terms might eventually look like.

🔄 2. “I still want to work – but I want more balance or something different”

This is increasingly common. Many Gen Xers aren’t ready to stop altogether, but they want to slow down, pivot to something more meaningful, or finally start that side hustle they’ve dreamed about for years.

You might be thinking:

  • “Can I go part-time?”
  • “What if I consult or freelance?”
  • “Could I retrain and do something I actually love?”

The beauty of this approach is that it offers flexibility and fulfilment, but it also means your income may fluctuate. So again, planning is key. You need to run the numbers, understand your super, and figure out how long your money will last with a different work rhythm.

🏝 3. “I’m ready to retire – I want to enjoy life on my own terms”

This is the more traditional view – stepping away from paid work completely and embracing a new phase of life. Whether it’s travel, volunteering, starting new hobbies, helping family, or just relaxing, this path requires the most financial readiness.

The biggest mistake I see? People wait too long to do the prep work. They underestimate:

  • How long they’ll live (hint: longer than you think)
  • How much they’ll spend (even without a mortgage)
  • How bored they might get without structure or purpose

Retirement can be incredibly fulfilling – but it’s a big adjustment. Emotionally, socially, and financially. That’s why it’s so important to start thinking now about what your days will actually look like, not just your bank balance.

 

So, where do you fit?

Whether you’re planning to continue working, pivot to something new, or fully retire, the key is to start visualising it now.

And that’s exactly why events like the Retirement Expo are so valuable. It’s not just for those already retired – it’s for those in their 40s and 50s who need to start building a roadmap.

We’re bringing the Expo back this year – with more sessions, more speakers, and more tailored support to help you create the future you want. Watch this space for announcements soon!

 

Final word: Start designing your next chapter

Retirement isn’t a destination – it’s a transition. One that can be exciting, empowering and full of possibility… if you take control early.

So this year, ask yourself:

  • What do I want this next phase of life to feel like?
  • What needs to happen financially, emotionally, and practically for me to get there?
  • What action can I take now – even if retirement is 10 or 15 years away?

The next chapter can be your greatest yet.

Let’s make 2026 the year Gen X gets serious about taking control — of their money, their time, and their future.

Marc Bineham
Money coach | Keynote speaker | Author of The Money Sandwich