Your Dream Retirement Starts Here

Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008

Read more about retiring overseas in International Living Postcards—Sunday Edition

When I graduated from business school, I wanted to live and work in New York. I was thrilled by the idea of making it in the big time. But I decided that, for strategic reasons, I'd start in San Francisco. I'd make almost as much money as in New York, yet San Francisco was much cheaper. Also, I could get a couple of years under my belt in a smaller, safer environment. Later on in my career, I'd try to get transferred to New York at company expense. At that point, my dream would come true.

Vicki and I kept the dream a secret. We didn't want anyone to think we were unhappy with San Francisco, that we were short-timers, lacked commitment, or were distracted. We even avoided talking about our dream between the two of us.

Three years into the job, the San Francisco managing partner called me into his office. Out of the blue, he said, “How would you like a transfer to New York?”

We all have similar stories. Dreams come true. But before dreams come true, we have to come up with the dream. That's especially true in retirement, especially retirement abroad.

Let yourself dream of the best retirement possible. What would be a home-run outcome? Where would you most like to live, what would bring a smile to your face? Don't worry about whether you can afford it, or whether your spouse will go along, or whether your ideas make practical sense. This is your dream, just the starting point.

A few years before my friend Wilbur reached retirement age, his wife insisted he dream. “What would you most like to do for the rest of your life? Let yourself go.” Wilbur thought for a while and finally said, “I guess I'd like an apartment in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on the Mansa beach. There's no waves there, I could drag a little sailboat down to the water and teach my grandkids how to sail.”

Well, then, his wife said, better get started. Wilbur bought the apartment, a small sailboat, and a nearby garage. He made his dream come true when the time was right.

Dream a little about your retirement, with confidence. Then think about what you need to do to help your dream come true. You may wind up happier than you ever thought possible.

Paul Terhorst
Roving “Retire Early” Editor, International Living

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