Change is scary, and many of us need to be pushed even if we are ready. It is far easier to stick with the status quo and avoid the inevitable messy, uncomfortable transition period. As they say, a caterpillar doesn’t just wake up a butterfly; it disintegrates into goo first. It’s annoying - and the opposite of the competence high of managing a high status, high earning career! I retired (and divorced) nearly 2 years ago and am still in the unformed rebuilding space between selves. It’s worth the leap. :)
Thank you for tackling such an important and nuanced topic! It's refreshing to see a focus on the psychological readiness for retirement rather than just the financial checklist. Your insights will undoubtedly help many people navigate this significant life change with greater clarity.
We all need to realize we will all stop one day. If you able to financially then a new adventure awaits. The other test I like to use is the college test. If you could travel back in time and ask your early 20s self if he/she would continue to work if didn't have too, or that they might be bored if they didn't work your 20 year old self would laugh and likely kick you in the ass to retire.
Change is scary, and many of us need to be pushed even if we are ready. It is far easier to stick with the status quo and avoid the inevitable messy, uncomfortable transition period. As they say, a caterpillar doesn’t just wake up a butterfly; it disintegrates into goo first. It’s annoying - and the opposite of the competence high of managing a high status, high earning career! I retired (and divorced) nearly 2 years ago and am still in the unformed rebuilding space between selves. It’s worth the leap. :)
Thank you for tackling such an important and nuanced topic! It's refreshing to see a focus on the psychological readiness for retirement rather than just the financial checklist. Your insights will undoubtedly help many people navigate this significant life change with greater clarity.
My recommendation: amp up #1 to not only about doing something for free, but would YOU PAY to do it?
That’s how you know whether you really like something.
What about option 4, it feels like the best use of your time at this particular moment?
We all need to realize we will all stop one day. If you able to financially then a new adventure awaits. The other test I like to use is the college test. If you could travel back in time and ask your early 20s self if he/she would continue to work if didn't have too, or that they might be bored if they didn't work your 20 year old self would laugh and likely kick you in the ass to retire.