Retirement Tips

Three good tips from author John Strelecky at Boomer Cafe.

Step #1. Avoid the Vacuum. Instead of saying “I’m going to retire and quit working,” say “I’m going to retire and start doing [fill in the blank with your interest]." Nature abhors a vacuum so don't create one by eliminating as big as your job without having a plan to fill the void.

Step #2. Realize these transition emotions are normal. Change of any kind brings out certain emotions in people so don't be surprised when you encounter some in conjunction with something as big as your retirement.

Step #3. Find your Big Five for Life. Jobs can sometimes become so consuming that gradually over time we lose touch with those things we love to do. Before retirement, take some time and write down the five things you want to do, or see, or experience after your working years. These should be significant experiences that will mean something when you look back on your life.

Strelecky further recommends to "use your Big Five for Life to avoid the vacuum from step number one. Now you aren’t retiring and quitting working, you are retiring and starting your Big Five for Life."