Retirement is a lot like graduation. Some people know exactly where they are going and want to accomplish. Others are undecided, or just want to take some time off.
Whatever a person chooses is just fine…after all, it’s their retirement.
I think that’s important to remember. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and badger someone who’s considering retiring…what are you going to do next? You’re not just going to sit around, are you? Won’t you get bored?
Consider for a moment that this person may not be sure what he or she wants next. After working a lifetime in any profession, it’s natural and healthy to just want to be still long enough to let your mind clear. Let long-hidden dreams or desires come to the surface. See where your instincts lead you.
If a person does choose to immediately fill their time with a second job, volunteer work, or a new project, that’s fine too. But again, it’s a personal choice. I really think our society has somehow made it a sin to acknowledge that we need time to be quiet. To recover.
To let our minds wander without checking our cell phones.
And then there’s the whole misconception about retirement. To me, it’s more of a change of life, a new direction, a rebooting.
It’s not dropping off a cliff.
It’s not a hard stop.
It’s an off-ramp that could lead you to some wonderful, never-before-discovered treasures.
So let the wind take you where it may. On your schedule, when you are ready.
- You’ve followed a daily routine for 30+ years. Now you can eat breakfast and read the paper without running out the door.
- You’ve fought rush hour traffic, driven in snowstorms, and raced to meetings across town. Now you can go for a walk before lunch.
- You’ve run for flights, lost your baggage, endured terrible hotels, and made enough presentations before bored audiences. Now you can decide to drive to a park tomorrow and have lunch.
- You’ve missed soccer games, recitals, anniversary dinners, and reunions. Now you control your time.
- You’ve postponed reading great books, missed all the latest movies, and never made it up late enough to watch the show on PBS. Now you can take a book outside and read as long as you choose.
You’ve worked for it. You’ve earned it. And now you are ready for what could be the best phase of your life.
So don’t let anyone rush you into anything. It took you a long time to get here. Just enjoy. Look around. Breathe. Lean back.
Throw that virtual mortar board in the air…you made it!!!
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
Seneca
Laura: Some good advice very well said! I think you clearly described the excitement and the trepidation one feels, when on the precipice of retirement. I will refer to this soon and often. I thank you.
I hope I remember to follow my own advice when my time comes! You deserve to choose your path…make the most of it.