Finding your path through retirement

Updated: 15 May 2025

When you’ve given decades to a career, your profession becomes a big part of who you are. And when retirement arrives, the switch to days without the standard routine and the effortless access to company can prove unsettling.

This was the case for 61-year-old, Vivienne Jones (pictured above right) from Enfield. In 2024, she retired from her 30-year career in the NHS and soon realised how important it was to explore purpose and factor in new friendships.

Missing work pals

Vivienne held a challenging role as a Clinical Practice Facilitator within the specialism of Haematology at the University College Hospital in London. Her last position was as a Lecturer at the Royal Marsden School, supporting the growing discipline of Advance Clinical Practitioners and helping nurses to achieve their specialist qualifications in haematology, including blood cancers.

“I retired earlier than expected and I missed the social interactions with my work pals,” explained Vivienne.

“I felt a bit lost and I knew I needed to connect with people. I searched online for activities I could do locally, and the Oddfellows’ friendship groups came up on Google.

“I didn’t know what type of people joined the Oddfellows. However, when I did my online research, I saw people looking like they didn’t take life too seriously.

“I thought, ‘I like the sound of them’. There was a virtual open day where you could find out more about the groups beforehand, which was a good introduction.

I met such lovely people there and I thought ‘I like this’.

“After that, I went along to a local Oddfellows event, which was a trip to Westminster Cathedral. The speaker was very knowledgeable. It was so interesting! I met such lovely people there and I thought ‘I like this’.

“What was also nice was that a couple of the group’s regulars asked if I wanted to join them for a drink afterwards, and it all just went from there,” added Vivienne.

Now a member of North London Oddfellows for over a year, Vivienne says joining the friendship group has been one of the best things she’s done since retiring.

Enjoyment and connection

The chance to explore a variety of interesting activities is one of the key reasons she decided to join, enjoying its group outings, talks on painting and art, and afternoon teas.

Explained Vivienne: “I’ve had so many amazing experiences and meeting other people from all walks of life fills my soul. Chatting to other retirees, especially those who have been retired for a while, has really helped me to understand what I want from this stage of my life, too. It has also given me hope for the future.”

Vivienne, pictured third from right, catching up with fellow members at a lunch event

A significant part of working through the changes that come into your life in retirement, Vivienne shared, was to consider purpose.

She explained: “A big thing that opened up after retirement was where to channel my need to care for people and nurture, having worked in the NHS for so long.

"I’ve just started volunteering with a local charity called Enact on their initiatives to bring young parents together within the community.”

No judgement

Vivienne also shared how it was the lack of judgement of other people in the group that made her instantly feel at home within the Oddfellows. 

“It feels homely,” she added. “There’s no judgement of what you look like, what you’ve done as a job, or your age. It’s relaxed and easy and you meet lots of people who have similar experiences of life that you can chat about. Socialising beyond friends and family is important.”

Paul Fitton, Event Organiser for North London Oddfellows, said: “It’s great to have Vivienne as a member. She brings a wonderful and lively new dynamic to our gang.

“As an event organiser, it gives me so much pleasure to see members meet for the first time and then talk about meeting up again at future Oddfellows get-togethers.”

Vivienne agreed that giving a new social group a try can be daunting at first, but recommends heading along to an activity that has a presentation, visit or tour, as there will always be something to talk about.

“Just give it a go,” enthused Vivienne. “The people you will meet are just ordinary people like you. I was looking for fun and to simply meet other people with similar interests. And I found just that!”

Oddfellows friendship groups

The Oddfellows can help you stay active and positive in your retirement, and introduce you to other retirees in your area. It has branches across the country and organises regular social events for its members to enjoy such as talks, group trips and quizzes.

The Society also supports members with care and welfare advice, opportunities to holiday together and volunteering.

We're always ready to welcome new members to our local Oddfellows friendship groups.

You can find your nearest by using our Branch Finder, or use our Events Finder to search for social events and activities happening near to where you live or online.

There are also regular online open days to find out more about the Society and the benefits of membership.

Request your free information pack and local events diary by contacting us.