When Laraine’s husband died, her kids told her to stay put. Instead, she bought an RV, named her Matilda and drove away. Now, she’s a full-time “grey nomad,” looping Australia instead of ‘mowing lawns’.

In this episode, Laraine shares what it takes to downsize a life into a van, what her kids really think, the most breathtaking places she’s been, and when she’s felt truly afraid.Retirement doesn’t have to look like it used to—some keep working, others chase freedom.

Laraine’s is a story that proves life after work can be whatever you want it to be.

THE END BITS: 

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au 

Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here. 

Mamamia's new podcast BIZ is rewriting the rules of work with no generic advice - just real strategies from women who've actually been there. Listen here.

CREDITS:

Host: Holly Wainwright

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Grace Rouvray

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.