Tales from a truly epic retiree

This episode is a doozy. I don’t know anyone as proactive about living their retirement well as Mike Chesworth.

Left: Fishing in the NT; Right: after 150k ride he did In Tuscany on gravel roads on a 1979 Peugeot he restored (supplied)

This episode really is a doozy.

I don’t know anyone as proactive about living their retirement well as Mike Chesworth. He’s a truly epic retiree. Seven years into a retirement that he chose to kick off fairly young, Mike has plenty to say on how he’s shifted away from his big career as the former GM of Financial Planning and Advice for Westpac and BT into a new life packed with things he loves doing.

He has gone from being “the guy from financial services” to “Mike the bike guy” in his neighbourhood and he embraces that. In fact he’s thrilled with the transformation and listening to him talk about the joy in his life is exciting.

So today Mike and I chat through tales from his retirement so far. There’s stories about his transition, stories about his sense of purpose, stories about his really meaningful passions and stories about travelling to places that are packed with culture and experience.

I hope everyone can take away some inspiration and some lessons from Mike’s attitude to getting out there and living life well. 

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Highlights of the conversation

• Looking forward to retirement – seeing it as a period of life where you can do the things you’ve always wanted to do.

• Finding his purpose – stepping away from an executive role recognising that his job didn’t define him. How it felt to step away.

• Focussing on the first part of the retirement journey – Mike tells his story of taking a frugal trip, enrolling in university and finding a new passion for photography.

• Passions and Purpose - Getting involved with a not-for-profit and finding a passion. Appreciating the selfish feelings of reward that comes from making other peoples’ lives better with volunteering.

• Redefining work - still doing work after retirement but for the joy.

• Taking up banjo playing, as a hobby.

• Being a goal-oriented person and planning for the future consciously – often organising things for the family and friends.

• Travelling to places other people don’t go.

• Spectacular experiences - embracing the people, the scenery and the photography in Papua New Guinea. Driving holidays with mates, on the smell of an oily rag, with not-so-5-star accommodation. Fishing in the Timor Sea, visiting a restricted indigenous reserve and really appreciating the simplicity of the experience.

• Cycling journeys with mates into the countryside – and a story of the one that didn’t quite go to plan.

• Friendships – and the reality that many people need to build new friendships after retirement. Mike reflects on how he’s done that, and where the friendships have come from.

• Family - “The only things you can give your kids is love and education”. Setting family routines and building connection with the wider family, investing time in nieces and nephews as well as his kids.

• Curiosity – the best trait anyone can have.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Aware Super - and we’re delighted to have their support of the podcast!

If you are enjoying Prime Time with Bec Wilson, or have feedback, ideas or thoughts on things you’d like us to cover, drop me an email at bec@primetimers.net.

Together let’s make our prime time count in 2024.

Many thanks! Bec Wilson

Author, columnist, retirement educator, podcast host and guest speaker

PS. If you’re preparing for retirement, our Epic Retirement Flagship Course kicks off on the 6th June. More info here. Not long now! Hundreds of people are coming!