How To Retire Well: Dennis Owen on Moving Abroad, Building Community, Volunteering, Adapting to New Cultures, Creating Routine, Consulting After Retirement, Managing Money Mindset Shifts, Staying Current with Technology, Health Habits, Navigating Expat Li
In this episode, I talk with Dennis Owen about his journey from a long career in the airline industry to building a purposeful and active retirement in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Dennis shares how he intentionally “retired to” a new life filled with volunteering, consulting, and community involvement, rather than just leaving work behind. We discuss the challenges of adapting to a new culture, the importance of routine, staying curious, and the mental shift from saving to spending in retirement. Dennis emphasizes the value of purpose, continuous learning, and building a diverse community, while also sharing practical tips and book recommendations for anyone to continue to reinvent their path after work.
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:59 – Early Career
- 2:44 – Airline Life and Career Growth
- 4:33 – Moving to Asia & Culture Shock
- 7:09 – Volunteering and Family
- 11:29 – Retirement in Chiang Mai
- 16:41 – Projects and Purpose
- 21:17 – Creating Opportunities
- 27:52 – Planning and Financial Shifts
- 29:56 – Quotes and Retirement Philosophy
- 32:00 – Meaning Beyond Money
- 34:27 – Adapting to Technology
- 37:21 – Retiring in Chiang Mai: Practicalities
- 41:36 – Health, Wellness, and Routine
- 42:40 – Books and Resources
- 50:07 – Spending in Retirement
- 54:30 – Reverse Culture Shock
- 58:04 – Final Thoughts: Purpose and Learning
- 59:55 – Connect with Dennis
Topics Covered:
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Transitioning from a long career to retirement
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Moving abroad and adapting to a new culture
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The importance of “retiring to” something, not just leaving work
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Building routine and community in retirement
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Volunteering and giving back
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Consulting, ghostwriting, and staying mentally active
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The mental shift from saving to spending
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Staying current with technology and learning new things
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Health, wellness, and daily habits
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Navigating practical challenges of living abroad
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Book and resource recommendations for retirement and reinvention
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Advice for finding purpose and meaning after workLINKS:
