Here's how you can navigate the emotional aspects of retiring from a long-term career in business reporting.

While retirement represents a significant change in your life, it is an opportunity to acknowledge that, with every end, there can be a new beginning. Certainly, you may have mixed emotions about starting an entirely new chapter of your life, but the transition phase is also an opportunity to be introspective. Look back at your workplace accomplishments, as well as at the workplace friendships you have made. Think about how to leverage these accomplishments and friendships in your new chapter. Start to think about what you may have missed during your career, and want to do now. It might also be helpful to take a month or two to yourself before you plunge into something entirely new. Whatever you decide, think positively about the future.

During my career I always placed tremendous importance on making a contribution and providing value. During retirement this mantra expanded to my being able to relate to my audience, and that is how I redefined my new sense of self and decided to become a Retirement Journey Advocate. I teach best practices to use and pitfalls to avoid as you navigate your workplace to retirement journey. I am now 6 years into my new chapter, and I know that one of my passions is to always keep busy and active. This, together with teaching math, as well as being able to spend time with friends and family, and volunteer for philanthropic endeavors has redefined my identity and enabled me to enjoy a fulfilling and exciting retirement life.

Retirement can certainly afford you more flexible time than while you were working, and you certainly want to spend that time doing things that you enjoy, as well as with people you want to be with. I started to plan how I was going to spend my time one year prior to my leaving my career. One of the most important items on my agenda was to network outside of my organization and meet new people. This proved to be invaluable, as I was able to secure opportunities to speak to organizations and universities once I retired. I met with my new business colleagues socially, as well as during radio and online interviews. All of this gave me a new sense of direction and purpose, as well as providing me with events to look forward to.

Seeking support during retirement is extremely important, especially if you truly don't know what to expect. As a Retirement Journey Advocate, I can be a mentor and teach best practices to use and pitfalls to avoid as you navigate your workplace to retirement journey. I am now 6 years into my new retirement life, and can provide tremendous insight into how to navigate many different aspects of the journey.

Maintaining social connections in retirement is one of the most important activities that you can do as you step into this exciting new chapter of your life. Virtual coffees in the morning can be an excellent way to stay in touch with former colleagues, who can also be great references if you decide to take on some part-time employment in retirement. Maintaining existing relationships with friends that you have known for a long time provide feelings of trust and stability. And, retirement is a great time to discover new friends who may also share common interests. And, there are so many ways to meet, i.e. meetup groups, volunteering, walking groups, book clubs, etc. Staying connected in retirement will bring you happiness and joy.

Two years prior to my retirement, I decided that I wanted to train to run 5K races. 8 years later, I am still training to run. It gives me such a feeling of accomplishment when I can race, and I am determined to keep going. I am also involved with yoga, as well as strength training. I walk with friends very frequently, as well. I find that exercise is definitely a stress reducer and helps me with my overall fitness objectives. Exercise has also enabled me to meet new people. And, now that I have more control over my time, I am able to exercise during the week, which I was not able to do while I was working full time.