Pre retirement
Honeymoon
Disenchantment
Reorientation
Recondition and stability
Almost all of us look forward to retirement but it does help to plan ahead as the change in life pattern could be quite dramatic and sometimes hard to get used to. If you have spent a lifetime aspiring to a job and then working busily in it can be quite a loss when it ends. It is the time of refocus I’m thinking about the stages you may go through and others go through may help. This is as outlined by Lalitcaa Suglani Retirement adviser.
Pre retirement
Thinking about retirement is usually seen as a positive thing. Planning ahead really helps because retirement is a transition. You need to check in with yourself and think about the emotional planning as well as the financial. It is worth writing down or journaling your emotions. The aim is that retirement should be fun but many people need to think about what makes them happy unfulfilled. They often have to find a purpose to their retirement.
Honeymoon
This stage can last a year or two and could be full will be promise. Enjoy this time but prepare for the future. This may be a time of recovery and relaxation after all the pressures but working.
Disenchantment
Not everyone has to go through these stages but it helps to be prepared for a period is self reflection when the realities of your new life might hit you. Others you know may be busy with their own retirement activities or part time work. There may be periods of boredom or loneliness. You may feel useless having been used to the purpose of working for others and the feeling of being needed this brings. It is the time to reinvent and redefine yourself. Think about what your passion is. Consider what satisfaction means. What makes you excited. What does not excite you.
Reorientation
This is the crucial period when you might find meaningful purpose. This may be volunteering or fun activities. You may connect to different retirement groups or new activity groups
Reconciliation and stability
In this phase you are more grounded and content. Feeling fulfilled unrelaxed as your life is aligned to that feeling of purpose and fulfillment. You may be aware have a focus on health keeping yourself well an independent.
Resources
Keep a retirement Journal
Describe your best retired self
How do you want things to look like in five years time?
Imagine your 80th birthday party what it looks like the sounds, the smells, the feelings, and who is there.
You need help to be good enough. We will this come from how do you replace your purpose and fulfillment
Consider a phase out option from work.
RCGP has a later career page at www.rcgp.org.uk/training-exams/practice/later-career-and-retired-members/later-career-wellbeing.aspx
With thanks for the above to Lalitca Suglani Retirement adviser hello@Drlalitaa.com