Which of the 5 Retirement Types Are You?

The question most pre-retirees and retirees ask is: 

How do I want to spend my time?

If your retirement honeymoon phase is wearing off, it’s never too late to rediscover what lights you up.

If you’re feeling stuck, start by asking:

What’s my personality type?

You don’t have time to try everything but you can try something in your wheelhouse.

Do you see yourself in these 5 dominant personality types?

1. The Creative Soul

You love beauty, self-expression, and making something out of nothing.

Try: Painting, creative writing, photography, quilting, songwriting

Most of these can be done at home and on your own schedule.

2. The Hands-On Doer

You get satisfaction from building, fixing, or growing things.

Try: Gardening, woodworking, pottery, car restoration, cooking

These are attractive because they’re tangible results you can see, touch or eat!

3. The Social Connector

You thrive in group settings and love shared energy and conversation.

Try: Dance classes, choir, theatre groups, team sports, card clubs.

These choices have a built-in community and a reason to get out of the house and be more social.

4. The Curious Thinker

You love learning, exploring ideas, and understanding how things work.

Try: Online courses, genealogy, chess, astronomy, book clubs

Most of these choices are low-cost or free, which is perfect for lifelong learners on a budget.

5. The Nature Lover

You feel most yourself when you're outdoors and in motion.

Try: Birdwatching, hiking, kayaking, nature photography, volunteering with conservation groups.

These choices boost physical and mental health while staying connected to the world around you.

What if you didn’t see yourself in any of the five choices? 

Try a bunch of activities and start making a list of what works and what doesn’t. 

You don’t have to commit to being perfect at salsa dancing but commit to taking one or two classes and then take it from there.

Another direction you could take to get unstuck is to revisit hobbies from your childhood or teenage years to see if you can remember how skillful you were. 

Not sure where to begin? You don’t have to sign up for a year-long class or buy all the gear. Start small. Start local.

Here are a few low-pressure ways to test out new hobbies:

• Check your local library or community centre. Many offer free or low-cost classes, events, or clubs and no experience is needed.

• Join a Facebook Group or Meetup. Search for local hobby groups or events happening nearby.

• Explore adult learning options at local colleges. They often offer everything from cooking to photography.

• Drop into an art studio, gym, or craft store. Ask about beginner sessions or trial classes.

• Volunteer. If you’re looking for something more meaningful, try helping at a school, food bank, or conservation group. It’s a great way to stay connected while giving back.

And if none of that clicks? Revisit something you loved as a kid or teenager. Whether it was music, art, sports, or just tinkering with a project, see if that spark still lives somewhere inside.

Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down. It can also mean choosing your own pace.

Try one thing. See how it feels. Then try another. 

This is your time to explore, create, connect, and grow.

All it takes is that first step.

What personality type are you and what hobby are you trying next?

Email your story to jordan@morethanmoney.ca for a chance to be featured in an upcoming blog.

David Popowich and Faisal Karmali are Investment Advisors with CIBC Wood Gundy in Calgary. The views of David Popowich and Faisal Karmali, do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc. This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc