All your life you couldn’t wait for the day you retire. You were excited to finally escape work.
You would no longer attend another useless meeting. You wouldn’t have to deal with office politics. You would no longer need to stay late to meet an unrealistic deadline.
Well, you’re retired now. But somehow that joyful feeling is nowhere to be found. Instead, you’re joyless. You can’t believe it but you find yourself missing work.
If you’re experiencing a joyless retirement, change what you are doing. You are in control of your life.
First, figure out what you are missing.
It could be interactions with colleagues and clients.
It could be the importance your role had at your company.
It could be the mental stimulation from your work.
It could be the daily routine you followed.
Once you’ve figured out what you are actually missing, then fill that void.
If it’s the interactions you’re missing, then find organizations to join.
If you’d like to keep current in your industry find a professional organization to join
If you want to meet like-minded individuals find a club to join
If you’re missing the importance of your role then find a leadership position with a nonprofit organization.
Become a Board member at your church/temple or homeowners’ association
Lead a project or group for a nonprofit organization
Coach a youth sport
If you’re missing mental stimulation then enroll in a class.
Look at courses offered at a local college
Explore online courses
If you’re missing a routine then create one.
Get up at a certain time every day
Schedule specific activities for the week
There’s no excuse for a joyless retirement. If you find yourself unhappy or bored in retirement then make changes. Use retirement as your time to maximize all that life has to offer.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, RICP®, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing spending plans, comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”