Choosing to Reset

When I was younger I thought retirement would be something totally different than the reality of not going to work every day.  I had on rose colored glasses.  Retirement is awesome, don’t get me wrong, but if I’m being honest the first year was rough.  I went into retirement with a solid financial plan but not a day to day life plan. 

I wasn’t prepared for the isolation that living in the country would bring or what it would be like being with my husband 24 hours a day.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband and it’s great being in the country but I felt lonely for female friends and smothered by never being alone all at the same time at first.

So, if I were to give my pre-retirement advice, this would be what I’d say:

1. Come up with some semblance of a routine.  While retirement brings freedom, having a daily structure can provide stability and a sense of security. Establish routines around activities you enjoy, like exercise, hobbies, or volunteering, but allow flexibility to explore new things.  I don’t know what I would have done without my very social friend dragging me into things.  She got me to reach out and meet new people. 

2. Don’t stop setting goals.  Set personal, health, or creative goals that excite you. This could be learning a new skill, traveling, or improving health.  Here’s your chance to do what you love. 

3. Find a social group.  Retirement can feel isolating if you’re used to a structured environment surrounded by colleagues ( I worked a lot of hours and my friends were work related).  Maintain or expand your social network through clubs, community groups, or even social media.

4. Keep using your brain.   Challenge yourself with activities that keep your brain engaged—whether through reading, puzzles, taking classes, or pursuing new intellectual interests.  I learned to use Instagram and am still trying new things. 

5. Try new hobbies.  Explore new hobbies and interests you might have put off. This is a great time to discover what truly excites you without the constraints of work schedules.  My master gardener classes have given me the confidence to be a gardener. 

6. Get or keep moving. Staying active physically is key to enjoying a fulfilling retirement. Daily walks, yoga, or other fitness routines can help keep you healthy and energized.  If you have been in a sedentary job, work your way up to where you want to be physically. 

7. Ease into retirement if you can.  If possible, consider easing into retirement gradually, either by working part-time, consulting, or taking on new projects, which can help with the adjustment.  As a teacher in Texas I had to be out of teaching for 12 months and that was a hard transition. 

8. Make sure you are ready financially. Make sure your financial situation is solid and that you have a plan for managing your retirement savings.