I just retired in Panama – what’s next?

“What am I going to do with myself?” It is generally not the first question that a recent retiree in Panama asks. Once transformed from a working stiff into a wrinkled lounging lizard, we, the newly emancipated, begin to explore sensational places. Only after the first year did we begin to ponder intriguing ways to reinvent ourselves. We get that spring back into our step and realize that 60-somethings aren’t too old to start over. We’re sick of spending every hour of the day with our spouse, no matter how much we love them. We have evaluated our many visits to the mall and market and recognize that there is nothing else we need to buy. We have visited the main attractions several times, so when we go again it will be to accompany our out-of-town visitors. As for For me, the last time I checked my list of career aspirations, eradicating mold and ants from my home was not a lifelong goal. So besides killing mold and ants, what’s next?

I have good news for you. Panama is full of business, complementary and volunteer opportunities. Put aside the urge to sit and watch hummingbirds. (Bird watchers, don’t be mad, I love hummingbird watching!) A successful retirement can be the time you pursue the career you’ve always wanted. If you loved what you were doing, you can extend it, choosing the hours and the way you want to work. I love my life as a writer because I can do it in my pajamas. In this article I am going to expose just a few of the many ways that expats in Panama keep busy.

First of all, let’s take our dear friend Don. Everyone knows Don. He is the authority on all things expat related to Panama. I call it the expat expert. I can’t wait to receive the next edition of the Panama Guide. Don really loves what he does because he puts everything into his work. Sure, he sometimes picks up a wild hair or two in someone’s panties, but it’s because he’s passionate about what he does. Coming from a career of over 30 years in the media, my philosophy about the business is that you’re not doing your job if someone doesn’t get mad at you. If it hadn’t been for Don, I wouldn’t have known there was a serial killer on the run or that bus fares had skyrocketed from 25 cents to 30 cents.

My good friend, Tim, is living the good life. His philosophy is, “if you don’t come back sunburned, you haven’t been fishing.” I know some of his friends and they all seem to have the same philosophy. Nothing makes Tim happier than joining his friends on a fishing trip. And they catch some whoppers! Since Panama has plenty of water on both sides and even in the middle, there is every opportunity to vigorously pursue this form of recreation.

Then there’s Ty. He and his wife, Michelle, own a sports bar in one of the most idyllic towns in Panama. These Canadians swooped down on the city and captured a prominent spot on Trip Advisor. The best thing they do is invite all their friends to come to every major sporting event and get paid to clean up after them. They are in a great location as you have to stop by their place on your way in and out of town. Volunteering is also a big part of her life. In fact, I don’t know when they find time to sleep.

How are you Maria? Like Don, everyone knows Mary. She is the expert in everything that involves tourism. Her exploratory skills have helped her become the go-to person for real estate, tours, and activities that involve socializing and having a good time. I will warn you. When you see Mary coming down the mountain path, you’d better step aside. She heads to business.

I love the work that Anne is doing. Anne shows people two different sides of Panama: under the ocean and through the jungle. Anne’s love of marine life and indigenous people opened up fascinating new worlds for me. Anne, once a professional animal trainer, turned her love of animals into a successful ocean adventure. As a result of her amazing personal life, she shares a beautiful native culture with tourists that she amazes and inspires.

Next, I’ll point to Denise and Kirk. They are an entrepreneurial couple who extended their careers here in Panama. Denise created an innovative reading app for kids. It’s already available on iPad and iPhone and it’s taking the world by storm (I’m not exaggerating). Denise is in high demand. Kirk surprised me with his practice of iridology. Iridology is an alternative medicine technique whose proponents believe that a patient’s systemic health can be determined by examining patterns, colors, and other characteristics of the iris. (ref. Wikipedia) he told me that he had a problem with his leg when he looked me in the eye. Being from Missouri, he had yet to show me. So I challenged him. “Which leg?” I asked, sure I had puzzled him. He gave me the right answer and the right combination of herbal remedies, putting me on the road to recovery.

My husband and I are fascinated with Silvard. This man is the Yanni of Panama, except he is blond. He was introduced to us by the good folks at Mail Boxes, Etc. at Coronado Silvard’s musical talents have many aspects. He picks a style he likes (except rap) and most of the time he’ll find a CD he likes.

I can’t leave out the “warm and welcoming Peace Corp volunteer” who opened a unique hostel in David. What makes it unique? It’s David’s first hostel and it’s purple. I found a review on Lonely Planet. “The owner proves to be an incredible resource and can direct guests to information kits or suggest cheap transportation to the coast or elsewhere. The house also recycles and has a community association that sells Ngobe Bugle handicrafts commission-free.”

I could go on telling you about Barbara, who makes stained glass decorations; and Thomas, who runs an international marketing company; Hall nurseries a teak farm; and Mik and Keitha own a rental property. I know two young women who are working on an organic vegetable farm. A good number of expats own restaurants, hotels, small inns and bed and breakfast facilities. The most aquatic entrepreneurs offer sailing excursions to Cartagena, Colombia or manage surf schools. Authors, photographers, bloggers, spay and neuter specialists, recyclers, botanists, massage therapists, English teachers, artists, day traders, computer technicians, foster parents and health retreat specialists complete the mix. And yes, some like to sit and watch hummingbirds.