What Comes After Work? Finding Meaning and Purpose in Post-Career Life
Wed Feb 04 2026
Welcome to the first episode of A Change in Story, a podcast about the moments that reshape how we see ourselves and the world around us.
In this inaugural episode, you'll hear the story of Don Akchin, a career-long journalist and writer who is changing his view of what it means to be retired.
After realizing that this stage of life wasn't exactly what he thought it would be, Don began researching how the idea of retirement is changing as people are living longer lives.
He also interviewed other retirees about their experiences and found he wasn't alone in his discovery that the transition to a post-career life comes with more than just financial changes and considerations. It also comes with changes in things like routine, identity and social circles.
Don began compiling his findings into a weekly newsletter and eventually wrote, The After Work: Finding Fulfilling Alternatives to Retirement.
Not only does the book aim to help others think differently about a post-career life, it also helped Don achieve his lifelong dream of becoming an author.
To find out more about Don and his work, check out his website donakchin.com.
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For more information on the podcast, including past episodes, please visit achangeinstory.com.
Want to reach out, be a guest or have a question? Contact email@achangeinstory.com.
Stay up to date with new episodes by subscribing to the newsletter!
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Welcome to the first episode of A Change in Story, a podcast about the moments that reshape how we see ourselves and the world around us. In this inaugural episode, you'll hear the story of Don Akchin, a career-long journalist and writer who is changing his view of what it means to be retired. After realizing that this stage of life wasn't exactly what he thought it would be, Don began researching how the idea of retirement is changing as people are living longer lives. He also interviewed other retirees about their experiences and found he wasn't alone in his discovery that the transition to a post-career life comes with more than just financial changes and considerations. It also comes with changes in things like routine, identity and social circles. Don began compiling his findings into a weekly newsletter and eventually wrote, The After Work: Finding Fulfilling Alternatives to Retirement. Not only does the book aim to help others think differently about a post-career life, it also helped Don achieve his lifelong dream of becoming an author. To find out more about Don and his work, check out his website donakchin.com. *** For more information on the podcast, including past episodes, please visit achangeinstory.com. Want to reach out, be a guest or have a question? Contact email@achangeinstory.com. Stay up to date with new episodes by subscribing to the newsletter!