| There is an unspoken illusion that all problems and | | | | efforts at improving your golf game, learning a new |
| stresses will magically disappear upon retirement. | | | | language or having the cleanest pool in the |
| Nothing could be farther from the truth. In actuality | | | | neighborhood. Have you developed the ability to feel |
| you can find yourself having a new set of issues. | | | | good about your accomplishments, large or small, just |
| Choosing to face them head on can be the wisest | | | | for the sake of having done them? |
| move you make. Talking out the changes that are | | | | Friends from work call less over time to include you. |
| imminent in leaving the work force with someone | | | | Even if you do meet with them once in awhile, you |
| you trust, can help you transition into becoming the | | | | no longer fit into the conversations as you once did, |
| productive and successful retiree you want to be. | | | | and naturally so. You find yourself in a kind of limbo |
| You will no longer have to face work related | | | | and make excuses for not attending. Losing these |
| problems such as uncomfortable relationships with | | | | benefits can lead retirees to become quickly |
| co-workers, deadline pressures or a demanding boss. | | | | dissatisfied with the seemingly lackluster life they find |
| The associated stresses of commuting will be a thing | | | | themselves in once out of the work force. Decide |
| of the past too and you can breathe a sigh of relief | | | | ahead of time to develop friendships, interests and |
| at not having to fill your gas tank as often. However, | | | | activities outside of work to fill the void you will find |
| a disturbing realization will be that "I have been | | | | yourself in. |
| replaced and the company is operating just fine | | | | How you handle these and other situations will |
| without me." Being aware up front that you will be | | | | determine the smoothness of your retirement |
| facing this can save you needless heartache if you | | | | transition. Success is based on having realistic |
| have acquired an attitude of acceptance of where | | | | expectations going in. The attitudes you have |
| you are in life. Remember, you have closed a door | | | | developed and decisions you make are ultimately |
| but have the power to open others. Own your | | | | responsible for the direction you move in. Build your |
| power. | | | | retirement around your own personal desires, |
| There are benefits of working that will be lost, such | | | | priorities and talents. Make realistic choices based on |
| as the camaraderie in sharing others stories during | | | | who you are and what you love to do. Take |
| lunches and impromptu dinners after work. Peer | | | | responsibility for your life by making decisions with |
| recognition means so much when you get pats on | | | | your eyes wide open. You will then find yourself living |
| the back for jobs well done. Few will be praising your | | | | a balanced and engaging retirement. |