How to retire without retiring

After working in the financial services profession for 35 years, Beth Lachance Hesson, CLU, CFP, wants to make sure she is taking time to enjoy her life outside of the office.

One problem, though: The 24-year MDRT member from Midhurst, Ontario, Canada, loves what she does, loves her clients and feels it is important to continue working for the sake of her older clients.

The solution? Working remotely. Very remotely.

For the first time, Hesson has spent four months away from the cold Canadian winter in far, far sunnier Florida. And to say she makes the most of it is an understatement: A sample day might include a 45-minute weight class, a 45-minute Zumba class, a 90-minute yoga class and a 14-mile bike ride — all wrapping up in time for line dancing in the evening.

“Unfortunately, in the cold, you can’t be as active,” Hesson said.

Crucially, though, she remains active in her business. Rather than sleeping in or getting up and listening to the birds and the waves, Hesson rises at 6:30 a.m. to answer emails and stay connected to her office, which her son runs back in Midhurst, meeting with clients face-to-face.

“I can be out of the country and still take care of my clients by phone and email; I’m working every day, yet I’m on vacation,” Hesson said. “I talked to a client a dozen times, and she told me, ‘You work too hard; aren’t you going on holiday this winter?’ She had no idea I’ve been down here.”

For more Whole Person ideas

•        “Well mind and body” (pdf)
•        “Don’t allow negativity” (video)
•        “Whole Person balance quiz” (pdf)

Written by Matt Pais, MDRT Content Specialist