Retirement Stages

For those of you thinking about or just starting or soon to begin retirement , let me share my thoughts on the subject. Having been blessed to start my retirement from the traditional workforce at 48, a full 19 years ago, I believe I can offer some insight. Most people will go through five stages of retirement. How we manage and cope with these stages will determine our health and happiness in the future. Many of us will live one-third or more of our lives in some form of retirement. Let’s examine the five stages.

One: “holiday stage.”

This is the stage we all have been working towards and where we believe true happiness lies. It’s how we see retirement as we approach it: freedom, travel, no bosses, no pressure, and total joy in life. We wake up when we want, buy what we want, spend too much, wear what we want, do what we want when we want, and surround ourselves with people who make us happy. This phase can be very fun; however, it normally does not last too long. Slowly, you will start to feel boredom creeping in, and you will start having days, then weeks, where nothing is on your schedule. After reading this article, you will discover the holiday stage is not your final goal.

Two: “Is This All There Is? stage”

After the initial excitement of the holiday stage wears off, many retirees begin to question their purpose and what comes next. The routine of leisure can start to feel unfulfilling. Stage two can bring feelings of restlessness, dissatisfaction and for some mild depression, as the novelty of endless free time wears off. It’s a crucial period of introspection and reevaluation of what brings true contentment.

Three: “Feeling Lost After Experiencing Loss stage”

This stage you need to be ready for and move through as fast as you can. Retirement often coincides with significant life changes and losses, such as the loss of a professional identity, the loss of daily social interactions with colleagues, and sometimes even the loss of loved ones. Stage three has the highest potential for depression. This stage can be challenging as it involves dealing with grief and redefining one’s sense of self. It’s important to find new sources of meaning and community during this time.

Four: “experimentation and adjustment. stage”

In this stage, retirees experiment with different activities, hobbies, and routines to find what fulfills them. This is a period of exploration and adjustment. Some might take up new hobbies, volunteer, focus on our health, or even start a new part-time job. The goal is to find a balance that provides both structure and satisfaction.

Five: “True Contentment and Happiness”

Arriving at this stage as fast as possible should be your goal. Eventually, after navigating through the previous stages, many retirees find their rhythm and reach a state of true contentment and happiness. This phase is characterized by a well-rounded lifestyle that includes a mix of family, giving back, mentoring, structure, leisure, personal growth, social connections, and purposeful activities. It’s the realization of a fulfilling and balanced retirement life.

Embracing and preparing for each stage with an open mind and a willingness to adapt is key to a happy and healthy retirement. Remember, retirement is not the end but a new beginning with its own unique challenges and rewards.

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