Retirement Preparation

Retirement, Turn a Negative definition into a Positive initiative

Google the meaning of the word retirement and here are some of the resulting definitions:

• To withdraw from one’s occupation, business, or office; stop working
• To fall back or retreat, as from battle
• To move back or away; recede.
• To cause to withdraw from one’s usual field of activity
• To lead away from action; withdraw
• To take out of circulation
• To withdraw from use or active service

All of these definitions seem to have a common thread, regressive and negative. Unfortunately successful retirement can be a struggle and for some it might not the Promised Land they were led to believe it could be.

In the beginning it might have felt like an extended holiday, but when you start running out of things to do the honeymoon period can quickly fade and the reality of retirement can hit harder than you ever imagined.

Most people have no idea about what to expect from retirement and while we go about planning every other aspect of our lives, few really made any plans for it.

Some of the most challenging issues facing retirees are the lack of a daily routine, missing the interaction of work colleagues, and a feeling of boredom. It can also be challenging to adjust to spending so much time each day with your partner, not only for the retiree, but also for them.

All of these issues can lead to feeling of a real lack of identity about who you are now, a sense of loneliness and a lack of purpose which can create a void that you are struggling to fill.

Many people experience these challenges and feelings when they reach retirement age, not only when they retire, but also in the months leading up to that date. It’s quite probably the biggest change you have experienced in your life and we all know change can be very difficult. It’s even much harder when you have been used to spending so much of your life working to a routine surrounded by a network of colleagues and friends. Well the good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way….

Imagine for a moment that your new life was just beginning and that it was going to be filled with all the things that love doing but never could get round to. You could wake up each day with renewed energy and purpose as you have a new routine to follow and you find yourself having lots of fun. Finally you figure out what you really want to spend your retirement savings on and it’s giving you a whole new lease of life.

You have a new sense of direction, clarity about where you are going and it’s giving you a renewed feeling of hope and confidence. Addressing all of the negative connotations associated with retirement in advance or immediately on retirement is the key. Indeed, even if you are retired a number of years and find yourself floundering, then talking to a specialist can help give you a whole new outlook.

Ian Epstein, specialises in helping retired people face the challenges of moving to the next stage of their life and supports them to find successful solutions for making the most what can be the best years of their lives.

Ian has been a practising counsellor and psychotherapist for almost 20 years so he brings a wealth of experience in helping people find effective and lasting solutions to their problems. He is also a great listener and has a personal understanding of retirement challenges.

Contact Ian today and arrange to meet him for a free initial consultation and start your journey to a positive retirement experience.

Tel: 087 255 5225 Email: ianepstein.ie@gmail.com

A planned retirement is a happy retirement. Start planning your happiness today