Facing retirement?

Of my clients who have faced retirement, they reflect a broad range of attitudes in that transition, I've noticed.

Some people have absolutely no idea what they will do in retirement—and like the idea of possibilities and openness involved in not yet being locked into something. They want to spend time exploring ideas, but first they want to take some down time from a hectic work schedule. Others know exactly what they're going to do and have something lined up, whether a part-time job or some volunteering opportunity. Still others are totally depressed and anxious about the whole process. And everything in between.

If you are thinking about retirement or have just embarked on that stage of life, remember to take some time to grieve whatever losses you feel about your work years and your career. That's a necessary first step before moving on to the next new thing.

If you are unsure about how you will fill retirement hours, try to be OK with the uncertainty. Just be for a while. Let ideas bubble up inside. Remember back to what absorbed you as a child. What did you just love to do? Is there some dream you've long held that you might fulfill now? Try different things. But unless you need a part-time job for financial reasons, don't feel compelled to rush into anything. Take your time to research and explore options. And take your time to simply enjoy a different pace of life. It's really OK to do that. Don't forget to sprinkle in some self-care!