6 Questions to Ponder About Retirement Transition - Hire Imaging

6 Questions to Ponder About Retirement Transition - Hire Imaging For those contemplating retirement, anticipation and planning can help ease the fear of the unknown and guide the change, whatever that might be! Start with these questions to jumpstart relevant brainstorming. 1. Who am I after I leave my job? Fear of lost identity can loom with loss of a job. Try reframing a different way of looking at the event by changing your language. Instead of, “I used to be,” try “I’m exploring ___.” Replace “I was a ___” with “I’m changing direction and pursuing ___.” Think about moving forward, not backward. Strategic reframing can allow you to disconnect mentally from an old identification and experience freedom to see yourself in an entirely different role! 2. How will I spend my time? Flesh out a visionary daily schedule. It doesn’t have to be set in stone; be flexible. Include an activity that will keep you involved and connected to others. Take time to explore. Pursue your enthusiasms, and don’t be afraid to treat yourself and try out something you always wanted to do. 3. Will my relationships with my significant other change? It might. Prepare and plan how you intend to spend your time. If you relied on work for socialization, explore how you might find it outside the office. Don’t rely on your significant other to fill in the gap and occupy your time. Develop your own friends and interests. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you and your partner can’t enjoy mutual interests or activities! Each person approaches retirement differently depending on life experiences and relationships. Talk with your significant other and work out a plan that will keep you both busy, either together or independently. The key is communication and planning! 4. Will I have enough money to live on? This is a financial planning question, and your financial needs change as you age. Consider likely rising costs in medical care, medicines, and insurance; needed necessities (utilities, rent, food, etc.); wanted necessities (cell phone, car, computer, gadgets, etc.); discretionary expenses (vacations, hobbies, restaurants, entertainment, etc.); rising inflation; relocation costs; capital items (new roof, home repairs, etc.); ongoing care (ill, elderly, emergency); paying off debts; and sudden downsizing. 5. Should I relocate? Explore your options. If you’ve thought of relocating, research. Talk to people who have lived in the area. Do Internet research. Visit and stay a bit. If you are relocating to be close to grown children and grandchildren, find out how they feel about it. What are your expectations of how much time you’ll have together? Is there a disconnect? Research the community. Does it align with your needs and wants? 6. I want to keep working. Who will hire me at my age? This is your perception. If you believe it, then others will too. As Jackie Joyner-Kersee said, “Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.” Think in terms of retirement career or encore career as you job search at over age 50! I always love to hear from you! Do you have questions or insights on retirement transition? Please comment below.