So You Retired…

Through our research, we have discovered that everyone’s retirement is incredibly unique. Some people go back to work, others volunteer, some move, whatever you do, finding purpose and redefining your sense of productivity is essential. Dean Corkum, who retired from Essex High School in Essex, Vt, describes his retirement and how he redefined his purpose with BETA Technologies.

Chris Antonicci, principal at Union Memorial School in Colchester, Vt, is retiring in the spring of 2026. As he heads into his last few months of school, he describes how he is approaching his retirement and the steps he is taking to prepare mentally and financially.

Different Realities

When people think of retirement, sometimes our minds immediately think of sitting on a beach in Florida, or not having a worry in the world. While this is the case for some, there are also harsh realities that are important to highlight. 

Teaching is oftentimes a core part of a person’s identity, and when that immediately stops, retirees may feel a loss of purpose or meaning. When they no longer have daily goals, routines, or student interaction, this can make you lose your sense of self. Some retired teachers can also experience depression or sadness due to the lack of daily engagement, which can worsen mental health. (26) Around 16% of retired teachers showed mental health issues, common diagnoses included anxiety, depression, and interpersonal sensitivity. (27)