Retired – Now What?

Congratulations on your retirement. After working for so many years, you’ve earned the opportunity to relax! But, for many people, retirement can start to feel overwhelming very quickly.

If you’ve worked most of your life, you probably looked forward to this time. Unfortunately, when you go from working to not working instantly, you can start to feel lost. It may even feel like your identity isn’t secure anymore. Some people get bored quickly with retired life or simply don’t know what to do with their time.

So, what should you do if you’re recently retired? It’s easy to say you can do whatever you want. But, most people benefit from structure and a plan. So, let’s go over some practical ways you can enjoy your retirement.

If you read What is Work/Life Balance article, you know how important it is to be able to define yourself in additional ways than your job. If not, check it out, as it compliments this article nicely.

Always Live Within Your Means

You’ve worked for years to be able to afford retirement. Whether you’re getting social security benefits or a pension, it’s still important to set a budget for yourself. After all, you want to make your retirement years last and be as fulfilling as possible.

So, understand your limits and set yourself up for whatever you need to do to stay within those limits. If you have a good handle on how to do that, you may even get to retire earlier than expected.

Take Care of Your Home

Now is the time to work on all of those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about for years. It’s important to keep busy with hobbies that mean something to you when you’re retired. Sprucing up your home can give you a sense of purpose, and you’ll be rewarded in the end with the home you’ve always wanted, but haven’t had the time for.

Some people also choose to move somewhere smaller or quieter when they retire. So, instead of spending time and money fixing up your current house, there’s always the option to downsize into a new place, too. You could even make a profit selling your home if it’s larger, in good shape, etc. Thus, boosting your post-retirement income.

Travel the World

One of the most popular stereotypes surrounding retirement is traveling. But, it’s a popular trope for a reason. You should absolutely make time to travel as much as possible once you have the freedom to do so.

Volunteer Your Time

Again, it’s important to live within your means. So, plan trips that fit within your budget but still allow you to see things you’ve always wanted to see. Whether you decide to travel the world, the country, or just visit some unique nearby places, retirement provides a great opportunity to experience new cultures.

One thing many people have trouble with when they retire is time – they have too much of it! That’s why so many recent retirees end up finding part-time work, simply so they have something to do.

While finding a part-time job isn’t a bad idea (and it can give you a little extra income), you could also try volunteering at an organization you’re passionate about. This could include animal shelters, homeless shelters, boys and girls clubs, etc.

All you have to do is look in your own neighborhood to find a nonprofit organization that is always in need of some extra help. Volunteering anywhere can really open your eyes to different experiences, and it’s one of the most personally-rewarding things you can do.

No matter how you decide to spend your retirement, the most important thing is not to let yourself get stuck in a rut. Remember, you’ve earned this, and it’s okay to take full advantage of the reward from years of work.

If you’re recently retired and having trouble finding yourself, or setting new goals, feel free to contact me. Together, we can come up with more solutions to make your retirement as fulfilling as possible.

I offer online counseling (video conference style of therapy) which provides increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from privacy of your own home.

You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.

*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.

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