Podcast Summary

Podcast: This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil

Episode: Why “Rewirement” Beats Retirement (and How to Do It Right) with Anne Chow (#350)
Date: October 6, 2025
Guest: Anne Chow — Board member, former AT&T Business CEO, author of "Lead Bigger"

Overview

In this episode, Nicole Kalil invites Anne Chow to explore a transformational rethinking of life after traditional work. Rather than “retirement,” which often conjures an abrupt stopping point, Anne advocates for “rewirement”—an intentional, reflective, and personal evolution into the next chapter of life. They discuss how women’s confidence, identity, community, and purpose evolve as careers shift, and offer actionable tips on navigating these transitions proactively.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Redefining Retirement as “Rewirement”

[04:14]

• Origin of “rewirement”: After a 30+-year career, Anne reflected on not wanting to simply “leave the workforce” but rather leave a type of work and reimagine her impact.
  • “The struggle I was having with this notion of retirement was that I didn’t want to leave the workforce. I wanted to leave the type of work I was doing.” — Anne Chow [05:44]
• Electrical engineering metaphor: Just as old tech is physically rewired to refresh it, people can rewire their relationship to work and fulfillment.
• Rewirement is not age-bound: This approach—evolving, resetting, or pivoting—can happen at any life stage, even in your 20s.
  • “You can rewire whenever you want. Some may call it a career pivot, but I like rewiring because it builds on what you’ve already done.” — Anne Chow [07:41]

2. Transition Points in Life

[08:45]

• Rewirement opportunities are not limited to the end of your career—they can occur after becoming an empty nester, during major life changes, or whenever a new sense of purpose emerges.

3. Steps for Successful Rewirement

[09:51-19:45]

• Reflection: Assess what you’re good at, the experiences you’ve enjoyed or disliked, and your current life needs (e.g., financial, healthcare, caregiving).
  • “You are accountable to nobody but yourself to answer these questions.” — Anne Chow [10:21]
• Inner circle: Discuss your thoughts with trusted confidantes, not everyone.
• Research: Investigate and network in your areas of interest before you leave your prior job, leveraging your current platform while your “personal stock” is high.
  • “This research needs to be done while you’re still in the game that you’re currently playing.” — Anne Chow [13:18]
• Planting seeds: Build relationships, pursue opportunities, and start new projects while still employed.
• Plan your transition: Deciding when to “pull the trigger” is personal and situational; approach it with awareness.
• Expect an identity shift: Even those prepared for rewirement may experience a period of disorientation after stepping away from a long-held professional identity.
  • “You will go through an identity crisis, especially if you were doing similar things for a very long time.” — Anne Chow [17:47]

4. Realities and Challenges of the Transition

[19:45-27:34]

• Identity crisis happens regardless: Both traditional retirees and “rewired” professionals can experience loss of identity, fear, and uncertainty.
  • “The identity crisis still happens...not knowing what to do with your time...all of that to say is yes, reflect.” — Nicole Kalil [19:45]
• Importance of being proactive: Don’t delay reflection, research, or planning until after you’ve transitioned.
• Alignment with loved ones: It’s crucial to discuss and align with your partner or family about expectations, needs, and visions for the next stage.
• Community-building is vital: As we lose built-in structures for connection (work, children’s schools), forming friendships and new social circles becomes more deliberate and difficult.
  • “As you get older, it is harder to make friends.” — Anne Chow [24:40]
  • “This idea of building community is so important.” — Anne Chow [25:37]
• Relationship shifts: Couples can struggle if expectations or desired lifestyles aren’t aligned in this new phase.

5. Measuring Success in Rewirement

[29:27]

• Joy and fulfillment are the metrics: Success is not about achievements or happiness alone, but about sustained joy and meaningful fulfillment.
  • “Rewirement is about joy, not happiness. It goes beyond happiness, which can be episodic and momentary. It is about joy, which comes from inside.” — Anne Chow [32:49]
  • “Would you characterize your life in this moment...as being joyful and fulfilled most of the time? That’s how I would measure it.” — Anne Chow [33:47]
• Research supports social connection: Ongoing community engagement is key for well-being and longevity.
  • Anne uses her parents’ move into a retirement community as an example of the health benefits of maintaining social connections.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I no longer imagine closing my laptop, walking out the office door and giving everyone the finger on the way out. ... I just don’t see myself not working anymore. I see myself working differently—from calling instead of obligation, from purpose instead of pressure.” — Nicole Kalil [01:54]
• “Work is not separate from your life. It’s an integral part of your life. We as humans were made to work. The question is, what is that form of work?” — Anne Chow [10:21]
• “This word of choice is a core theme of rewirement. What is it you choose to do with this one precious life you have?” — Anne Chow [22:19]
• “The people you love and want to spend time with—one, they may no longer be local to you; two, they might not actually envision this.” — Anne Chow [23:20]
• “A key to longevity is social connection and relationships...even if you’re an introvert, you will need to have connection with more than just one person.” — Anne Chow [30:08]
• “Our value isn’t tied to just our productivity, and our worth doesn’t expire once we stop clocking in. And we don’t have to wait for a specific age or date to do any of that.” — Nicole Kalil [34:52]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:07] Nicole’s perspective: Evolving ideas about retirement and confidence trends for women in their 60s
• [04:14] Anne defines “rewirement” and shares its origin story
• [09:51] Detailed steps for approaching rewirement
• [17:47] Emotional and identity effects of leaving a long-term role
• [21:53] Real-life outcomes and surprises of Anne’s own rewirement
• [23:20] The challenge (and necessity) of community and partnerships in a new phase
• [29:27] Defining and measuring success in rewirement: joy, fulfillment, connection
• [34:52] Nicole’s closing thoughts and takeaways

Actionable Takeaways

• Rewirement is not just retirement by another name: It’s a conscious, evolutionary process of aligning work, purpose, and lifestyle at any age or stage.
• Start thinking, talking, and planning early: Reflect on your needs, involve close confidantes, and begin researching/making connections before your current chapter ends.
• Community matters: Loneliness is a real risk and social ties are a proven protective factor for health and happiness.
• Prioritize what brings you joy and fulfillment: Success is no longer measured by external accolades but by internal satisfaction and meaningful relationships.
• Be flexible: Your needs, interests, and circumstances may change—stay open and check in with yourself regularly.

Links & Further Resources

• Learn more about Anne Chow: theannechow.com
• Follow Anne on Instagram and LinkedIn

Final Notes

This episode reframes the way we think about life transitions, urging listeners to claim agency not just at retirement but throughout their careers and lives. Anne and Nicole challenge the old playbook, offering a new, empowering model for continued growth, connection, and joyful evolution—the essence of “woman’s work” today.