Most of us plan from an early age to be ready for retirement from a financial standpoint. After all, it’s vital that we don’t run out of money when living expenses and medical costs are likely to rise.
Many people, however, don’t consider the mental and emotional aspects of retiring.
Hammonton Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has five factors to take into account when you’re getting ready to leave the workforce.
- What Will You Miss From Work?
For most, the allure of being able to sleep in, stay home, and do what you want every day makes most people looking forward to retirement. It’s important to consider, however, what you will miss from your job. Will you miss your co-workers, the authority, or the challenges?
2. Will You Feel Differently About Your Identity?
Working gives many people a sense of purpose. Will the drastic change in your life make you feel differently? What will motivate you to get up every morning?
3. What Are Your Goals?
If you’re driven by ambition, what goals will you set for yourself in retirement? Just because you stop working doesn’t mean you can’t learn or accomplish new things.
4. How Will You Being Around More Affect Family Dynamics?
If you have a partner, now is a good time to talk with them about what they think about your retirement. Will it alter their routine or lifestyle? Do you have any thoughts or concerns on how it might affect your relationship?
5. Be Open With Your Thoughts
If you do decide to retire, you may encounter thoughts that you didn’t think you would have. It’s important to discuss these thoughts with your friends and family. Find someone who retired a year or two before you did and talk to them about their experiences.
