Why Retirement Feels Empty (And What to Do Instead)

Eric Brotman was a guest on this episode of the Real Money, Real Life podcast to unpack why retirement feels empty for so many people—and what to do instead.

If you’ve spent decades working toward retirement, only to realize you’re not sure what comes next, you’re not alone. This conversation challenges the idea that retirement is the goal and instead reframes it as a transition into something new.

Linda Grizely and Eric Brotman explore how financial planning is about more than just numbers—it’s about building a life that still feels meaningful when work becomes optional. Through real-life examples and experience, they explain why purpose, identity, and engagement matter just as much as financial security.

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to retire… but I don’t know what else to do,” this episode will help you think about retirement differently.

💡 WE TALK ABOUT:

Why retirement feels empty for so many people
What makes retirees happy and fulfilled
How to shift from “retiring” to building your next chapter
Why having something to move toward matters more than stopping work
How identity and purpose are tied to your career
What financial independence really means in real life
How to start thinking about what comes next before you retire