The (Un)Retired Life: A Reset For Purpose And Presence - by Jeffrey Klausman

COURSE

The (Un)Retired Life: A Reset For Purpose And Presence

With Jeffrey Klausman

Over three days, we’ll step back from our old job titles to reveal our essential self, face, and turn away from the guilt of non-productivity, and apply the "wisdom framework” principles of successful aging research to our daily lives. We’ll finish this reset not with a resume, but with a "portfolio of purpose" designed for clarity, presence, and a renewed sense of our "why." Image by Pexels, music “The Mountain,” by Dmitrii Kolesnikov, both from Pixabay.

AuthenticityLettinggoWisdominsightSecularmindfulnessHappinessGroundedhappySecular

Meet your Teacher

Jeffrey Klausman
Bellingham, WA, USA

Jeff is a former college professor with a forty-year career in literature, rhetoric, and philosophy. Upon his own retirement, he experienced the "mirror gap"—the specific identity challenge that occurs when a long-standing professional title is removed—and began researching the psychological and philosophical frameworks required to navigate it. He now draws on the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and spiritual traditions to help others unlearn the "habit of the hurry" and trade their professional identities for a curated Portfolio of Purpose.

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3 Days

93 students

4.9 stars

9 min / day

Authenticity

English

Lesson 1

From "Who’s Who" To "Who I Am"

Day 1 explores the "mirror gap"'—the identity crisis that often occurs when a long-held professional title is removed, leaving a void where a sense of self used to be. Participants will examine how the power of the verb "to be" as an equal sign has historically linked their worth to their work and learn to view their former career as a costume rather than a permanent identity. Through the Introduction Audit exercise, the lesson provides a practical framework for stripping away outdated professional labels to reveal the truer, un-retired self underneath.

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Lesson 2

Chronos Vs. Kairos: Stepping Into Conscious Time

Day 2 addresses the "efficiency reflex"—the ingrained habit of treating time as a resource to be managed rather than an experience to be inhabited. You will explore the distinction between Chronos (quantitative, clock-driven time) and Kairos (qualitative, opportune time) to understand why retirees often feel a "productivity hangover" despite having open schedules. By identifying where the professional calendar still dictates your rhythm, this lesson offers strategies to transition from a life of constant doing to a more intentional practice of being.

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Lesson 3

The New Productivity: Your Portfolio Of Purpose

Day 3 moves from reflection to construction by introducing the Portfolio of Purpose—a curated collection of how you choose to spend your energy beyond a traditional resume. You will explore the concept of relational intelligence and how your intellectual strengths shift from quick-thinking problem solving to more spacious, seasoned wisdom as you age. Through the Three Pillars Map activity, you will define a personalized roadmap for success and happiness, ensuring your daily contributions align with your deepest values in this second half of adulthood.

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4.9 (14)

Recent Reviews

jan

May 4, 2026

Thanks - it definitely helped set a path to sorting things out in a do-able way. Just what I need right now!

Sittal

April 26, 2026

Look forward to starting the next course. Haven’t retired fully but trying to shift into new ways of being now before 💯. This course is so helpful

Katie

April 24, 2026

The Wise and cheerful Crone in me celebrates this new gift of kairos time which you have so beautifully introduced. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance.

Anne

April 13, 2026

Informative course. Made me realise how much I enjoy retirement and I wonder now how I had time to do a boring day job when there is so much I enjoy doing and my day is full now with hobbies and exercise classes

Sheryl

April 10, 2026

Having just ‘graduated’ from this course, I leave it with the highest recommendation and look forward to returning. Jeffrey has created a course full of thought provoking content, real examples of what it looks and feels like when we retire, and how to (un)retire with 3 days of powerful suggestions and questions which are actionable. This course was very timely for me, Jeffrey, and I sincerely thank you for taking the time to create this content. As requested, my Pillar of Vitality is to extend my love of nature by exploring birdwatching with my grandchildren, both in the backyard wooded area, and out on some lovely trails with a new set of binoculars for us to take! 😊💙🦉🪶

Nancy

April 8, 2026

Nice to hear someone on this topic

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