Rethinking Retirement

          One should never retire “from” a job; one should retire “to” something.  Sure you officially resigned or quit from a position, and everyone gave you a retirement party (hopefully), but what comes after?

          And there is an after.  For most of us, it will span 20-30 years after we leave the daily grind.  That is a long time if you don’t plan for it.

1.     Are you financially able to retire?  Do you have a savings or retirement account? Are you planning a second career or a part-time job?

Sorry, but without money, full retirement is not in your immediate future.

2.    Are you planning some sort of health routine?  You certainly want to spend the majority of your remaining life span in good health, so make sure you consider a consistent health routine and a healthy diet.  This includes visits to the doctor and the dentist.

3.    Have you discussed your retirement plans with your spouse, partner, and/or family?  Include them in your plans, so there is no misunderstanding about how you will spend your time (and what you are willing to do for them). 

4.    Are you scheduling activities that will continue to help you grow socially, mentally, and emotionally? After having been out in the work force for all those years with all those people, you don’t want to suddenly become a hermit, secluded from all outside contact. 

5.    Finally, let’s get to the bucket list – what activities do you enjoy that you will now be able to spend more time doing?  What pursuits have you always wanted to do that you now have time to accomplish? Once the newness of retirement wears off, it might be a good idea to check off some of those “to do’s” on your bucket list.  What are you waiting for?  Get to them. You aren’t getting any younger.