Yikes, I Just Retired! Adjusting To Retirement in 3 Steps

Adjusting to retirement is a major transition, whether it’s been on your horizon for years or you got hit with the exit sign unexpectedly. Everyone’s retirement journey is unique.

As you bid farewell to your work years, you might find yourself grappling with issues like losing your identity (who are you now that you’re no longer someone’s employee?) and seeking a sense of accomplishment (what can you do to “leave your mark” on the world?). These and other issues can make the transition into retirement a bit daunting. 

As a retiree I know all too well how this major life change can get some getting used to, which is why I created this 3-step approach to guide you through this journey. These phases are tailored to help you indulge in much-needed downtime, establish significant routines, and paint a picture of a successful retirement life.

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Three Steps of Adjusting To Retirement

Adjusting to retirement isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s a dynamic path that I’ve broken down into three manageable steps:

1. Relax (Take a Breather)
2. Rebuild (Craft Your New Normal)
3. Embrace (Welcome the Future)

These steps offer you a framework to adapt to your new retirement lifestyle at your own pace and according to your own unique needs. They’re fluid rather than static, meaning that you might find yourself revisiting one or more of the steps once (or more than once).That’s perfectly fine (and normal).

Each phase can be as long or short as you need it to be.  But the most important thing is that you recognize that each is a phase.  None of these should be your permanent spot.  For example, after Step 3 you might feel the need for some more leisure time (Step 1) or feel the urge to tweak your daily schedule (Step 2). Each step will enable you to face each day with purpose and enthusiasm.

Step 1: Relax (Take A Breather)

Adjusting to retirement starts with taking time to catch your breath. You’re just beginning your retired life and this step is all about embracing relaxation. You’re transitioning from a busy work schedule to a slower, more relaxed pace, making this the perfect time for a break.

This initial break is a significant first step in the major transition that is retirement. It allows you to decompress and shake off the stress of work and helps to mitigate potential symptoms of depression that can come with a sudden loss of structured work life. It’s your time to unwind and prepare for the exciting journey of retired life ahead.

Some may think of retirement as a permanent vacation; however, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to pack your bags and travel during Step 1. The essence of this phase lies in carving out some leisure time for yourself. This is the period where you are allowed, even encouraged, to do as much or as little as you wish. You may choose to pick up old hobbies (or start a new one!), spend time with family, delve into meaningful activities, or simply kick back and enjoy the extra time on your hands.

Despite the seemingly endless free time that comes with retirement, Step 1 is a temporary phase. It serves as an introduction to your new lifestyle and is not the totality of your retirement. To keep things balanced and prevent the loss of structure, it is important to set an end date for this break period. Consider a timeframe of two to eight weeks (possibly more, depending on your individual needs and how you are adjusting to retirement).

Step 2 – Rebuild (Craft Your New Normal)

As you transition into the second stage of adjusting to retirement, it’s time to focus on crafting your new normal. Step 2 is all about creating a routine that suits your retirement lifestyle, one that’s more than just a series of days with no obligations. Instead, it’s about cultivating a structured schedule that provides both freedom and a sense of purpose.

Begin by reflecting on the habits you wish to form. Do you want to pursue part-time jobs, engage in volunteer opportunities, or maybe indulge in personal projects? Are there physical activities or workouts you want to incorporate into your daily schedule to maintain or improve your physical health? Maybe you wish to set aside certain hours for social activities or create more space for nurturing relationships to enrich your social life.
Think about your personal interests as well. This is the perfect time to revisit old hobbies, discover new ones, or finally tackle that book or art project you’ve been thinking about. The objective is to fill your routine with activities that bring you joy and a sense of accomplishment.

As you create this new routine, be flexible and patient. Remember, you’re not just filling time; you’re crafting a lifestyle that supports your goals and aspirations during this new phase of life. Look for ways to balance leisure time and meaningful activities while keeping space for spontaneous social opportunities that can arise.

If you’re interested in gaining a deeper understanding of habit formation and how small changes can lead to big results in your routine, you might want to delve into these books:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear  This book offers practical strategies for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
• Feel Better in Five by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee  In this book, Dr. Chatterjee presents a simple plan to help you make a significant improvement to your health in just five minutes a day.

Creating your new normal is a major step in adjusting to retirement, but with patience and thoughtful planning, you can construct a routine that makes your retired life satisfying, rewarding, and full of opportunities for growth and enjoyment.

Step 3 – Embrace (Welcome The Future)

As you step into the third phase of adjusting to retirement, it’s all about welcoming your future with open arms. Step 3 is about learning to appreciate each moment. Retirement is a significant life change, and acknowledging this can sometimes lead to a sense of loss or even symptoms of depression. By focusing on the future you can alleviate this stress and begin to see the possibilities that lie ahead.

One strategy is to think about dividing your time between planning for the future and living in the present. You might want to consider devoting around 20% of your time to future planning. This could involve exploring long-term living options, considering healthcare provisions, or even outlining the legacy you wish to leave.

The remaining 80% of your time can be dedicated to truly living in the present. This might mean relishing extra time with family, engaging in activities that bring a sense of achievement, or fully participating in social opportunities that bring joy and fulfillment to your day-to-day life. Of course, this proportion is not set in stone and should be adjusted according to your individual lifestyle and comfort.

As time passes, you may find your plans and priorities evolving. Thus, it’s crucial to revisit your plans periodically, reflecting on important questions to help guide your planning and daily routines. These might include:

• Where do I envision myself residing long-term?
• What’s my preferred living arrangement (independent home, community, etc)?
• Am I satisfied with my current activities or do I need a new project or purpose to bring a greater sense of accomplishment?
• What matters the most to me in this phase of life?
• Am I living each day in alignment with my values?

Welcoming the future is not about letting go of the present but rather, it’s about striking a balance between preparing for what’s to come and fully enjoying the here and now. It’s about being proactive and deliberate in creating a retirement lifestyle that brings you happiness, fulfillment, and a sense of achievement every day.

By approaching this phase of life with a positive mindset and a willingness to adapt, you can ensure that your retirement years are just as rich and rewarding as the years that preceded them.

Adjusting to retirement might take some time and effort but by dedicating the first few months of your retirement to these three steps, you can sail through this period with a sense of purpose. Remember, part-time jobs or volunteer opportunities could provide a sense of achievement and social opportunities. Additionally, spending extra time with family or engaging in meaningful activities could enrich your social life. After all, your retirement is your time to relish, but making it a satisfying phase of life depends on your efforts!