Preparing for Retirement

• We need some form of occupation all our lives
• The hard thing is knowing when to let go of long held occupations
• Retirement is very traumatic for those whose whole identity and purpose are wrapped up in their career.
• Major transitions are easier to manage if done gradually, if another satisfying occupation is ready to be taken up.

• The sudden transition to doing nothing can be experienced as death by the career-dedicated.
• Occupation is essential for ongoing mental and physical health.
• So, retirement must be seen as a career transition, not the end.
• Baby-boomers will be retiring in record rates but also living longer.
  
• The acceptability of contract work now allows more flexibility
• The more dedicated you are the harder it is to let go...unless you have something meaningful to go to.
• If you are in a dead end job you may deceive yourself into thinking that the pleasures of total retirement are all you want.
• Retirement viewed as escape may be a face-saving device leading to even lower self esteem when the reality of doing nothing sinks in.
• Well managed retirement means gradually phasing out of one role into something new.
• Keeping both hats on at the same time avoids the trauma of the sudden.