In 2003, Michael Watkins published “The First 90 Days” highlighting strategies of how to approach that crucial phase in a new job. Although written as career advice for the working class, many of his lessons apply to any transition period.
On July 1, 2025, I entered a transition from a 40-year career in marketing technology into the unknown of the so called “retirement” life. On that day I posted this: https://vincejeffs.com/after-the-fire-the-final-cut/
I kept working one day a week, and so although not fully retired, I was kind of there. Today (December 7th) is my day of career infamy, yet personal triumph. I’m now there.
Here are 11 things I learned in those first 90 (or so) days. Not ten, because as you’ll see below, you are going to really need to occasionally push your sad retired self:
- You must resist the urge to map out every minute of your life. I doubt Michael gave this advice in his book, but whatever. If you feel like it, pick up a book, reach out to a friend, watch a movie. Be spontaneous.
- But on the other hand, you need some structure, so make some lists. Maybe one for today, tomorrow, next week, and next year. Do some of the things on today’s list, especially ones that are important, like eating.
- Relish your time alone. But make sure to still get out of the house every day and be with people and do things outside too.
- Enjoy every day being like a school snow day. Take your time getting up. Peak out the window to see if by chance the world transformed overnight. Relish that feeling that today may well be the best day of your life, or the last. One day, you will be right.
- Strive for balance. Just the right amount of activity to propel you forward, but not so much that you are dreaming about retirement again.
- Give back because it just feels good. Whatever cause lights a fire inside you, but you never seemed to have the time for, well now you do. Give them some of that time, talent, and treasure you saved all your life for. If it turns out not to be the romantic pursuit you envisioned, find Plan B.
- Try to learn a new language. Why? Because it’s good for the noggin – it’s essentially brain muscle confusion. And believe me you will sound confusing, especially if you try to talk to a native speaker. But stick with it, nonetheless. Pick a language you have some base for, as it will be a little less frustrating, and at least you may start to talk like a kindergartener at some point. Did I say be careful not to set too lofty goals?
- Speaking of muscle confusion – you now actually have another job – keeping your body from falling completely apart in the next 20 years. And believe me it won’t be hard to confuse your muscles, and you will know when you do. But try to force yourself out of ruts, and into new ones.
- Grow something. Anything. At this stage, it’s healthy to watch things grow. And it feels good to take part in that.
- Clean house. Sell your stuff. Give it away, Trash it. In that order.
- Listen to and play more music. If you already plan an instrument, play it more. Why? Again, good for the noggin and soul.
Now, what will be fun is to look at this list in another year, and grade myself. I plan to do that. Consider it on my Next Year List.