I had a conversation with a potential new client the other day who was battling with the prospect of retirement and was wondering what a successful retirement transition might look like for him.
He is beyond the traditional retirement age and coming to the end of a very successful career in the City that he enjoyed and still felt he could do to a certain level.
The problem is that he is struggling to fulfil a meaningful role in his organisation, be of value to his firm & clients whilst finding a purpose outside of work.
If this describes your situation here are 10 strategies to prepare yourself for the day you are no longer working:
1. Change the role (this could be taking on new business development roles or acting as an introducer.
2. Only take on certain projects a year which allow you to utilise your skills but give you time for other interests.
3. Work one day less a year over 5 years to get used to the idea of not working.
4. Take sabbaticals every few years.
5. Take your laptop on extended breaks so you can juggle work and pleasure.
6. Become a trainer for graduates/new hires or mentor for the next generation.
7. Have a career change to something less demanding but keeps you mentally active and fulfilled.
8. Work on the board of a charity so that you give back.
9. Become a Non-Executive Director for a growing firm that needs your skills and expertise.
10. Just Do It (you might wonder why you didn’t do it sooner)
The nature of retirement is changing and, as longevity increases, the need to find a purpose in life whether that is within or outside of a working environment is important if we are to retire successfully; 30 years is a long time to be bored and unfulfilled. An essential first step is to understand who you are and what is important to you.
