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Happy Retirement? The Post-Retirement Blues

Photo Credit: Paul

Happy retirement! Or is it?

Retirement is meant to be an exciting time of your life. You finally have free time to spend with your friends and family, and to do the things that you have been putting on the back-burner for years.

But instead of a happy retirement, many people find themselves facing the post-retirement blues.

Below are common feelings associated with a not – so – happy retirement, as well as a few tips for combatting the post-retirement blues.

I feel like my life has no purpose

A job supplies us with a routine and allows us to differentiate between work and play. Employment also instils us with a sense of purpose – not only as a part of the workplace, but also as a breadwinner for our families. Without this sense of purpose we can quickly become discontent with our lives.

In order to get past this feeling and achieve a happy retirement, it is important to find fulfilment elsewhere. This may come in the form of volunteer work, participation in a community group or simply through taking care of your grandchildren weekly. The smallest of responsibilities can restore your sense of purpose and structure, giving new meaning to your life.

What if people think of me differently?

You may feel as though people’s perception of you has changed after you retire. You could even think that others see you as redundant.

This could not be further from the truth – in fact most people wish that they were in your position! To be able to leave the workforce means that you have worked hard. You have earned your happy retirement! Don’t let worries about what others think ruin your new life!

I’m finding it hard to adjust to my new income restrictions

In today’s economic climate, more and more people are retiring with less money in their superannuation accounts than they foresaw. As a result, you may find yourself restricted financially by comparison to when you were working. This can be frustrating – after years of hard work it seems unfair that you need to worry about money in your later life! The good news is that there are a lot of subsidised activities and resources that make retirement less stressful on your bank account. Many businesses offer discounts to those who hold a seniors or concession card. If you are a female aged over 64.5 years or a male aged over 65 years you may also qualify for a pension through the Australian Government – click here for more details. Be sure to take advantage of these resources – you have earned them!

If you decide that working part time is the best way to supplement your income and ensure a happy retirement, be sure to consider the effects of this additional money on government payments. You don’t want to get in trouble with the tax man down the track!

Retirement isn’t what I had envisioned

While we are led to believe that every day of our retirement will be like a holiday, the reality can fail to meet these expectations. Boredom can strike and sap your belief in a happy retirement.

If you’re finding the retirement blues hard to shake, try to gain some perspective. Rather than focussing on what is missing from your life, live in the here-and-now. Learning to savour the little things in life you will lead to contentment and allow you to appreciate the big things so much more.

Remember, your later years are ultimately what you make them! Buckle up and enjoy a happy retirement!

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