“The thing they don’t tell you about retirement… is there’s so much time to fill.” – Hank Hill

Retirement’s supposed to be the golden years, right? You work hard, save smart, maybe max out your 401(k), and one day, like a well-earned reward, you finally clock out for the last time. No more meetings, deadlines, or awkward company potlucks.

And yet—once that well-worn routine disappears, a strange silence creeps in. A lot of retirees have told us it feels less like a vacation… and more like they’re floating untethered in space.

If you’ve watched the new King of the Hill revival on Hulu, you’ve probably seen this feeling brought to life. Season 14 picks up with Hank Hill and his wife Peggy returning to Arlen, Texas after working overseas to boost their retirement savings. And Hank, our propane-loving, routine-obsessed everyman? He’s completely adrift.

Honestly, it’s one of the most relatable portrayals of retirement we’ve seen in years.

Hank Hill and the Existential Void of Retirement

Hank Hill spent his whole life doing things the right way. He worked hard. Saved responsibly. He even went to Saudi Arabia to do propane work for Aramco—because, well, that’s what “responsible men” do when they want to secure their family’s future.

But now he’s back home. There’s no alarm clock. No uniform. No customers. And what does he say?

“There’s so much time to fill.”

That one line has echoed in conversations we’ve had with dozens of clients. Folks who were absolutely ready financially—but weren’t prepared for the emotional transition. Hank tries everything: homebrewing, handyman gigs through a Gen Z app called “ChoreChimp,” even meddling in Bobby’s grown-up life. None of it sticks—at least not right away.

And this isn’t just a cartoon midlife crisis. It’s a narrative pulled straight from behavioral science and social psychology.

Why Retirement Feels Weird (Even If You’re Financially Set)

Retirement is one of the few life changes that’s both a finish line and a blank slate. You cross into it hoping for rest, fulfillment, and maybe a bit of golf. But no one tells you how jarring it is when the structure that once gave your life rhythm disappears overnight.

Psychologists call this an “identity-based transition”—a full-scale transformation of who you are, not just how you spend your time.

A growing body of research shows that many retirees experience significant identity disruption in their first year—especially those whose careers were central to their sense of self (source). They report anxiety, disorientation, even depression—especially those whose sense of self was deeply tied to their careers.

Even those who love their newfound freedom often admit it took months (or years) to figure out what to do with themselves. You go from being “the guy who runs the department” or “the woman with all the answers” to… just you.

But Here’s the Good News: Retirement Can Actually Increase Your Sense of Purpose

Not all the news is grim. In fact, retirement can spark a stronger sense of purpose—especially for people who left behind jobs that were unfulfilling.

One large study from Harvard, involving over 8,000 Americans, found that retirement increased participants’ sense of purpose, particularly among those who came from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or were in less satisfying jobs (source). This sense of purpose was strongest in the first four years post-retirement.

So, what makes the difference? Researchers point to intentional preparation—not just financially, but emotionally and socially.

And maybe that’s where we can all learn something from Hank.

What Hank’s Story Gets Right (and What Real Retirees Can Do)

In Season 14, Hank doesn’t just sulk on the couch. He tries. He experiments. He fails. Then he picks himself back up and tries again. At one point, he starts bottling beer. Then it’s a handyman gig. Eventually, he reconnects with his grown son Bobby and rediscovers that maybe purpose doesn’t have to be big—just real.

Based on research and what we’ve seen at Suttle Crossland, here’s what really helps:

1. Start planning your new identity before you retire.
   Successful retirees often begin shaping their next chapter before leaving work. This might look like taking up volunteering, exploring mentorship, or experimenting with hobbies that bring satisfaction and structure.
   
2. Diversify your self-worth.
   A Swiss study of nearly 800 retirees found that those with broader identities—who didn’t define themselves only through their job—reported greater satisfaction in retirement (source).
   
3. Keep your social connections strong.
   Social support is consistently linked to retirement satisfaction and mental health. Whether it’s family, neighbors, faith communities, or volunteering circles, staying connected is key.
   
4. Reframe what “purpose” means.
   You don’t have to start a nonprofit. Purpose can be small: helping a neighbor, caring for grandkids, leading a book club, or fixing a lawnmower just because you know how.
   
5. Give yourself permission to feel weird.
   Feeling unmoored doesn’t mean you failed at retirement. It means something is shifting. And like any big life change, that shift takes time to settle.

Retirement Isn’t a Reward—It’s a New Chapter

Eraina, my wife, has always been a King of the Hill fan. I wasn’t. But Season 14? It hit different. Probably because it echoes so many of the conversations I’ve had with clients here at Suttle Crossland.

Retirement isn’t just about saving enough. It’s about knowing what you’re saving for.

For some, that’s time with grandkids. For others, it’s creative work, travel, or giving back. For Hank Hill, it’s rediscovering the joy of community—and figuring out where he fits in a world that’s moved on just a bit.

If you’re preparing for retirement—or already living it—and feeling that same itch for direction, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about how your financial plan can support more than just the numbers. Let’s talk about what you want this next chapter to feel like.

After all, money’s just the propane. Purpose is the flame.

Note: Suttle Crossland Wealth Advisors is not affiliated with or endorsed by King of the Hill, Hulu, or any related entities. References to the show are for illustrative and educational purposes only.