Brian Rendell is completing a two-year master’s degree in fine arts in fiction program in Halifax, writing historical fiction about his grandfather and his hometown of Grand Falls-Windsor, N.L.Darren Calabrese/The Globe and Mail
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In Tales from the Golden Age, retirees talk about their spending, savings and whether life after work is what they expected.
Brian Rendell, 56, Halifax
I retired last summer – a few years earlier than planned – from a career as a chartered professional accountant. I spent the previous 12 years working on large utility infrastructure projects. I was happy with my career and colleagues, and the work was interesting, but the death of my best childhood friend in 2022 shook me. He was only 54. It also made me think about my mother, who died of cancer at 58. It reminded me that life is short and nudged me to pursue a long-simmering passion for writing.
When I told my employer I was planning to retire, they asked me to stay on as a consultant to help train the next generation, which I do two days a week. It helps pay the bills and keeps my toe in the finance waters should I want or need to return. I doubt I will go back to a full-time finance career since I’m having too much fun using the other side of my brain. I’m also meeting many new and interesting people in the creative world.
I started thinking seriously about writing when, in the fall of 2022, I saw that the University of King’s College was beginning a master’s degree in fine arts in fiction. I wasn’t the type of person who wrote regularly, but the person running the program suggested I focus on writing for a month or two and see how it goes. When I did that, the words just started flowing. I couldn’t wait until the weekend when I could write. That motivated me to apply, and I was accepted at the end of 2022. I’m halfway through the program and writing historical fiction about my grandfather and my hometown in Grand Falls-Windsor, N.L. I’m determined to complete the first draft of my novel by the time the program ends in spring 2025.
I had some anxiety about retiring early. The accountant in me still says, ‘You’re only 56 and still a few years away from your planned retirement age.’ But I ran the numbers by a financial advisor, who confirmed that my math was correct – and that I could afford to retire. My wife stopped working to raise our two children, which enabled me to have the career I did, but it meant we had to watch our money. We’re more mindful of our spending, especially given the rising cost of living in recent years, but we’ve always been prudent.
Sometimes, you have to trust your gut as there’s never a perfect time to flip the switch and pursue that other life you’ve been dreaming about. You’ll know when the time is right for you. But before you do it, have a plan. It can be a big adjustment from one life to another. I have no regrets so far. I feel re-energized. I’m also fortunate to still consult with my former colleagues, many of whom are cheering me on.
As told to Brenda Bouw
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Are you a Canadian retiree interested in discussing what life is like now that you’ve stopped working? The Globe is looking for people to participate in its Tales from the Golden Age feature, which examines the personal and financial realities of retirement. If you’re interested in being interviewed for this feature and agree to use your full name and have a photo taken, please e-mail us at: goldenageglobe@gmail.com. Please include a few details about how you saved and invested for retirement and what your life is like now.
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