In this episode of Shaping Your Retirement, Leslie Mizerak talks with Robin Lezotte, a recent retiree who spent 26 years at job she truly loved.

Robin retired on April 30, which also happened to be her birthday. What could have been a simple final day at work became a deeply emotional celebration filled with cards, hugs, memories, and a surprise dinner planned by her husband and daughter. But after the celebrations ended, a quieter and more complicated set of emotions began to surface.

In this honest conversation, Robin shares what the first month of retirement has really felt like. She talks about the joy of being recognized, the grief of leaving a beloved team, the sudden loss of daily structure, and the surprising panic of waking up and wondering, “Now what do I do?”

Leslie and Robin explore the emotional transition that often comes with retirement, especially for people whose identity, purpose, and social connection have been deeply tied to meaningful work. Robin reflects on the importance of thinking about your “why” before retirement, staying connected to former colleagues, making room for experimentation, and allowing this next chapter to unfold without rushing into all the answers.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that retirement is not simply about stopping work. It is about reshaping your identity, your relationships, your rhythms, and your sense of purpose.

As Robin shares, “Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway.”

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Shaping Your Retirement is a podcast for anyone preparing for retirement – or currently in retirement – and wanting to explore new ideas and ways of living this phase of life. Hosted by Retirement & Executive Coaches Jess Mizerak and Leslie Mizerak, Shaping Your Retirement discusses the philosophy of retirement from a whole person perspective.  Join us for engaging discussions that help you shape your retirement.

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