Re-fired Not Retired: Making The Best of the Rest of Your Life
While retirement is a time to enjoy the things you have worked hard for in life, the next chapter may leave some a little anxious. Retirement doesn't mean you have to retire from the excitement in life. In fact, it is the perfect time to ‘refire’ your passion and make your retirement the newest chapter in your life. Ready to get started? Below are a few ways to make your retirement as exciting as you want it to be.
Expand Your Interests
Retirement is the perfect time to enjoy your interests and the ideal time to consider new ones. Think of hobbies and desires that may have been limited when you were working and determine ways you are able to start enjoying those interests.
Make Sound Financial Decisions
If you have dreams of travel, vacation homes, or other retirement plans that will be costly, be sure that the financial decisions you make are sound. It is OK to spend your hard-earned money during your retirement, but you want to ensure you don't spend so much that you will have financial worries later.
Stay Connected With Family
Keep your family close, but not too close. Make sure to nurture relationships with your family to have a strong support system. Just make sure that boundaries are in place to maintain your independence.
Have an Identity Separate From Your Work Identity
With many years in the workforce, you have likely established a solid work identity. Now that your employment is gone, you need to develop a new identity and self-image independent of who you were in your career.
Establish a Social Circle
Being surrounded by many friends will keep you feeling young and allow you to enjoy your hobbies and interests with those you have something in common with. If most of your friends are linked to your workplace, you may want to find places to meet new friends who share your same interests and goals.
Keep Trying New Things
Even though the routine is vital in retirement, so is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. Whether new food or a new hobby, being adventurous with your choices in your retirement years is a great way to keep the excitement going and avoid getting into a rut.
Don't Neglect Your Health
Happiness is linked directly to health. When you are healthy, you are able to enjoy a more active lifestyle, stave off depression, and spend more time with family and friends. Pay attention to what you eat, keep up with regular exercise, and keep doctor appointments and medical screenings.
While retirement may represent the close of one chapter, it also opens up another that you have worked hard for your whole life. Follow the tips above to make your retirement more enjoyable and a time to do the things you've always dreamed of.
Sources:
- 10 Secrets of a Happy Retirement, AARP, https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2021/happy-retirement-secrets.html
- Ways to Achieve a Happy Retirement, USNews, https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/aging/articles/ways-to-achieve-a-happy-retirement
Important Disclosures:
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
