This morning, I spoke with a manager who is living a retirement disaster. Three years ago, he retired from a position which was not to his liking. Not only was he being crippled by a boss who didn’t appreciate his dedication and skill, but the boss constantly presenting the manager’s ideas as his own.
At age 55 years old, the manager decided to ‘hang up his skates’ and become a retiree. The manager’s rationale to retire included, not only his pension savings estimate, but also his understanding that, in his industry, he was unemployable due to age.
For the first few weeks of retirement freedom, the manager told me he felt both physically and emotionally exhilarated. However, after two months of relatively carefree living, reality started to raise its head. The manager missed his workmates, when he woke each morning there was nothing on his to-do list, his energy level began to wane, he began criticizing his wife’s housekeeping, his alcohol consumption increased, his mood fluctuated from melancholy to acute anguish.
The manager’s problem was he retired without a comprehensive plan. His concentration was only on the money, he didn’t recognize the importance of the non-financial aspects of retirement (i.e. need for a balanced leisure lifestyle, using legacy as a guide, determining where working and volunteering fit it, etc.)
What should have happened, but didn’t, was the creation of a realistic and well-rounded vision of retirement well in advance of his actual retirement. Secondly, he should have created and began implementing a plan to make his vision a reality.
After our discussion, the manager and I will now begin working together.
In my work as a retirement coach, I provide clients with insight and direction without compromising their own decision-making process. I provide clients with knowledge, thoughts, and insights gleaned from interviews with hundreds of successful retirees. I help clients create their own unique retirement vision and plan.
The choice is yours. You can sit and wait (as did the manager) for whatever comes along, or you can tackle the challenges and opportunities of retiring successfully. Will you reserve your place in the rocking chair or grab the brass ring of retirement life?
If you are between the ages of 45 and 65, it’s time to explore your future as a retiree. You may be interested in contacting me, or reading my latest book, Retirement: The Ultimate Life Journey. Whatever action you take, it’s important to start today!
I wish you the best in developing a plan that enriches your life.
Kindest regards,
Richard (Rick) Atkinson (Mister Retirement) BCom, MBA, CHRP, CMC, FDFS
www.whencaniretire.ca
