Transitioning Into Retirement Isn't Always Smooth Sailing

OK, here’s all you really need to know about me professionally: I was in the insurance industry (the Life and Health side) for over 45 years all in the disciplines of Sales and Marketing. I worked for some very large nationally recognized firms and for some smaller, regional companies.

Personally, I have been categorized as a Type-A individual with OCD. I am highly competitive and I have an oversized need to succeed. I worked long hours and when my work day was done, I enjoyed coaching youth sports. Perhaps my youngest son described my work ethic best when he said, “My Dad doesn’t do relaxation well.”

I officially retired at the end of 2018 at age 66. I would love to describe how smoothly I transitioned into retirement, but that just isn't the case. In my mind, I still felt I had something more to contribute, and therefore, I half-heartedly attempted to market myself as a consultant. I soon realized though, my heart just wasn’t in it and that brought me to the reality that I had to decide WHAT to do to stay busy.

I had no hobbies. I love to read, but spending the day reading books was not my passion, nor was the idea of sitting on the couch eating Bon Bons while watching the proverbial boob tube. I knew I wanted to play more golf, but my body wouldn't allow me to play multiple days in a row.

My first lifeline came from a good friend, and fellow Rotarian, who owned a funeral home. I went to work for him, part-time, as what I loved to call myself: An Associate Funeral Director. I found that I had a passion for helping others, and I often tell people, as crazy as it might seem, I truly loved the work I did there.

In 2020 we bought our home in Arizona. The following year, we moved to the southwest full-time. From the start, my wife Barb and I sought volunteer opportunities. Each month, we help assemble a local community publication. We are part of a group of individuals who drive the neighborhood at night in an effort to supplement security in our community. And, we have volunteered as members of an organization known as Helpful Hands; a group of volunteers who offer help to neighbors in need. And, as of last year, we both became members of our community's Architectural Review Committee.

I joined a men’s Bible Study group and I joined the Men’s 9-hole golf group. I loved acting in high school and have joined our local version of Community Theater. And, finally, our oldest son and his family (daughter-in-law, grandson and one on the way) have decided to move to Arizona. Not surprisingly, we see a lot of babysitting opportunities in our immediate future.

So, what is the take-away from all of this? I think it comes down to one word: preparation. I spent my entire professional career helping people financially prepare for their future, for their retirement needs. And, as much as I still feel that preparation is critically important, I have come to realize that it is equally important to prepare emotionally for your retirement.

Just as you have analyzed your financial needs, you need to give equal time analyzing those personal/emotional needs. What makes you happy? Do you have a hobby that you love? If not, how do you want to spend your newfound free time? Where can your time and talents best be spent? These are tougher questions than they appear to be on the surface and only YOU can determine the answers. 

I sincerely wish you the best in your pursuit of retirement happiness.