What do you do if you're struggling with the emotional challenges of retiring from your career?

Take the time you need to process your feelings. Know that it is normal to feel a sense of lost, grief, uncertainty about the future. And there is no linear timeline in grief. Work with a professional for support. You do not have to do this alone.

Acknowledging and accepting the emotions that arise during retirement is an essential step in adjusting to this significant life change. Whether you feel a sense of loss, anxiety, relief, or excitement, it's important to recognize and validate these feelings. You might find it helpful to express your emotions through journaling, talking with loved ones, or seeking support from a counselor or therapist. By acknowledging your feelings, you can begin to navigate this transition with greater self-awareness and resilience, paving the way for a fulfilling retirement journey.

Seek support from family, friends, or a therapist to navigate the emotional transition and adjust to life after retirement. Explore new hobbies, interests, or volunteer opportunities to maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Stay connected with former colleagues or join social groups to retain a sense of community and camaraderie. Create a retirement plan that includes setting goals, managing finances, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to promote overall well-being. Embrace the opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth in this new chapter of life, focusing on what brings joy and fulfillment.

- Acknowledge Feelings: Accept and understand the range of emotions you may experience. - Reflect: Celebrate career achievements and consider new opportunities. - Stay Connected: Maintain social ties for support and a sense of belonging. - Find Purpose: Explore activities that give meaning and fulfillment. - Seek Support: Reach out to loved ones or professionals if needed. - Embrace Change: See retirement as a new chapter for personal growth and exploration.

Seeking support during the emotional challenges of retirement is crucial for your well-being. Joining support groups or seeking out community resources can provide a sense of camaraderie and understanding from others who are also navigating this transition. Additionally, consider reaching out to friends, family members, or a therapist for individual support. Talking openly about your feelings and experiences can help you process your emotions and find healthy ways to cope with the changes retirement brings. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and reaching out can lead to valuable connections and support networks.

Redefining your purpose in retirement is an exciting opportunity to explore new interests and passions. Consider what brings you joy and fulfillment outside of work and pursue those activities with enthusiasm. Whether it's traveling, learning a new skill, or giving back to your community through volunteering, finding meaningful ways to spend your time can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Reflect on your values and priorities, and use them as a guide to shape your retirement years in a way that is personally meaningful to you.

Take the opportunity to explore your curiosities, to follow your heart. This may seem unfamiliar at the start if it is something you are not used to doing. Whether it is through meeting new people for inspiration, or working with a coach to explore your 'why', have fun discovering what you need to support you on this process. Start with tiny actions and celebrate the wins!

Staying active in retirement goes beyond physical activities but also mental, emotional and spiritual nourishment. Consider what fills your cup of fulfilment from these aspects. Fill your days with things that fulfill you rather than just filling your days to pass the time. To do this, have an underlying motivation for what you choose to do. - remain physically active in order to stay independent and to be able to keep doing the things you love that require physical ability for longer - know that mental stimulation is crucial to broaden your thinking and help you with discernment: from simple daily tasks to understanding complex world issues - emotional and spiritual nourishments are important to stay positive and live purposefully

Stay Active Physical activity is not only beneficial for your health but also for your mental well-being. Engage in regular exercise that you enjoy, whether it's walking, swimming, or yoga. Staying active can boost your mood, reduce stress, and increase your energy levels. It's also a great way to meet new people and stay socially connected, which is crucial during retirement.

When you plan ahead and stay active in a fulfilling way, you'll be better equipped to embrace change and adapt to the constantly evolving world that we all are living in. Remember, your life doesn't stop because you're retired. Your work may have taken a huge chunk of time from your life but it's not your life. If you've not been able to take some time to think about your life while you were busy working, now could be a good time to reflect on what life is for you and consider what you would like to do with it. Then, draw out an action plan for yourself and hold yourself accountable to execute it in order to achieve what you've envisioned for yourself. Not forgetting that you can seek support where required, so don't hesitate to ask.

Embracing change is key to navigating retirement successfully. Shift your mindset to view retirement as an opportunity for growth and exploration rather than a loss of identity or purpose. Embrace the newfound freedom and flexibility that retirement offers, and be open to trying new things and stepping outside your comfort zone. By embracing change, you can make the most of this exciting phase of life and create fulfilling experiences that enrich your retirement years.

Maybe it's the bias brought forth by my risk-averse and organized nature but I can't recommended this step enough for retirement, and everything in life for that matter. It doesn't mean that things will go as planned but at least you have an idea of where you're getting to and how to start or keep going when you get stuck. I envisioned my life in retirement (ideally to start at 40) when I started my first job in my early 20's. Life in retirement for me is having full control and freedom of what I do with my time which mainly consists of travelling, connecting with people and supporting them where necessary and writing. Working backwards, I consider what this means for my finances, health, the activities that will fill my days, etc

Planning ahead for retirement also made me consider what do I want to achieve during my tenure in corporate life and how I would like to exit this phase. As a child, I envisioned my professional life as an engineer jet-setting from place to place, meeting people from all walks of life and making an impact in their lives. I did it as a marketer, consultant, PM and corporate communicator instead within the FMCG and pharmaceutical industries. My career trajectory was beyond my wildest dreams to achieve the goal of performing on a global stage and impacting lives without borders. To be able to continue this work in retirement as a life and leadership coach, wife, daughter, sister, friend is a sense of fulfilment beyond words can express.

1. *Reflection: Take time to reflect on your achievements and the impact you've made throughout your career journey. 2. Transition Planning: Create a structured plan for retirement, including financial considerations, lifestyle changes, and post-retirement goals. 3. Support Network: Seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors to navigate the emotional aspects of retirement. 4. New Opportunities: Explore new hobbies, interests, or volunteer opportunities to fill the void left by your career. 5. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care practices such as exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques to manage stress and promote emotional well-being during this transition period.