Retiring Soon? Ten Facts About What Is Next.
By Karen and Erica
Is New Year’s Day the first day of your post-career life? Does that worry you? Maybe even scare you? Well, you have good reason to be uneasy. You are about to embark on a strange journey. But it ends well.
Here are ten true facts about what’s next.
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You will suddenly be in uncharted territory. No structure. No ready-made community. No obligations. No place to go. A world that looks familiar but isn’t.
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You will encounter people who treat you as if you are from another, very boring, planet. And who act as if you probably don’t speak human, and probably aren’t too bright. Those people labor under the false assumption that retired people are old and gray and out of shape, mentally and physically.
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You will wonder how your identity spontaneously combusted. See Point 2. Outdated images.
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Maybe you will want to get back to your old job, the warm, familiar home where you knew your place, and everyone else’s. Note: This impulse is to be resisted.
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Once you know there’s no going back, you will be anxious because you can’t see through the fog ahead.
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But then, slowly, something will start to happen. The clouds will begin to dissipate and the sun will start to shine.
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You will find that you are building a new community, an exciting coterie of people you might never have met in your old life.
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You will figure out that there are quite a few things you really want to do, and you will be excited that you now have time to do them. You will be glad you did not go back to your old job.
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You will create a new identity. One built on the one you had before, but more fluid. More confident. Maybe more open.
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You will wake up one day just thrilled to have retired from your first career.
Welcome to the next phase of your life.
Yep, I am retired and have gone through all 10 phases. I am loving this phase of my life 🙂
Omg. This article was so on point. The feeling of contemplating going back to work. Wow. But I love the sentence in italics, “This impulse is to be resisted.” Hahaha. I resisted! Thank you for posting all these informative articles. Happy Holidays to all and each one of you.
I think about retiring every day, all day, but I just can’t seem to pull the trigger. I’m almost 69 and working in a very young tech company. I feel resentful every day and I know I’m not giving my team the best guidance because I’m distracted. Long story short, I think I’ve reached my expiration date but I’m afraid to find out who I am without a job. I’d love input, feedback, or advice.
I recently turned 69 and 6 months ago it hit like a bolt of lightning. Very distracted, no oomph towards my job, time to retire. My last day is next week. Very happy but will also be exploring to find my new self!
It has been two years since I retired and I am still struggling with finding a purpose. I keep resisting the urge to go back and teach. Slowly I feel things coming together ….. COVID restrictions limit opportunities.
Thanks for the comments, everyone. Yes this all takes time, but remember you have already had great careers, you can do this too. Like Linda!
Do men have this attitude problem with retirement? Or do they feel they’ve ‘earned’ their retirement, so they’re happy playing golf or engaging in other sports, fundraising, heading a charitable committee, doing volunteer work, wielding some power on the condo association board.
I really enjoyed this article. Almost 1year retired and just got through the urge to go back to my old job… I resisted!
I have finally retired after 30 years of real estate, a successful career, but when it is time – it is time – and we know it! I welcome a clear mind, being mindful of my own presence and looking forward to follow where my spirit leads.
Congratulations Gayle and Susan! Your journeys have begun. And we’d love to know what people think about Dorothy’s question.