Many people view retirement as a 30-year vacation, full of leisure and travel. But new retirees often find that retirement isn’t the carefree life they expected. They miss having social interactions, a sense of achievement and daily structure — and as a result, some experience weight gain, marital discord, depression or substance abuse.

And many retirees, especially those who retire early, end up returning to the workforce.

Retirement often looks different today than it has in the past. And as you reconsider how you want to spend your golden years, it’s a good idea to contemplate big-picture life goals and current desires.

Maybe some of those dreams don’t have to wait until retirement.

Rethinking retirement

Rather than leave careers they enjoy, some baby boomers are working well beyond the traditional retirement age of 65 or phasing into retirement over time. Increasing longevity and improving health outcomes also relate to this decision.

But these boomers aren’t necessarily working 40-hour weeks. Companies are growing more receptive to employees’ desires for flexible schedules, including three- or four-day work weeks or remote work. These arrangements free pre-retirees to spend time on travel, hobbies and other goals — and lead to enhanced productivity and job satisfaction.

Work-life balance is the key ingredient to happiness. According to John Wasik’s New York Times article “Facing Retirement, but Easing Your Way Out the Door,” many workers enjoy their reduced schedules so much that they’re extending the arrangements for years longer than they planned.

Figuring out what you want now

In his book “4 Hour Workweek,” author Tim Ferris argues that reduced workweeks are a growing trend for all workers, not just pre-retirees. Technology and the “Uberization” of the global economy allow workers to leverage overseas vendors and virtual assistants and focus on their “highest and best use” skills, in and out of the office. You don’t have to wait for that magical moment in time called retirement.

“Someday is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you,” Ferris writes. “Lifestyle Design is not interested in creating an excess of idle time, which is poison, but the positive use of free time, defined simply as doing what you want as opposed to what you feel obligated to do.”

My favorite parts of the book are the exercises that help you identify what you want to have, be and do within the next six to 12 months. These are similar to the questions I pose to clients when I first meet them. Younger clients often have no problem identifying 10 or more things they want to achieve before they die, but clients who are in their late 50s and older tend to have a harder time completing these exercises and may even focus on their kids’ needs instead of their own.

Here’s a sample of the questions Ferris uses to get people back in touch with the things that excite them and guide them through the goal identification process:

• What are you good at?
• What could you be best at?
• What makes you happy?
• What excites you?
• What are you most proud of having accomplished in your life and how can you repeat this or develop it further?

Financial planners are life planners

Life planning creates the foundation for your financial plan. When I understand my clients’ goals, I can ensure that their money is allocated and prioritized to help them reach those goals. The financial plan then comes to life in a powerful way for clients. They can envision the future — whether it’s 12 months or 20 years from now.

Does your financial planner ask you questions like the ones above? Is he or she more interested in you or your money? Find a planner who provides holistic financial planning services and helps you start working through your bucket list. You don’t have to wait until retirement to start enjoying your time or your money.