25: Transitioning to Retirement

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

ISAIAH 43:19

THE MORE I TALK TO the 55+ demographic, the more the topic of transitioning from career to retirement comes up.

One person recently said to me that this transition has been the most difficult experience he has encountered. One day you have purpose, responsibilities, and a schedule; the next day you don’t. He said, “I find myself looking at my phone and wishing it would ring. If I have another twenty-plus years, I need help.”

The time to start thinking about retirement is before you actually make that transition. Here are five principles I would suggest you reflect on. They’re definitely not exhaustive, but they’re what I focus on.

  1. Recognize that it’s natural to experience feelings of uneasiness. There will be a sense of loss because our identities are linked to our careers. Acknowledging that you will have these feelings is a significant step to accepting them.
  2. We are made for community. Relationships with coworkers are not to be taken for granted. How can you replace the community you had at work with a new one?
  3. Give yourself permission to play. For some, that can be a challenge because we have drawn a line between productivity and play.
  4. Find ways to be creative. I’ve asked three other retired leaders to meet with me every few months. We dream together and are intentional about exploring new kinds of opportunities.
  5. Begin to think of new areas that you would like to explore.

Questions

  1. How would you define the practical losses you are experiencing?
  2. Replacing community can be difficult, especially for men. What do you need to do in this area?
  3. Those who retire talk about not feeling productive. How will your own sense of productivity change as you’re in retirement or close to it?
  4. Purpose becomes key for us in this season of life. How would you define your purpose?
  5. I have a close friend who is a recently retired medical physician. He’s a continual learner and now has the opportunity to read and take courses in noncareer areas. He’s made a list of these. What would your list look like?