In retirement, there is no “One Size Fits All” for a successful retirement. What many of us want and ultimately choose is very personal to each one of us, even within a marriage. One spouse may have some expectations that are different from the other spouse. Regardless of the variations in lifestyles, it is how we navigate these differences that will determine how happy and successful we are in our retirement. Even if only one spouse is bored, unfulfilled, lost, unhappy, or has regrets about retiring, this could be a failed retirement recipe for a couple.
Pacing Your Retirement
Many successful retirements begin with the right pacing. How can you pace your retirement to meet your own needs? Some careers allow you to retire gradually over time by reducing your schedule one day at a time over a period of months. Others have a specific age that they have to retire. For decades, pilots were forced to retire at 60 and this was devastating for many pilots whose only love was flying. In 2007, that age limit was extended to a more realistic age of 65 for national and international pilots. Some law and accounting firms require their partners to retire at a certain age to make room for younger partners. There is no transition time but there is an opportunity to anticipate this transition and plan for it. Fortunately, my psychotherapy profession and other professions allows phasing out gradually so that you can pursue other endeavors like self-employment, volunteer work, and travel while still working part-time. Do you have a career that allows you to phase out gradually or one that has a mandatory retirement age? Could you be caught off guard by your company downsizing and offering you an early retirement? Will you be ready?
Other Conditions For A Successful Retirement
For a successful retirement, you need to avoid the scenarios mentioned in “Assumptions that lead to failed retirements.” These issues and many more are very important factors to consider in planning for your retirement. Retirement should be like a designer suit which is customized specifically for you. It should not be like a suit you buy off the rack at a department store.
Consider the following suggestions:
• Explore professional support and expertise available in designing a successful retirement.
• Read books and articles on retirement.
• Communicate with your spouse or partner early and often in your retirement planning.
• If you are single, talk with friends and family members about your plans.
• Refrain from following the crowd and individualize your plans to reflect who you are and what you need and value in life.
• Anticipate this transition by planning for it. Failing to plan often leads to planning to fail.
• Embrace this exciting new phase of your life by considering all the options ahead of time.
• Explore a phase-out plan within your career area if at all possible. Be thinking now about other possibilities.
If I can be of assistance to you in planning for your successful retirement lifestyle, please call me at 703-435-2273 or visit my website at https://www.LifeandWorkTransitions.com.