The prospect of retirement can be exciting because at last you will have the freedom to do what you want, when you want. You will be able to travel, take up those hobbies that have been waiting for ‘when I retire’, and generally enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
But at the same time there is also a fear of what the future might bring. Will you remain healthy? Will you have enough money to enjoy your life the way you want to or even to survive for the unknown number of years you have left until you die? Will you be lonely or isolated when you no longer have work acquaintances to hang out with? Will you be able to maintain your sense of purpose? All of these are very valid fears of retirement.
It is these fears that often keep people in a job that they no longer enjoy. Following the safe path in life, trying to save up money for that day when they’ll no longer be working. Sacrificing their life now in exchange for a sense of security in the future.
I understand these fears because they are the same fears that are preventing me from retiring. Whilst I have a job that is meaningful and rewarding, it consumes a lot of my time and my physical and mental energy. As I am nearing retirement age, I would prefer to be doing something different, working on my own terms when and how I wish.
Part of me would love to be able to transition to retirement but something is stopping me. And yes you have guessed correctly, it is fear. Will I have enough money to live on and do all things I want to do? Will my fledgling business succeed? Will I be able to maintain enough social interaction when my business is largely online? Will it provide me with the sense of purpose, identity and fulfillment that my current job offers me?
So the question is, should I stay safe and secure in the job I have or should I take a risk and jump out of the aeroplane (with a parachute of course)? What do you think? What would you do?
I already know what I am going to do, and by the time you read this, I may have already done it, but I would be interested to know what you would do or have done in a similar situation.
If you have a career or retirement decision to make and would like some support in figuring it out, you might be interested in my 90 minute Power Career Coaching Package. You find all the details here. You can also contact me via my website or on Facebook.
I would love to help you.