In this episode, I talk with Dennis Owen about his journey from a long career in the airline industry to building a purposeful and active retirement in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Dennis shares how he intentionally “retired to” a new life filled with volunteering, consulting, and community involvement, rather than just leaving work behind. We discuss the challenges of adapting to a new culture, the importance of routine, staying curious, and the mental shift from saving to spending in retirement. Dennis emphasizes the value of purpose, continuous learning, and building a diverse community, while also sharing practical tips and book recommendations for anyone to continue to reinvent their path after work.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Topics Covered:
- Transitioning from a long career to retirement
- Moving abroad and adapting to a new culture
- The importance of “retiring to” something, not just leaving work
- Building routine and community in retirement
- Volunteering and giving back
- Consulting, ghostwriting, and staying mentally active
- The mental shift from saving to spending
- Staying current with technology and learning new things
- Health, wellness, and daily habits
- Navigating practical challenges of living abroad
- Book and resource recommendations for retirement and reinvention
- Advice for finding purpose and meaning after work
LINKS:
Chapters
- (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Background
- (01:36) - Early Career in the Airline Industry
- (05:11) - Transition to Asia and Cultural Experiences
- (07:47) - Volunteer Work and Personal Life
- (15:31) - Retirement Philosophy and Activities
- (21:55) - Creating Opportunities and Continuous Learning
- (32:32) - The Reality of Retirement
- (32:49) - Finding Meaning Beyond Money
- (35:05) - Adapting to Technological Changes
- (37:59) - Retiring in Chiang Mai
- (42:14) - Balancing Health and Wellness
- (43:57) - Embracing Lifelong Learning
- (50:24) - Navigating Financial Decisions in Retirement
- (58:42) - The Importance of Purpose and Learning
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