The meaning of retirement is changing. It’s no longer just about saying goodbye to work - it’s now an opportunity to try something new or keep doing what you love. Rather than hanging up their hats, many of today’s retirees are redefining this phase by staying active through part-time jobs, volunteering, or even launching new careers.
Living in a retirement village doesn’t necessarily mean you’re done with work either; rather, it offers the opportunity to explore different activities, pursue long-held passions, and discover new interests. In fact, many people find the lifestyle gives them more freedom to stay engaged and active through work they enjoy.
Read on to see a glimpse into the lives of four Ryman residents embracing this new chapter.
Dave – outdoor gear expert
Dave enjoys working four days a week at a local outdoor gear shop. The Diana Isaac Village resident likes selling fishing products, which allows him to meet new people and share his expertise.
What led you to pursue your current line of work?
After my stroke, I had to leave my job at Atlas Copco since I couldn’t drive anymore. I stopped working for a bit, but pretty soon though, I realised that not working was getting me down. I wasn’t ready to retire. I chatted with a mate, and he offered me a job in his shop. Coming to work is really pleasurable; the people are great, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I love the social interactions. I’ve got the best of both worlds - I have lots of friends at Diana Isaac Village and I meet lots of interesting people at work. It gives me a sense of satisfaction when I sell something to someone, and they walk away happy. I get to learn new things all the time too. It’s a continual renewal of knowledge which keeps the brain ticking over.
How does your current work compare to your previous career?
My previous career wasn’t as flexible. It required frequent travel for urgent machine repairs, and I couldn’t plan a trip away in case I got a call out. This job’s more relaxed and allows me to book trips overseas. My partner and I enjoy travelling to warm places, which is easy to do now we can just lock up and head away, knowing the house is safe and secure in the village.
Deirdre – registered relief teacher
Deirdre brings her love for cooking and music into her part-time role as a kindergarten teacher, which she says keeps her active, healthy, and energised.
What led you to pursue your current line of work?
I worked for 30 years in secondary schools and then decided to go into early childhood nine years ago. That’s what I’m still doing now. I still want to get out there and do the same things I did before I moved into James Wattie Village. It’s important for me to still contribute to the community and keep active - teaching in early childhood does that.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
I’ve chosen to be an early childhood teacher because I feel it makes a difference in a child’s life to have someone there who is passionate. It can be difficult sometimes to get up in the morning and go to work, but as soon as I step in the door at the kindergarten, it’s perfect.
Can you share any amusing or memorable stories from your work?
Maybe not amusing but this is my tip: If a child is screaming the place down, you just pick them up and sing a little song softly in their ear and they stop because they have to listen.
If they’re older, I ask them to put their hands out and I hold them and say, breathe in, smell the flower and blow out the candle. We do it 10 times and they’re usually better after that.
Roger – Uber driver
Roger has found a new hobby in Uber driving. The Northwood Retirement Village resident drives around 20 hours a week, not only bringing in extra income but socialising and meeting new people too.
What led you to pursue your current line of work?
I decided to become an Uber driver to keep myself busy and engaged. The cash I earn goes towards fun activities, like the cruise my wife and I are planning later this year. The ‘nice to haves.’
I enjoy the flexibility of Uber driving, which allows me to work whenever I feel like it without being tied down to a strict schedule. I wouldn’t be working if I had set days when I had to be there at set times.
Can you share any amusing or memorable stories from your work?
I've had plenty of interesting experiences as an Uber driver. One passenger told me he had been praying for me during the ride, which I found quite touching.
I’ve had unique rides, like taking people to a llama farm in Akaroa and waiting for them to return. In Hanmer Springs, I acted as a tour guide, showing passengers around and even stopping for a drink at a local pub. I did a bit more than just driving them because they wanted to look around.
How does your current job compare to your previous career?
Compared to my 49-year career in the grain and seed business at PGG Wrightson, Uber driving is much more relaxed and flexible.
My previous job had a rigid schedule. Now, I enjoy the freedom to work when I want and take breaks as needed. There's no stress in this job, which is a nice change from my long career. For me, Uber driving provides the perfect mix, keeping me active and engaged while still allowing me to enjoy my retirement.
Marlene – airport ambassador
Marlene loves meeting new people and helping others, so volunteering as an Airport Ambassador is the perfect fit for her. You'll find her behind an information desk at Christchurch Airport, providing information, offering assistance, and helping passengers to find their way around.
What led you to pursue your current line of work?
I first started volunteering at the airport to have an interest outside the home, and I did it for 10 years before we moved to Diana Isaac Village. I stepped down during Covid as I needed to consider the other people in the village, but after my husband Jack passed away last year, I emailed my old manager and asked if anything was available. She emailed me back straight away and said, when can you start?
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
I just love it; I love meeting people and I love helping them. It’s a good thing to get outside the house, it keeps my brain active. It was very hard when I lost my husband Jack, we’d been together since we were 14 and married nearly 60 years so he was like a part of me. Working and support from the village helped get me through.
How does your job compare to your previous career?
Jack and I used to own motels, which was a lot of hard work, so this is much breezier. I work four hours at a time in the mornings, which really suits me, as I have the afternoon free. In my other job I was a credit controller and would have to chase people for money, which wasn’t much fun. This is much more laid back, and the company are fabulous, just brilliant to work for.
Retirement today looks different for everyone. Whether it’s taking on a new job, picking up a hobby, or staying active in other ways, retirement offers the freedom to tailor this stage of life to individual preferences and interests.
Like many Ryman residents, Dave, Deirdre, Roger and Marlene continue to work, and love having more time for the things they enjoy. Click here to read their advice for working in your retirement years.
