When people consider retirement they automatically think of the financial planning and uncertainty that often comes along with your retirement. However, many are quick to overlook the emotional toll that retirement can add to you.
When people retire often they are left with a feeling of asking themselves, “What now?†It is a really heavy question. After years of working a job and having a daily routine, many are not really sure what to do when this routine suddenly changes.
In an article on CNN.com, psychologist Dr. Dwight Moore explains that retirement has several stages with the first one being excitement and usually lasts around a year or so. During this time, those who have just retired find themselves enjoying their free time and often taking trips that they have always wanted to go on.
Dr. Dwight Moore explains that after this initial stage, people often feel a sense of identity loss and then fear. Often times after retirement you just need to find out what fits your personality best. Instead of allocating time for your job, you must now allocate your time to enjoying the rest of your life!
Some things you might like to do after retirement:
1. Travel – This does require financial planning, but fit it into your budget and go somewhere you always dreamed of going.
2. Spend more time with family/grandchildren – Some move closer to family, others just visit more often.
3. Continue your career (just on a smaller level) – Take a “fun” job that you always wanted to do.
4. Join a club or discussion group – There are so many groups you can join that fit your interests, many join book clubs to discuss books they have read and find new books they hadn’t considered reading. Even discussions/blogs online can keep your interest.
5. Spend more time with your significant other – If you are both retiring at the same time, this is a great time for you to spend quality time together and re-connect by doing something fun and entertaining.
A big thing to consider after reading all this, is that you should prepare not only financially by psychologically as well. You don’t want to all of a sudden get caught up with a sense of loss. Remember that this should be a happy and “free†time in your life; you don’t need the stress of being un-prepared.
For some the transition may be easy and for others it may be a lot harder than they predicted. Being prepared can help you out a lot. Planning out a new daily routine may help you overcome the sense of not knowing what to do now that your job is done.
Photo: Scott Liddell
August 27th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
This is an excellent post. I applaud your efforts at helping people prepare for their emotional well-being in retirement!
August 29th, 2008 at 9:12 am
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