Navigating the Unknown: Life After Retirement

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Yesterday is gone, and today is a sea full of the unknown. Your days are now unscheduled, with no routine in place. This can be incredibly difficult because when you retire, you may feel like there’s nothing to focus on or nothing left to enjoy in this world. How do you find ways to fill the void and find meaning in life after retirement?

Plan Ahead

Your retirement day can come faster than you thought. And if you are not prepared, it can devastate your quality of life. Failing to plan how you will live out your retirement days can lead to loss and indebtedness. Many things must be considered to prepare you for your new lifestyle. Your standard of living will need to make some adjustments in light of retirement. To help with your financial well-being, start paying off credit cards and reduce your spending habits. Jean Folger says the most common method for retirement is to use the 80% rule. It means to ensure you have 80% of your pre-retirement income per year in retirement.[1] I failed to plan. Listen to my personal story on my podcast. Here is the link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rikki903lview.

But do not fret; if you plan correctly, you can still travel with the free time you will now have.

Rediscover Who You Are

While it may feel like you have lost everything that matters, this is a chance to explore a new identity and reinvent yourself. Doing this can be both liberating and incredibly therapeutic, especially if your job is stressful. It can be liberating to finally concentrate on yourself after putting others before you for so long. You can refocus your mind and take your attention away from the hole left in your life due to retirement. Michela Di Carlo describes it as the reinvention journey. She says, “Take the time to reflect on what truly brings you joy. What activities make you lose track of time? What have you always wanted to do but never had the chance?”[2]  Please find what you are genuinely passionate about and go for it. It is time for you to be first! What you find might surprise you. It might lead you on the path of trying a different line of work. Wherever you end up, make sure you find joy in doing it.

Explore New Hobbies

Just because you are retired does not mean that you must become a couch potato and watch reality shows. You can get involved with something new and exciting. You probably have put off many things by saying, “If I had a little more time, I would do that.” Well, now retirement is offering you that opportunity. So, move forward by exploring new hobbies you can enjoy or have always wanted to try but never had the time for. Also, a new hobby, such as pickleball, can be instrumental to your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Studies have revealed its health benefits. U.S. News reports, “The American Council on Exercise tracking people ages 40 to 85 who played one hour of pickleball three times a week demonstrated significant upgrades in cholesterol, blood pressure, and cardio performance.”[3] Who knew? Right! However, it does not have to be pickleball. For you, it could include anything from painting or crocheting to something more active, such as mountain climbing. It is your retirement; enjoy it. The world is filled with possibilities for you to try and discover. 

Conclusion

Plan, plan, and plan. Do not allow yourself to be blindsided by your retirement. By acknowledging and addressing the challenges and emotions associated with retirement, you can navigate this life transition with resilience, finding fulfillment and joy in your new phase of life. There is no job to go to anymore, no time clock to punch,  and no more endless meetings. Remember, you can do anything you set your mind to.

[1] Jean Folger, “Will Your Retirement Income Be Enough?,” Investopedia, October 23, 2023, accessed November 24, 2023, https://www.investopedia.com/retirement/retirement-income-planning/.

[2] Michela Di Carlo, “The Next Chapter: 7 Ways To Reinvent Yourself After Retirement,” CrunchyTales, August 26, 2023, accessed November 24, 2023, https://www.crunchytales.com/the-next-chapter-7-ways-to-reinvent-yourself-after-retirement/.

[3] Brian O’Connell, “8 Great Hobbies in Retirement,” U.S. News, August 4, 2023, accessed November 24, 2023, https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/aging/articles/great-hobbies-in-retirement.