What do you do if you're a professional in late career struggling with the emotional aspects of retirement?

One, if you already know the company policy of retirement, then plan ahead. Understand skills that will be of value at an advanced age. If it requires to upskill yourself for that time, then do so. Two, retirement is an external factor. It should never be an internal lid over your capacity to be of value to others - and others can be an organisation, an NGO, a group of young entrepreneurs etc. Expand your horizon of service. Increase your sphere of influence. Three, for some reason - let's say health - you are forced to retire , then downscale your scope f work that matches your energy levels. In a nutshell, the power lies in your hands. Nothing and no one can stop what you intend to do. So, be intentional.

Firstly, it's important to decide, whether to retire or not to retire. If we enjoy doing what we are doing at our own pace, why retire? Unless it is the company policy that you have to go at a certain age. To start with, I am a very positive person and love to stay that way. Retirement is not the end of the world, it's just a transition of lifestyle and cognitive marathon. Instead of analyzing how I feel emotionally, I choose to move forward and choose, what to do next with the time and resources I have. Tt's good to talk about our feelings, and acknowledge it. Not self-pity. It's not about the age, it's about what we do with what we have at that age.

Rather than grieve, a time to celebrate what you have achieved and perhaps to thank those who have helped you in your career and acknowledge those positive influences

Redefining retirement in your own terms is the first step to go because of prevalent misconceptions about it. Some view it as the end of being alive or leaving beloved communities. Use your feelings to understand yourself better and set intentions for fulfilling retirement. For instance, if you fear of feeling insignificant, explore whether it's tied to a desire to make a difference or to utilize your skills and experiences. Once you grasp the root cause, plan post-retirement activities accordingly, such as offering mentorship formally to organizations or informally to young generations in the family.

Retirement is a major life transition. Acknowledge this fact. Then create a space for you to process your emotions and feelings. Celebrate your wins and accomplishments, acknowledge your doubts and fears, and leave room for feelings of grief for the things you lose when you leave your career. For many of us, our career is a major part of our purpose and identity. So, the interesting question to explore in this phase is: What's next? You will be more creative when you approach this question with excitement and curiosity for the possibilities that are opening up for you. Easier said than done?! Yes, that is why a mentor or coach can help.

Reach out to friends, family members, or a professional counselor for emotional support during this challenging time. Share your thoughts, concerns, and fears with trusted individuals who can offer empathy, perspective, and validation. Join support groups or online communities for retirees where you can connect with others who are going through similar experiences and share coping strategies and resources.

Networking is crucial, actively seeking out people who have or are experiencing the same phase on life as you are should be a top priority. Not only will these connections allow for shared experience and reflection, they hold the potential for new opportunities such as forming your own support group(s) in your area or starting a side hustle, hobbie or interest.

Two heads are better than one. “You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it.”- Albert Einstein Even just using someone as a sounding board can be beneficial to working through your thought process.

Supporting and holding hands is the best thing in the world of mankind … that’s why we are different … seeking support helps you to build yourself… find the right mentor, friend with whom you can discuss things without getting judged …. This helps to strengthen your mindset!

As a coach myself, I see the transformation in my clients personal and professional lives. I too have had many coaches throughout my life and I have seen and lived the difference. Seeking support from someone or a group of people is always a good idea Get the perspective of someone who has already done it They speak from experience and can help you avoid the stress of the unknown

As I approached retirement, I wanted to know what was the difference between those that had a smooth transition vs those who struggled. In the research I reviewed, one clear difference stands out more than all the rest. The amount of time you spend preparing. Prepare emotionally, not just financially. Ultimately, it's the non-financial aspects that really make the difference for those who are living a great retirement. Think about all of the non-financial aspects you get from work (relationships, mental challenge, purpose, structure, sense of identity) and prepare for how you'll replace them in retirement.

Many people have the misconception that retirement is a natural progression as you hit the retirement age and fail to plan ahead for it.. first consideration is financial so having sustainable streams of income upon retirement is important.. next up what do you do during retirement and do you have the social network to do it with. As we age so do our parents and loved ones, so we may need to take care of them.. physical and mental wellness are just as important as financial.. some people spend a life time planning for it

It's definitely good to have a plan, possibly with multiple paths. Consider options outside of the box from the traditional full time work to ceasing work all together. Maybe a plan where you step down gradually and redefine your life as you transition into this new phase is more feasible. Redefine what work is now that you are moving into a phase of life where work is not needed to sustain you financially or fulfill you emotionally. Look into part time, consulting, volunteering, continuous learning, hobbies, etc. Ask yourself what would you do if you didn't have to work?

Plan ahead for the four phases of retirement l: go-go, slo-go, no-go, and 6-feet below. This includes financial, activity, service, religious, relationship, and life perspectives. Planning for go-go might include vacation trips, volunteering, or socializing. Planning for slo-go might include local tours, renewing old friendships, or transitioning to one car. Planning for no-go might include assisted living, long-term care insurance, or public transportation options. Planning for 6-feet below means wills, notifications, and interment wishes. You do not have to plan everything before retirement day but you do need to plan well before each phase is upon you.

Being someone that has retired from a career, I feel it's really important to have hobbies and activities that keep you busy and fullfilled in retirement. If you are an entrepreneur at heart, starting a home based might be a way to keep busy, earn some extra money and put your talents to work. You can just do it at a slower pace.

In my experience with military retirement it was a way to rebrand my identity. Too many of us become our professional identity. I have found that this is more true for those of us who have a long career in the military. Although this can be an emotional time and significant to those around us…we must embrace change and find solace in what we have done and excitement for all that we have yet to accomplish in our lifetimes. It is merely an opportunity to fill ourselves with a renewed sense of purpose.

Miles Davis would see the emotional side of retirement like facing a new music genre: a chance to embrace change and improvise a fresh melody. He’d say, view retirement as a shift in your jazz set, not the final note. Keep your instrument at hand; your skills and experiences are your lifelong melody. Use them in new ways, through mentoring or new hobbies, to keep the music alive. Approach retirement like a jazz solo—improvise, explore, and let your passions lead. It’s a time to compose a new piece for your life’s symphony, embracing each change like a new chord, finding beauty in the unknown. Retirement, like jazz, is about making art from change, creating a harmony that resonates with the next phase of your journey.

Retirement is not an ending to life as you know it It's a pivot from one amazing phase of life to your next amazing phase in life Look at it as an opportunity to do things you've always wanted but never had the time Change is stressful because of the unknown But preparing for retirement with the help of a coach or friends will remove that stress and get you to realise it for what it is A new beginning!

Embrace the changes and opportunities that retirement brings, recognizing it as a chance to explore new interests, hobbies, and passions. Shift your mindset from viewing retirement as an endpoint to seeing it as a new beginning filled with possibilities for growth, exploration, and self-discovery. Embrace the freedom and flexibility that retirement offers, allowing yourself to experiment, take risks, and pursue activities that bring joy and fulfilment.

If one is feeling emotional about retiring, then this indicates that they are in some way reluctant to be doing so. If they have no choice because of health issues, then obviously they have to proceed. If not, then they should consider continuing in the world of work, until it becomes apparent they need to give it up. Take up a new hobby or interest to keep motivated and moving forward etc.

I suggest you read my free books. They will help you manage retirement transition and avoid retirement shock. You want to get this right as it is going to impact the rest of your life.

One of the biggest fears of retirement is losing our social connections from work. Let's face it, work is where we spend most of our time and we build great relationships and friendships along the way Phasing into retirement by reducing your hours is a terrific way to ease into retirement while still maintaining your social connections with your co-workers. Benefits include - staying socially connected - extra money in your pocket - being able to retire earlier Retirement doesn't need to be a steep cliff Retirement can be a gentle, rolling hill

Maintain relationships with colleagues, friends, and family members. Stay connected to your professional network through alumni groups, industry associations, or social media. Building and maintaining social connections can provide a sense of purpose and support during retirement.

Building connections and strengthening networks is the best thing to do as it gives you many opportunities to discover yourself This is also the way to see yourself growing

I have spoken with dozens of individuals who were approaching retirement and looking for the next chapter in their lives. It was almost a unanimous opinion of staying active and involved with friends and colleagues you have met along your journey, being present with family, getting involved in local, community based organizations, and traveling. After retirement (traditional age), you still have a lot of time learn new things, seek new hobbies, and give back, leaving a wonderful legacy for all of those who know you!

Prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental well-being as you transition into retirement. Establish healthy habits and routines that promote overall wellness, including regular exercise, nutritious eating, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques. Engage in activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Prioritize activities that bring you joy, purpose, and a sense of fulfilment, enhancing your overall quality of life in retirement.

One question I ask my clients is "if you had to spend $x per month, use it or lose it, improving your well-being, what would you spend it on?" Consider prioritizing a spend on activities that fulfill you or provide stress relief

Le Bien-être au travail passe par l'achèvement dans le détachement d'objectifs personnels qui peuvent se conjuguer avec des objectifs professionnels... La générosité l'énergie positive qu'il favorise donne un immense sentiment de succès qui vient illuminé le clair obscur de la fin de carrière... Well-being at work means achieving personal objectives that can be combined with professional objectives... The generosity and positive energy it fosters gives an immense sense of success that brightens up the dark light at the end of one's career...

Actually, I disagree with the term retirement.. what does it mean actually? Just means that you will be leaving an organisation you have been a part of for a few/ many years.. that does not mean that you have given up on everything.. make a choice to continue doing what makes you happy- could be another job, your own gig, following your passion that you always wanted to but did not have time! If taking it easy and going slow is what you want.. do it! Make a choice.. not retire!

First of all, get ready as time flies for my retired folks...they almost cannot believe how they found space to work in the first place... :) Additionally, there is a grieving process that comes with the shift that most do not speak of...there is disruption to daily rituals, working relationships that you've cultivated, the activity of producing, etc., so give yourself grace to absorb the changes emotionally, physically, and mentally, as it is unique to each individual. As mentioned, self-care, meditation, etc., may be helpful or doing "nothing", just 'being'...may sometimes be what is needed. It is an exciting time to assess, to reflect and redirect, and to uncover your true desires, passions, or interests. Enjoy!

The first step is acceptance and know it is going to happen to all the folks who are employed. You are not the only victim! I see this as an opportunity to look back at your career and reflect on the experiences that you gained and what exhilarated you. Is there an opportunity for you to give back to the community by sharing this immense knowledge base as a coach, mentor or consultant?

Give yourself grace. This is a journey, enjoy it. Understand that nothing is really over until the end. Until then you have every opportunity to change things and benefit from those changes. You see it most notably in show business, George Clooney didn't become notable until age 33. No one in main stream America even knew who Ian Mckellen was until he was 61 (2000, x-men). Now both of those men have great lives and amazing careers. So give yourself some grace. Make the most out of where you are, while you're there.

I think it’s important to recognise that someone at that stage is used to having a mature professional purpose. Perhaps a step to consider after acknowledging the fact is to remember the purpose. If it makes sense to evolve the professional purpose further into advisory or something along those lines, or, reconsider purpose in life at that stage which may not be professional in nature but more personal from a familial or societal aspect. This is to manage the transition and mental-health stability.