Retirement author Mike Drak shares his story of emerging from the hardships of retirement to finding his own satisfaction.

You’ve had that retirement dream for years. The fishing trips, the annual cruise, the regular nights with the grandchildren…whatever it is, that prize at the end of your career feels more within your grasp with each passing day.

But what happens when retirement doesn’t feel like the dream you imagined?

I had the opportunity to sit down with Mike Drak, author of Retirement Heaven or Hell: Which Will You Choose? Mike’s story was both inspiring and eye-opening because his story went a lot like the scenario I just laid out. His candid reflection on being forced into retirement, hitting rock bottom emotionally, and eventually finding his “retirement heaven” offers a powerful lesson for anyone approaching retirement age.

The Myth of the Perfect Retirement

Mike spent 36 years working in financial services, helping people save for retirement. Like many of us in the industry, he assumed that having a large enough nest egg was the key to a successful retirement. But when he was forced into early retirement, he realized just how wrong that assumption was.

At first, it felt like he had hit the jackpot—no more commutes, bosses, or office politics. But within weeks, the cracks began to show. Mike was alone, bored, and spiraling into a deep depression. Despite having financial stability, he lacked something even more critical: purpose.

If you’re a Retirement Revealed listener, you have probably heard this refrain before: retirement isn’t just about financial planning—it’s about emotional and psychological readiness too.

Retirement Shock is Real

Mike’s experience isn’t unique. He calls it “retirement shock,” and it’s something both he and his parents experienced in different ways. His father, after retiring, found himself miserable trying to mimic his wife’s routine. The turning point came when his mother handed him a classifieds section with part-time job options circled. That simple nudge changed everything.

His dad landed a job delivering pet food—a far cry from his previous executive role—but it gave him purpose, routine, and social interaction. He even mentored the store’s young manager, finding fulfillment in helping someone else grow.

That’s the real magic: retirement doesn’t necessarily have to be the end of contribution. It can be the beginning of a new phase of meaningful engagement.

The Path to Purpose

Finding that next chapter takes time and introspection. Mike introduced a Japanese concept called ikigai—the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It’s a simple yet powerful framework for discovering purpose.

Mike tried several ideas before finding his true fit. He considered working at a fishing store, leveraging his passion for the sport. Then he thought about returning to the financial industry. Ultimately, he realized that he wanted to be his own boss, share his journey, and help others avoid the same mistakes. Becoming a writer, coach, and speaker aligned perfectly with his ikigai.

Health is Wealth

Mike didn’t stop with finding emotional purpose—he made physical health a priority too. After struggling with weight gain and depression, including a close call with suicidal thoughts triggered by a medication, he committed to regaining his health. His ambitious goal? Completing an Ironman triathlon at age 70.

He’s now 60 pounds lighter and training hard every day. His message is clear: you can reinvent yourself at any age. It takes commitment, support, and a willingness to do the hard work—but it’s absolutely possible.

Becoming a Retirement Rebel

Mike proudly wears the label “Retirement Rebel.” Instead of accepting the traditional script of slowing down and disengaging, he advocates for redefining retirement altogether. Retirement, in his view, isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. A time to re-bloom, pursue passions, and create a legacy.

And the best part? You don’t have to go it alone.

Your Retirement Movie

Mike encourages all of us to think of retirement like a movie. Even if the beginning wasn’t ideal, the ending is still being written. You can change the narrative. Focus on relationships, health, purpose, and contribution. As Mike puts it, that’s how you can create your own version of retirement heaven.

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337

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Additional Links:

Follow Mike’s Ironman journey on Instagram: @retirement_rebel
Download Mike Drak’s books for free: https://boomingencore.com
Mike Drak on LinkedIn
“Retirement Heaven or Hell” by Mike Drak
“Longevity Lifestyle By Design” by Mike Drak

Connect With Jeremy Keil:

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