Making the Transition to Retired Life

Your feelings about retirement:
Your feelings about retirement can play a large part in making the transition from working to retirement. Retirement should be a time of enjoyment, relaxation, adventure and freedom. This is your time to do what you want, when you want. You've worked hard for this stage of your life but unless you have a positive outlook and a plan, you could get quite bored in a matter of a few months. Take the time to think about your feelings about retirement and then decide what you are going to do with the rest of your life.

Your spouse or significant other's feelings about your retirement:
A spouse or significant other could have serious issues with your retirement. Maybe they are accustomed to being home alone all day and suddenly you are there and not at work. How do they feel about this sudden invasion of space and privacy? Take the time to discuss ways to deal with both of you being home at the same time. Maybe your spouse or significant other is continuing to work after you retire. How do they deal with you having free time and being able to travel and such whenever the whim strikes? This is an issue that should be discussed and possibly some compromises made.

Hobbies, physical activity and having fun:
You've worked out the issues with your spouse or significant other so now it's time to look at ways to fill your time. There are lots of ways to fill the void of not working if you really want to. Think about some of the things you really like to do such as hobbies, exercise, walking, or just having fun. You might be surprised at what you come up with. Keeping active will keep you young even if the calendar says otherwise.

Volunteering, another career or a part-time job:
If you don't need the money but want to keep busy at a fulfilling venture, volunteering might be right for you. There are numerous organizations begging for volunteers. If you want or need to earn money during retirement, a second career or a part-time job might just be the thing you are looking for. Lots of men and women start new careers after retiring. Lots more work part-time to supplement their retirement income or to just keep busy.

Start a business of your own:
If you've worked for someone else all your life and have dreamed of being your own boss, now might be the time to make that dream come true. The possibilities are limitless. Think of the things you like to do and the things you do well and decide how these might materialize into a business. You might want to start a consulting business, buy that little market on the corner or even start a band. Whatever your dream, go for it.

Travel:
Almost everyone seems to dream of traveling once they retire. If this is your dream you might need to make a decision about where you will go and how you will get there. If you want to travel the world, get your passport and make your plans. If you are a road warrior and want the RV life, look into the different rigs available and possibly join an RV club. Maybe day trips by car are more your style so get a map and plan out your trips. The thing is, if you want to travel, do it.

Finally retired, now what:
The transition to retired life can be smooth or rocky and it's up to you which it is. You will need to make a major adjustment in your life and it probably won't be easy. All your life you've probably identified yourself with your job and now you are just you. Who are you and what are you going to do? Some have said that retirement is the golden years and they are quite right. You've worked hard, built your retirement funds, planned and dreamed about this day so why not enjoy it to the fullest. This is your time, you've come of age. Dare to be happy!