Hello world of blogging. I did it! Created my Retirement Transition blog. Maybe I should I call this “retirement transition on the poster child for doing it wrong”? As I read through all the different how-to books on retirement, (I’ll blog about that one day), I’ve discovered that I am the poster child for doing it all wrong. My identity was completely wrapped up in my work life (a workaholic extraordinaire with bad health habits & no hobbies), I had not figured out my (greater) “purpose in life”, and I did not plan retirement out before leaving work (every book talks about planning up to 5 years in advance!). Net, all the things that they say are the hardest aspects in a retirement transition, the things to avoid, the elements that prevent a successful transition, I’ve had them. Yeah!
So why did this planner not have her plan together? Because, like many other people looking at retirement, I focused mainly on the finances. I was told that the critical questions for retirement were “do you have enough?” and “have you had enough? “ After 32 years of working 10+ hour days, I had certainly had enough. Was there more to do – yes, but there was always going to be more to do… it’s called job security. But I also recognized for years that I had no “life”. So, when the time came that we knew that “we had enough” financially to not HAVE to work, I let it be known to my management that I would be “open to an early retirement package”, not really expecting it. Surprise, surprise! Retirement Separation Package in hand, 90 days to retirement. And unfortunately, no post-retirement plan in hand beyond “the finances are OK.” Nothing about what should I do with the rest of my life! That thing I was missing with my 99% focus on work.
So this Retirement Transition Blog is about that – Envisioning my next life stage and then implementing it. It is not about the finances or having enough money. It’s about defining my life. Sounds easy, right? I hope along my retirement transition journey, I will share things that might make your own journey a bit easier!
So here goes… post #1.
retirementtransition 
I retired three times before I finally got it right.
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Ooh, this sounds interesting! I’m looking forward to following your journey. I retired almost 9 years ago (I can’t believe it’s been that long) and I still haven’t stopped smiling. I heard an adage about retirement timing recently that your post seems to support. According to that advice, one needs to consider three things: 1) Do you have enough? 2) Have you had enough? 3) Do you have enough to do?
I wish you a wonderful journey and a great retirement.
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Karen, I missed that last question! ( The Do I have enough to do? ) I was so busy with working that I didn’t really consider what’s next. I only had some vague ideas and nothing really talked about with my husband. So my transition is about getting a more concrete vision (and alignment) and then getting started on it. By the way, writing is part of my vision! Hence the creation of a blog. Hopefully in 9 years I can say I was smiling the whole time too.
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I wouldn’t worry too much about not “having a plan”. I’ve been retired now for 3 years and still have no plan. Just taking advantage of opportunities as they pop up. I think a plan is needed if you find yourself getting bored. I’ll look forward to reading about your journey.
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Maureen, Ah, but I am a planner! So not having one is disconcerting. I agree about taking advantages of opportunities as they come up. I am hoping some of “my planning” will put this opportunities in my path.
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Will look forward to it.
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Welcome to retirement and welcome to the blog world! I am looking forward to learning more about your transition. Blogging is a good way to connect. Be sure to add your “About” page, it is often the most visited.
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Thanks for the advice! I am a beginner blogger, so this is a learning curve for me.
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