Episode 1: Why Retirement Doesn’t Feel Right (And What You Can Do About It)

By Unmuted Memoirs | The Inner Exit™ Series

“I thought I’d feel free. Instead, I feel… disoriented.” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

For years, retirement is painted as the reward at the end of the tunnel, freedom, rest, and finally, “your time.” But when that day actually comes, many people find themselves facing something else entirely: confusion, restlessness, and even a surprising sense of loss.

Why does this happen?

Because retirement isn’t just about exiting work. It’s about exiting an identity.

You’re no longer “the manager,” “the director,” or “the team lead.” You’re no longer needed at the 9:00 meeting or looped into those email threads. And strangely, that loss of structure — even if you were counting the days — can make you feel adrift.

What Nobody Told You About Redefining Retirement

Most of us were taught how to earn a living. We were rarely taught how to build a life after we stop working.

Redefining retirement means asking:

• Who am I when I’m not working?

• What does freedom really look like for me?

• What matters enough to fill my time and still feel whole?

This isn’t a crisis. It’s a turning point.

Try This: The Expectation vs. Truth Reflection Sheet

We created a gentle self-reflection tool to help you make sense of where you are now — and where you'd rather be.

📥 Download your copy of The Inner Exit Book below

https://www.unmutedmemoirs.com/product-page/the-inner-exit-redefining-retirement-on-your-own-terms

📥 Download the Expectation vs. Truth Reflection Sheet

It’s not too late to redefine retirement.

In fact, the real version — your version — is just beginning.