Who uses a Retirement Coach, and Why?

The other day I was asked a question which I don’t get frequently. “Hey, Rick, who uses your services as a retirement coach, and why?”

I answered, “Most of my clients are individuals or couples between the ages of 45 to 65, but primarily those 1 to 5 years away from exiting the workforce.  Also retirees who haven’t found their purpose, lack a daily routine, or are struggling with identity loss after leaving their jobs.”

I continued, “I help people become successful retirees.  Those that recognize what’s needed in retirement involves careful planning across several areas including health, finances, and purpose.  I help clients build their own realistic and well-rounded vision of retirement. They create and implement a plan to make it happen.”

Whether you use a retirement coach or not, here are actions to increase your successful transition into retirement:

  • Read books and articles about life after work. My most recent book is Retirement: The Ultimate Life Journey.  It’s a navigational guide for life after work.
  • Attend workshops that deal with all aspects of retirement, not just financial.
  • Create your vision of retirement, including what’s making you happy, who’s in your vision, what’s your purpose, what will be your legacy?  Also, what will be your new title, (i.e., gardener, photographer, artist, avid reader)?
  • Diversify your pre-retirement life in terms of your recreational activities, hobbies, friendships, beyond the world of work.
  • Take several years prior to retirement to build what I call a balanced leisure lifestyle, one that includes at least one activity in (a) entertainment, (b) education, (c) sports/exercise, (d) travel, (e) social activities, (f) hobbies.
  • Reach out to your partner or spouse and others for support.
  • Talk to those you feel are successful in retirement and ask for advice and counsel.
  • Find a coach who can. Help before and after you retire. Coaches can play a great role in showing you how to avoid many of the retirement pitfalls.

Remember, there is life after work.  You just must find it and make certain you do it right!