Retiring well is a process, a goal, and an achievable outcome. Although you could retire to a life of leisure, parked on the couch in front of a TV, I hope you will aspire to use your talents, your experience, and your passion instead of being a nuisance in your retirement.
Mark Freedman, in his book The Big Shift, says that “if we act now, this new stage could well become a destination, even the new crown of life, and the individuals flooding into it the human-capital solutions to much that ails us in this society. As we confront significant changes in areas like education, the environment, and healthcare, this windfall of talent could help carry us towards a new generation of solutions.” Our generation has pioneered so many changes in our lifetimes that it seems fitting that we continue this pattern into our retirement career and make good use of our 20 to 30 bonus years.
We Can Do It
While we regular people don’t have the opportunity or money that Jimmy Carter and Bill Gates have, as I explained in “Where do I go from here? case studies,” we still have many options for retiring well if we only open our minds and our hearts to look for them. However, you do have to know how to integrate your values, interests, knowledge, skills, and experience into a tapestry that uniquely reflects who you really are in this next life stage. Be sure to choose your values before they affect your decisions and use values-based decision-making.
You can write books, recareer, volunteer, and/or start volunteer organizations or nonprofits. As the chair of our Rotary Membership Committee, I have talked to many prospective members for our club. I just interviewed two prospects who have retired from their longtime careers. One retired to starting a travel agency and the other to becoming a real estate agent for seniors. Both found work that gives them more free time. Now they are looking for volunteer opportunities through Rotary to give back to their community. What will retiring well look like for you?
In the AARP article I mentioned in “Where do I go from here? case studies,” there is a quote from Herbert Hoover. He said, “There is no joy to be had from retirement, except in some kind of productive work. Otherwise you degenerate into talking to everybody about your pains and pills. The point is not to retire from work [as you define it] or you will shrivel up into a nuisance to all mankind.” He was advocating finding something else meaningful to do. Most importantly, seek to express yourself in creative ways. Remember that even presidents and the wealthy grapple with what’s next for them, just like we do.
How Not To Be A Nuisance
1. Seek support and camaraderie from not only your spouse and family but from your buddies who also know you well. Start your own club.
2. Read as much as you can about retirement and how others make this transition.
3. Be willing to risk some discomfort by trying new and different activities before you leave work to build your confidence that you can make this transition.
4. Plan your retirement career 3 to 5 years before you actually retire, and don’t let this transition derail you. Be prepared. Read and talk to others about their post-work experiences. Create a picture of what you want your retirement vision to look like and then move forward with goals in the following areas of your life:
• Work/career – do something that gives your life purpose and meaning
• Self-care – stay healthy and fit in ways that compliment your comfort and interest level
• Financial responsibilities – make sure you have a solid financial plan
• Fun and relaxation – enjoy fun-filled activities and leisure pursuits that are balanced between engaging with others and solo, more calming activities
• Personal growth – grow personally and intellectually by being open to learning new things and seeking new adventures
Retiring well requires planning and preparation. What you invest in the process can yield enormous dividends. The difference you can make in the world is priceless.