Retirement is an exciting time. After a life of hard work, you’re finally free to spend your time however you like. You’re free from the stress of the daily grind, able to pursue your passions and fully focus on loved ones.
However, for many people retirement is also a time of uncertainty. Feelings of worry or even depression may accompany this life change. Even if you’re not anxious about retiring, you may still harbour some doubts about where to go from here.
Who am I without my career?
Work gives many people a sense of purpose. Contributing financially and achieving in one’s career may serve as tangible proof of your self-worth. When this ends, self-esteem can start to fall and depression may set in.
Successfully adjusting to retirement may mean redefining how you see yourself and your role in the world. If you were previously the family’s breadwinner, transitioning to a more nurturing role, such as caring for your partner or babysitting grandkids, may help fill this void.
Looking beyond your family is also a great way to feel “useful.” Taking a leadership role in your church, volunteering, or mentoring people in your former industry are a few ways retirees continue to provide and achieve.
I’m worried about being alone.
As we age, our social circles tend to shrink. Family members and friends pass away, and declining health may make it difficult to travel or socialise. Retirement can also signal the end of relationships by removing the need to interact with former business partners and colleagues. As a result, many seniors experience a sense of isolation and loneliness when their careers end.
Being proactive about maintaining connections to your family and friends now will help these relationships last into the future. Beyond planning time with your loved ones, stay in touch with work colleagues or continue memberships in professional organisations. Taking on new roles outside the home or volunteering, as mentioned earlier, increases your chances of meeting new people with similar interests and forging new friendships.
Expanding your social network during retirement will give you more support to draw on if you do start to feel alone.
My partner and I seldom fought before, now we’re constantly bickering.
Spending more time with one’s partner is typically high on a retiree’s wish list. You can finally relax in each other’s company without work getting in the way. Whilst retiring may pave the way to focus more on your romantic relationship, it can also bring new challenges.
It’s important to remember that both partners may struggle to adjust to your changed lives. If your partner stayed at home whilst you worked, he or she may resent you “intruding” on their domain. Conflict may also arise if you previously deferred much of the domestic decision making to your partner, but now desire a more active role in running the home.
Disagreements will likely happen, but communication is key. Talking with your partner about what you’re both feeling and experiencing can help you navigate these changes together. A neutral party, such as a marriage counselor, could also assist with larger arguments or impasses.
Transitioning from a career to retirement can be difficult, even scary for some. Just remember that you’re not the only one who feels this way. With the support of family and friends, you’ll soon start enjoying this much deserved time off.
Retirement is an exciting time. Make the most of your Golden Years by considering some often overlooked steps.
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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