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- Re: Preparing mentally for retirement
Preparing mentally for retirement
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Preparing mentally for retirement
I am planning to retire in October, and I initially I was excited, but I'm beginning to feel like I'm losing my identity and purpose. I have worked over 50 years, and I am extremely burned out and physically exhausted. I know it is the right time but I'm feeling a little sad at the same time. Any tips for preparing mentally for this life change?
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(3 comments) Hi @tm9853201 , you may want to work part-time doing something fun. Or volunteer. How about hobbies or family you have not seen for awhile. Maybe plan a vacation around stopping in to see them. What are your concerns? Boredom? Loss of human interaction with co-workers? Are you retiring because you want to? Nicole 🙂
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(1 comment) Hi @tm9853201 , sorry to hear about your health issues! 😪
You are very "wise" to start PLANNING and getting things set up BEFORE this October. 🥳
You will MEET new people as you EXPLORE all your interests.
Maybe drop by at Thanksgiving and Christmas to see your OLD co-workers. Maybe drop off some "goodies"....😉
Yes, leaving a job you have been at for a long time is "traumatic" - seek counseling IF needed. NO shame in chatting with a professional as you TRANSISTION.
I would suggest PRETENDING it is already OCTOBER and start doing some of the stuff you mentioned. Then ADD more when October has arrived.
Nicole 🙂
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Expand on things you like doing a little now and do them a lot when you retire.
Before retiring, I watched soccer occasionally. Now, I watch it a lot, study its history, and follow soccer news.
I used to cook adequately to eat while working. Now, I watch a lot of cooking shows, cook a lot of different things (few others would like), and each trip to the grocery store is a lengthy adventure.
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1 comment (9/9/23)
Hi @tm9853201 , any UPDATES to share with us? 🤔
So NEXT month is your "planned" retirement month! 👍
Thanks,
Nicole 👴👵 (Retirement Forum)
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My "retirement" came sooner than I expected when I left my job in May. I felt like I could no longer handle the pressure and stress, and I was not getting the support I needed from management. I spent the first two months home just resting and beginning to recover from burnout. I am now picking up my 9 year old grandson in the afternoons and I am finally using all the elementary education courses I took from 2000 to 2004 but never used to teach school to help him with reading and math. I am enjoying gardening, genealogy research, and just being free to do the things I like doing. I am a church pianist, and I have time to practice and learn some more challenging pieces for the prelude and offertory selections. I am able to spend more time with my almost 86 year old Mom. I am not sorry I decided to leave my job when I did! I will say that the people in our local Social Security office were so helpful in getting my Medicare Part B started in just three weeks so I didn't have to buy a month of COBRA coverage at almost $1,000. Life is good!
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Expand on things you like doing a little now and do them a lot when you retire.
Before retiring, I watched soccer occasionally. Now, I watch it a lot, study its history, and follow soccer news.
I used to cook adequately to eat while working. Now, I watch a lot of cooking shows, cook a lot of different things (few others would like), and each trip to the grocery store is a lengthy adventure.
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(3 comments) Hi @tm9853201 , you may want to work part-time doing something fun. Or volunteer. How about hobbies or family you have not seen for awhile. Maybe plan a vacation around stopping in to see them. What are your concerns? Boredom? Loss of human interaction with co-workers? Are you retiring because you want to? Nicole 🙂
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I like gardening, genealogy research, crafting, and playing the piano, so I think I will find plenty to do. I want to retire, but health issues are also a factor. I have been in my current position since 2005 and I know I'm going to miss my co-workers. Everyone plans to stay in touch, but it never seems to happen.
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(1 comment) Hi @tm9853201 , sorry to hear about your health issues! 😪
You are very "wise" to start PLANNING and getting things set up BEFORE this October. 🥳
You will MEET new people as you EXPLORE all your interests.
Maybe drop by at Thanksgiving and Christmas to see your OLD co-workers. Maybe drop off some "goodies"....😉
Yes, leaving a job you have been at for a long time is "traumatic" - seek counseling IF needed. NO shame in chatting with a professional as you TRANSISTION.
I would suggest PRETENDING it is already OCTOBER and start doing some of the stuff you mentioned. Then ADD more when October has arrived.
Nicole 🙂
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