Shaping Retirement on Their Own Terms
For GenX women, born between 1965 and 1980, the prospect of retirement is as varied and unique as the lives they lead. Many are balancing careers with caregiving roles, and family structures span married, single, divorced, and widowed individuals, who may, or may not, have children. Given this diversity in lifestyle and goals, traditional ideas about retirement may not quite fit.
More GenX women are exploring what it means to shape retirement on their own terms. For some, this means a complete exit from the workforce at 65 or earlier. For others, staying engaged professionally, working part-time, or even launching a second-act career is more appealing. Whatever your vision, “retirement” isn’t a finish line you have to cross at a certain age.
It’s a personal choice, based on a number of factors.
Cassette tapes and Aqua Net, staples from another era…
The Shift in the Retirement Landscape
The default path is no longer working full-time until age 65 and then collecting a pension. Recent studies how that more professionals, especially GenX women, are rethinking not just when they will retire, but how they want to spend their later years. A recent report by Fidelity reveals that 53% of GenXers polled feel comfortable about retiring on their own terms, and about one third say they will likely continue working in retirement to supplement their income. (1)
There are several reasons for this shift. First, people are living longer and healthier lives, making the traditional notion of decades-long retirement feel less compelling. Many women find fulfillment in their careers or businesses and prefer to stay engaged in work that gives them purpose and connection. Financial realities also play a role, with long-term planning needed to navigate changing economic landscapes, healthcare costs, and evolving family priorities.
Cool kids had Camaros…
Flexible Retirement Options
If you’re considering how to approach your own “retirement,” here are some flexible paths GenX women are pursuing:
Phased Retirement: Instead of stopping work abruptly, some women choose to reduce their hours or responsibilities gradually. This can mean working part-time, consulting, or taking on project-based roles. It’s a way to maintain income and professional engagement, while gaining more free time for personal pursuits.
Encore Careers: Retirement doesn’t have to signal the end of meaningful work. Many women use this stage to pivot into a new industry, start a business, or transition into non-profit or passion-driven roles. An encore career can bring renewed satisfaction and a sense of contribution.
Sabbaticals and Downshifting: Perhaps you’d like to take a break before deciding what’s next. Sabbaticals, “gap years,” or simply scaling back for a while can offer time to recharge, travel, or care for loved ones without permanently leaving your career behind.
Traditional Retirement on Your Timeline: For some GenX women, stepping away from the workforce remains the goal. That could mean retiring before, at, or after 65—whatever works for your life, health, and financial picture.
Designing Your Path to Retirement
Begin by clarifying your personal and financial priorities, and asking yourself:
- What brings you fulfillment and joy?
- Do you want to keep a professional identity, or would you prefer to explore new interests?
- How do your family commitments and financial goals factor in?
- What’s your ideal mix of work, leisure, travel, and personal growth?
With these answers, you can work with a financial planner to model different scenarios and create a flexible strategy. And you may change your mind as circumstances and desires evolve.
Retirement Redefined
Retirement is not just about ending work; it’s about creating the next chapter in your life. Whether you continue to lead in business, pick up a passion project, or savor newfound freedom, you have the power to choose and revise your path. For GenX women, the future is flexible, and retirement can be too, with astute planning and guidance.
Authored by Maureen Demers CFP EA
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