As you reach the end of your career, it is imperative that you begin to look into the next steps of life, especially if you are single and retired. However, many overlook the simple fact that retirement does not look the same for everybody — especially those who are single.
A stereotypical American life can often be defined as growing up, getting an education, pursuing your career, and more often than not, getting married. But for those who are perhaps divorced, or have made the choice to remain single, this path of life is not the one they chose. (more…)
I bet the title of this article got your attention. You may have immediately agreed with the premise. However, there will be many people who claim that it is not their choice of whether to have a happy retirement because the circumstances of their life make it impossible.
I talk to a fair amount of people who are either in, or about to enter, the retirement zone, and when I suggest that they have control over their retirement happiness, I hear things like: (more…)
A cartoon character named Pogo made the observation, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Entire books have been written about this topic and how our own thoughts and actions can sabotage forward progress. This is as true at age 60 or 70 as it is for someone in their 20’s or 30’s. This is why it is helpful for you to write your own story in a way that serves you best. (more…)
One of the unfortunate aspects of facing retirement, or getting older for that matter, is the tendency to lose our sense of personal value. Our work doesn’t require our services, our friends may drift away, our adult children are mostly self-sufficient and perhaps we even feel as if our thoughts and presence are now unwanted. Perhaps we now depend on those who used to depend on us.
It’s not unusual to sense a loss of personal value in the retirement phase of life, but this does not have to be the case. (more…)
First, let me start with a confession. I wrote this article about how to stop being judgmental because I have this tendency in my own life. Does this ring a bell with you? Judgmentalism is a common human trait that sometimes grows as we get older. And no, I am not one of those who yell at the kids to “Get off my yard” out my front window. First of all, because we are not located where kids are likely to play in our front yard, and second, because I would probably go out and join them. (more…)
“I don’t think I’ll ever retire. I don’t know what I’d do all day.”
Have you ever had anyone say that to you? I suspect you have, given how common this sentiment is among people of retirement age. Many people love their work and worry that they’d be bored without the daily activity their job provides. Unfortunately, even if you love your work, there will likely come a day when you’ll retire, whether by choice or by circumstances outside your control. (more…)
