The Anti-Retirement Movement: How Female Entrepreneurs Are Redefining Success After 50

Are you setting yourself up for retirement? 

Do you even want to retire? 

In just two years, I'll be 50, the age I always imagined I'd retire. Eight years ago, when I started my business, my goal was to pay off the mortgage and retire. When I first mentioned my retirement plans to my husband, he chuckled and said, "I cannot imagine you not working." 

And honestly, I couldn't either! 

The idea of retirement used to be synonymous with rest, relaxation, and a reward for years of hard work. But as I contemplate stepping back, I realise that the traditional notion of retirement has evolved so much since my grandparents, or even my parents generation.

A few generations ago, retirement was a clearly defined phase. My parents’ and grandparents’ retirements were linear, moving seamlessly from career to comfortable leisure. But, nowadays, is it even a thing to fully retire? The world looks different now. People stay healthier longer, careers are more fulfilling, and the drive to contribute doesn't simply stop at an arbitrary age.

The dynamic has shifted; with many of us living longer, we have to rethink how we spend this extended period of life. Back when I was in corporate, I managed my finances with an iron grip, always thinking ahead. But starting my own business put finances—and retirement—into a new perspective. My accountant once doubted my initial business ambitions, but reaching financial milestones faster than expected taught me to challenge the status quo and dream bigger.

00:00 Retirement Goals

00:47 Challenges of Running a Business

01:51 Financial Planning and Superannuation

04:09 The Reality of Retirement

05:26 Balancing Work and Family

06:48 Rethinking Retirement and Future Plans

09:34 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Emma McQueen:

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/