The Hollywood film The Intern starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway discusses the life of a successful, but retired business owner who wants to re-enter the game by being a senior intern at a start-up company. While the story is inspiring, not every retiree is given a chance like that.
In fact, not everyone is given the opportunity to transition to retirement smoothly. Some would require assisted living services in Ogden, while others are not really healthy enough to go back into the workforce once again.
But if you are, note that the transition will not be easy. It never is for new retirees. However, there are ways to make it easier for you.
1. Define your own retirement terms.
Different people have a different definition of what retirement is. However, in the end, it all depends on your personal preference, finances, and in most instances, your health.
Learning to envision yourself and what you will be after you stop working is very important and is in fact, needed to help make this chapter of your new life easier. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to retire. But, it is important to make sure that you retire as comfortably, as content, and as happy as possible.
2. Prepare financially.
A lot of people think that retirement means having enough financial capacity to support yourself even without a 9 to 5 job. While this is true, retirement is actually a long process which leads to that day. No one really knows when they will retire, so it pays to save up and plans as early as possible.
Being financially prepared will help make the transition easier as it can give you peace of mind that you will be able to feed yourself and have the basic necessities that you need even without your day job.
3. Think of things to do after you retire.
One of the reasons why a lot of new retirees find it hard to retire is because they jump into this new chapter head first. Instead, waddling and testing the waters before actually swimming on it can help your mind, body, and emotions transition as smoothly as possible.
Going for long vacations, working half days, and slowly letting go of projects can be a good way to enter this new chapter of your life. While you are at it, finding new things to do so to help cultivate your mind and learn new things will be helpful.
Remember, being retired is not equal to halting your learning opportunities. In fact, it is the opposite. Treat it as a chance for you to grow and cultivate your mind in learning new things you are passionate about.
Enrolling in a cooking class, doing yoga, going hunting and fishing, or simply starting your own small business will help make you feel that retirement is not the end of the line for you. In fact, it is just the start of something new.
Retirement is never easy, and just the thought of it makes a lot of people feel anxious. The right mindset and preparation can help make the new chapter a positive one.
