Is 2025 the year you will retire? Unsure and want help with retirement planning?

Most believe that retirement is an idyllic bliss, and the reward for years of hard work.  Of course, for some, it can be, while for others it can be a challenging time while we learn to cope with loss of our identity and work to create a new pathway for ourselves.

Prior to retirement we may have spent a great deal of time visualizing spending more time travelling, pursuing trips we have always wanted to take, or spending more time with friends and loved ones. There may be pursuits or hobbies that we have not previously had time for, but can now enjoy.

Of course there is a financial aspect that requires consideration with retirement.  Often however, it is the ONLY consideration that people give their attention to, forgetting there is also a psychological impact of retiring.

The release from having to commute/show up for the ‘daily grind’ can initially feel liberating, but after a while many new retirees start to feel restless, unfulfilled and looking for ways to bring more meaning into their lives.  Often this major change in lifestyle can contribute to anxiety or depression as we seek to find meaning or shape our new identities as retirees.

There may even be a feeling of grief, at letting go of the identity you had carved out for yourself at work. It’s particularly difficult for those that were managing or caring for people, finding that they no longer have others coming to them looking for help or guidance.

Others may grieve the loss of social interactions with others at work.  Many people will have enjoyed their careers, the work that they do and of course feel grief at the loss of joy and satisfaction derived from their jobs.

There are also those that may have had retirement enforced upon them rather than making the decision to retire.  There may have been family pressure to retire earlier than a person desired or perhaps health issues have made it necessary. Enforced retirement will come with additional challenges.

Typically, those that are prone to worry, or find it difficult to cope with uncertainty are more likely to find the transition to retirement more difficult than those that have more of an optimistic or positive nature.

Some ways that may help the adjustment to retirement:

• Change the way you look at retirement (Not a destination point, but rather a path or journey to be taken).

• Practice self-compassion towards your feelings about retirement and acknowledge rather than deny them.  If feelings are acknowledged they are easier to handle – remember the saying “Name it to tame it”.

• Work on re-shaping or re-defining your identity.

• Consider setting new goals for yourself, based on your values.

• Stay socially active and connected. A recent study has found that 70% of retirees that have experienced bouts of depression have a decrease in symptoms after one year of volunteering.

EXPLORING WAYS OF ENRICHING YOUR RETIREMENT

Look for ways to cultivate a passion – ask yourself these questions:

“What will get me excited to get out of bed this morning?”

“What kind of physical activities/ fitness do I enjoy/am I able to participate in?”

“What kind of activity creates a sense of calm within me?”

What type of hobby or craft can I pursue that will create connection with others but also provide joy?”

If you are thinking of retiring and want to do some groundwork before making the change, I’d love to work with you to explore ways in which you can prepare for the transition and how you can add purpose and fulfilment to your retirement.

Call me today 1-778-533-9772 or email: suedvictoriacounsellor@gmail.com to get started!

• Rates are between $50 and $60 per hour
  

  Special New Year package available! (4 sessions for $200.00)

  What's included?

  Values assessment

  Personality testing

  
  

Remote sessions available and accessible wherever you may reside in the world.

victoriacounsellor.com