Let’s Retire Retirement: Design a Life You Don’t Need to Escape From | Derek H Coburn
What if the idea of retirement has been steering people away from the life they actually want? That question came alive for me as Derek and I talked about the beliefs, habits, and cultural narratives that shape how we work and how we live.
I met Derek years ago, and I have watched him move through fatherhood, loss, selling his business, and the deep inner work that followed. Hearing him describe the conditioning he outgrew, the calm he has cultivated, and the way he is choosing joy and presence today made this conversation especially meaningful. We explore the moment he realized the retirement model was broken, the math that shifts everything, and the urgency of spending time with the people who matter. Derek brings a thoughtful and grounded point of view that invites all of us to rethink how we design our lives now.
Key Takeaways
Choosing a Life You Feel Now – Joy expands when you bring your desired future into your present daily experience.
The Cost of Deferring Happiness – Delaying fulfillment leads to regrets that appear when people finally reach traditional retirement age.
Identity Beyond Conditioning – Awareness of old patterns creates space for calm, authenticity, and deeper alignment.
The Math of Working Longer – Extra years of contribution increase financial freedom and expand opportunities for meaning.
Time as a Wake Up Call – Seeing how little time remains with kids and aging parents adds clarity to what deserves attention.
Habits That Create Alignment – Daily practices support the most grounded and energized version of yourself.
Where to Find Our Guest
Derek Coburn’s Website: http://www.derekcoburn.com
Derek Coburn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekcoburn/
CADRE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadredc
Links & Resources
Order ‘’Let’s Retire Retirement’’ Today: https://www.derekcoburn.com/#order-packages
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.re.perez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/re-perez-branding
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