A COH retiree shares her experience, reflecting on challenges, lessons learned and enjoyment.

Retirement is the milestone some people work their entire careers for. Others see it as a chance to do something they have been postponing, or as a fresh start. And while it may present itself differently for everyone, it is, in every case, a game-changer.

Preparing for retirement shouldn’t focus solely on the economic aspects. Although financial considerations are an important part, expecting a restructuring in other areas of retirement are also key to a smoother path as the process unfolds.

Mona Ross, a City of Houston retiree, learned a lot as she navigated the early stages of this process. She reflects on the challenges she faced in the beginning, what she learned along the way, and how she enjoys this newly designed phase of her life.

My personal experience:
Finding health, engagement and confidence in a new chapter

When I first began planning for retirement, I thought the hardest part would be the logistics — the financial decisions, the timelines, the practical steps. But when the day finally came, I realized the deeper challenge was emotional. Retirement isn’t just a schedule change; it’s a change in identity. After years of advocating for others, showing up for my community and carrying forward family legacy, I found myself asking: Who am I when the daily structure falls away? What does purpose look like now?

I’ll be honest — there was apprehension and fear. I felt a quiet uncertainty about how to fill my days meaningfully, how to stay connected, and how to keep my mind and body strong. But I learned quickly that retirement isn’t an ending; it’s a redesign. It’s the moment you stop living by obligation and start living by intention.

For me, staying healthy and engaged became the foundation of that redesign. I built routines that support my well-being — regular movement, balanced meals and keeping up with preventive care. I’ve made space for mental stimulation: reading, learning new things, exploring creative interests, staying curious and talking to a professional to help me accept my choices.

These choices keep me sharp, grounded and energized.

Connection has been just as important. Retirement can be isolating if you let it, so I’ve stayed close to family, community and the people who bring joy and meaning into my life. I’ve discovered new ways to contribute — mentoring, volunteering, advocating, traveling, and exploring passions that once lived in the margins of my busy work life. Purpose didn’t disappear, it simply shifted.

What I’ve learned is that retirement works best when you shape it intentionally. I created a flexible weekly rhythm, stayed open to new experiences and allowed myself to evolve. The apprehension I felt at the beginning didn’t vanish overnight, but it softened as I built a life that reflects who I am now — not who I was in my working years.

Retirement, for me, has become a chapter defined by freedom, connection and continued growth. It’s a chance to honor my past while embracing the possibilities ahead.

I’m proud of the life I’m building in this new season.

Mona H. Ross
Retired in 2015 from the Houston Airport System