Retire Well!

Retirement is an important transition. Transitions are times of change in our lives and are inevitable - normal transitions include leaving home, marriage, becoming parents, graduation, taking a new job, losing a job, or death of a loved one. They can be a time of great happiness or great loss such as in the case of divorce. In any event, transitions involve losses and gains and can be experienced as stressful. Many people who are going through difficult transitions reach out for help to the Employee Assistance Program.

Retirement, a difficult transition? Surprisingly, the answer is "yes" for employees who fail to plan for life in retirement. Many retirees, for example, are surprised to find how difficult it is to lose one's work identity. What am I if not an Accountant, Social Worker or Program Manager. Others expected to enjoy increased rest and relaxation and are surprised to find that they feel bored. Family members often envision very different pictures of retirement. Husband wants to buy an RV and hit the road while wife wants to volunteer for a local charity. Is there hope? Absolutely.

First clarify your own goals for retirement.
Do they include travel, volunteer work, time with grandchildren. Begin to secure your post-retirement activities before you retire. If you are interested in volunteer work, approach several agencies and see how they work out for you. Is the location convenient? Do you enjoy the work? Is your schedule acceptable? Do you get along with the staff? If one setting doesn't work, another will. Don't wait to begin your search until after you retire.

Second, ask you spouse or partner what his/her goals are.
Are their goals compatible with yours? Open a dialogue and discuss your plans openly with those people involved in your retirement. Identify common goals as well as those that conflict. Explore options and alternatives. This dialogue should include sharing any fears or concerns you may have about your adjustment to retirement. (If you are single, identify your social supports outside of work.)

Third, continue to evaluate your adjustment to retirement on an on-going basis. Make changes or improvements as needed. Continue to ask yourself whether your retirement is meeting your goals.

Avoid the common mistake of limiting your retirement planning to finances. Planning for a secure financial retirement is extremely important and a concern for all retirees. But don't stop there. Plan also for your life in and adjustment to retirement. Remember that successful transitions require planning. Good planning may include asking for help. The EAP provides free, confidential, short-term counseling for County employees, their dependents and county retirees.