Preparing for retirement
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/06/2021 (709 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Every August I usually take a few weeks of vacation from work. This summer, however, things will be different. For the first time since I was a teenager, I will have the entire summer off. I retired three weeks ago after having worked full time as a social worker for the past 34 years.
I chose my retirement date four-and-a-half years ago, and at that point, a countdown of days began. What I looked forward to the most, in anticipation of my retirement, was having more time to do things I enjoy and that are important to me. I have never second-guessed my decision.
It is still somewhat surreal that I am actually retired, as the years have gone by so fast. I began my career at a young age and now here I am, joining the club of fellow retirees and starting a new chapter in my life.
Of the co-workers who retired before me, a few expressed being worried about not having enough to keep them busy, while others said that they were concerned about their finances. For some, the thought of not having daily interactions with people was causing them some anxiety.
‘Experts’ say that being prepared can take away the stress of retirement and allow you to better enjoy the freedom that not working has to offer.
Although many people love the thought of being able to retire, there are a number of things to consider before making such a big decision, and planning ahead is key.
In order to avoid becoming bored, it is important to give some thought to how you plan to spend your days. Many of us have things that we have always wanted to do but could never seem to find the time. With retirement comes the opportunity to do more of the hobbies that you enjoy, try a new activity or engage in some type of volunteer work.
Preparing for retirement should include financial planning in order to reduce any financial worries. Putting money aside for your retirement and paying off your debts may not seem important when you are younger, but you will be glad you did when the time comes. Consulting with a financial adviser may also be helpful.
Social isolation can be a very real consequence of not working. In order to avoid feelings of loneliness, it is necessary to make an effort to maintain contact with others. Remaining connected and having things to look forward to are very important for a person’s overall emotional well-being.
Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca
Cindy Murdoch
Transcona community correspondent
Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca