Editor:
I’ve learned a lot transitioning to retirement. Here’s my top five.
1. Don’t delay your adventures – it’s likely that you’ll be in the best shape for adventures in the first decade of retirement. Get on with it! On a related note, staying fit is your new job. Your quality of life depends on it.
2. Re-evaluate your spending habits – you’ve likely been on a budget your whole life. It’s time to take stock and adjust your spending. If you’re tight, downsize now to give yourself peace and comfort. If you are flush, don’t be afraid to spread it around. Use your savings to support what you want to see more of in the world. Love art? Support artists. Love Thai food? Eat out.
3. Think about purpose – most bucket lists I see are filled with fairly selfish stuff (exotic travel, luxuries, etc). There’s nothing wrong with doing things that bring you joy but what can be easily overlooked are things that fulfil your sense of purpose. You have special gifts to share. Volunteer. Give back. Seek out deeply fulfilling activities.
4. Don’t plan too much – it’s tempting to plan everything you’re going to do when you retire. Fair enough, but keep in mind that new ideas will come flooding in after you experience the freedom of retirement. Leave room. Even after you retire, try not to fill all your days with activity just to have something to do. The extra room will give your mind a chance to surprise you in wonderful ways.
5. It’s about people we love – as we age and take on more responsibility at work, nurturing relationships and making new friends can get more difficult. Make the effort now. Those relationships will sustain you for years to come.
Dave Biggs, Gibsons
