Welcome, my friends, to the show that never ends…

Well, well, well. So here we are, my Gen X and Millennial friends—standing on the precipice of that great unknown: retirement. Or as I like to call it, “The Sequel That Nobody Spoiled for You.” Now, I know you’re anxious. I get it. I really do. You check your retirement fund app more often than your group chat, the ghost of avocado toasts past haunts you, and every time someone mentions Social Security, you reach for your phone like it’s a security blanket.

But before you resign yourselves to a future of cat food casseroles and tinfoil hats, let me, a certified Boomer (complete with “dad jokes” and a suspicious love of paper maps), offer a little perspective. Grab a cup of something comforting, and let’s chat about why you have more to look forward to—and more power to shape your next act—than you think.

First, Breathe. No, seriously—Breathe.

I remember when I was your age. (Cue the eye roll but stick with me.) My hair was thicker, my jeans were tighter, and my back didn’t sound like popcorn every time I bent down. Back then, retirement was this distant, mythical land—like Atlantis, but with fewer mermaids and more early bird specials.

Now, as I sit here with more yesterdays than tomorrows, I can tell you: Anxiety is normal. You’re not alone in feeling like maybe you missed some secret seminar where everyone else learned how to gracefully slide into their golden years. Here’s the thing: Nobody really knows what they’re doing. Not Boomers, not Gen X, not Millennials. The only difference is, Boomers are better at faking it because we grew up without Google.

Money, Money, Money (ABBA Lied—It’s Not Always Funny)

Let’s talk cash. Retirement used to mean a gold watch and a pension. Now, it means “I hope my mutual funds and side hustles let me keep the lights on.” You’ve seen the headlines: “Millennials Saving Too Little!” “Gen X Facing Retirement Cliff!” The fear is real, but so is your resourcefulness.

You’ve had to hustle—gig economy, remote work, freelance everything. You invented “influencer” as a job title, for Pete’s sake! You’ve turned hobbies into side income and side income into main gigs. That’s not failure; that’s resilience. Boomers had job security. You have adaptability. In an uncertain world, that’s a superpower.

And yes, the numbers are scary. But they don’t have to define you. Retirement isn’t about having a mountain of cash; it’s about designing a life you can sustain and enjoy.

I know folks who retired early, only to boomerang back into work because they missed deadlines, drama, or just being needed. I also know people scraping by who are happier than lottery winners. Do what you can now. Save what you can. But don’t let anxiety rob you of the present.

You Don’t Have to Do It the Way We Did

Here’s a little secret: Boomers don’t have all the answers. We just had different options (and, let’s face it, cheaper houses). You, on the other hand, are writing your own rulebook. Want to spend your retirement travelling the world as a digital nomad? Go for it. Fancy learning Portuguese at 65? Why not? Always dreamed of opening a food truck or fostering senior dogs? Sure. The “traditional” retirement is as outdated as my collection of VHS tapes and CDs.

You have the benefit of technology, flexibility, and a global community. Take it from someone who once had to plan a trip using only maps and hope—your future is wide open. And if you want to keep working (or “need” to), that’s not a failure. It’s a choice.

Let’s Talk About the “R” Word: Relevance

One thing that scares us all, regardless of generation, is the idea of becoming irrelevant. Will anyone still care what I have to say? Will I still have a purpose? Let me assure you: Retirement doesn’t mean the end of usefulness. It’s just the end of a particular chapter.

Gen X, I see you. You’re the glue holding up the sandwich generation—taking care of ageing parents while launching your own kids. You’re over-caffeinated, under-appreciated, and suddenly aware that people born in 2000 are drinking legally. Your wisdom is needed. Your dry humour, your playlists, your ability to fix anything with duct tape and zip ties—don’t underestimate your value.

And Millennials—yes, your memes “do” have healing power. You bring innovation, empathy, and the uncanny ability to make a group Venmo or Splitwise work. When you retire, you’ll be the first generation to have spent an entire career in a digital world. That means your skills, your adaptability, and your unique voice will always be needed somewhere. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Ask AI.

So, What’s the Plan? (Hint: You’re Already Making One)

Look, I know planning for retirement feels like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. Sometimes you get a sofa, sometimes a table, and sometimes it even receives a Russian TV signal. But you’re better at this than you realise. You’re already researching, budgeting, talking to financial advisors (or at least Googling the difference between a Roth and a traditional IRA in the dead of night). You’re sharing tips, pooling resources, and building communities that care.

Here are a few things I wish I’d known sooner:

• Start where you are, not where you think you “should” be. Progress is progress.

• Ask for help. There’s no shame in it.

• Remember that your worth isn’t measured only in dollars or job titles. It’s in the lives you touch and the laughs you share.

• Balance the spreadsheets, but also balance your life—family, friends, and joy matter, too.

• And for heaven’s sake, don’t let anyone shame you for your coffee order or your taste in music. (Some of us still miss disco.)

Welcome to the Club—Membership Includes Awkward Dancing

Maybe retirement isn’t about leaving something behind; maybe it’s about stepping into something new. You’ll have more time for the things you love, more room for curiosity, and yes, more freedom to nap. (I strongly recommend the nap. That’s not a generational thing—that’s just wisdom.)

If you ever feel lost or overwhelmed, remember you’re not alone. Boomers were anxious, too (we just hid it behind Sears catalogue smiles). Ask questions. Seek advice. Share a laugh. We may not speak fluent emoji, but we’re here for you, rooting for your encore.

To all my Gen X and Millennial friends: the future is unwritten, and that’s a good thing. You’re more prepared than you think, more resilient than you know, and you’ve got an entire club of semi-retired, nap-loving, slightly bewildered Boomers in your corner.

So, march toward that next chapter with your head high, your playlist blasting, and your avocado toast held aloft in triumph. You got this, and we’ve got your back.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for my afternoon nap. Don’t worry—I’ll dream up some more Boomer wisdom for next time. And if you need me, just follow the sound of Pink Floyd and the smell of fresh coffee.

Stay groovy, my friends.