Chapter X with Michael Kay

Episode 26 – Richard Haiduck

March 31, 2021

We all have hopes and aspirations that get pushed to the back burner because of life’s responsibilities. Can you think of something you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t yet? Perhaps it’s time to revive your forgotten dreams.

Today I’m thrilled to speak with an author who did just that. At age 7, Richard Haiduck was convinced he’d become a fiction writer. He wrote a story nearly every day for a year until, like any other kid, he became preoccupied with his buddies and playing outside.

But the opportunity to go back to his early childhood interests arose 65 years later. As Richard created a strategy to transition from his work life into the next chapter, one striking outcome was finally authoring a book: Shifting Gears: 50 Baby Boomers Share Their Meaningful Journeys in Retirement.

It’s a stunning collection of moving stories. Yet beyond his book, Richard has filled his own story with meaning and purpose. He joins us today to share what he’s learned along the journey. 

  • The reason why it took Richard five years to fully leave work behind
  • Why being experimental in retirement becomes remarkably important
  • What surprised Richard the most about other people’s retirement stories
  • The biggest reason why work is the sense of self-worth for men
  • How Richard’s cycling hobby helps bring him a sense of clarity
  • What he’s learned about the bigger picture of life (and where we fit in)

Links 

Shifting Gears: 50 Baby Boomers Share Their Meaningful Journeys in Retirement by Richard Haiduck