Retirement Concerns

‘Becoming’ in Retirement

For too many of us, retirement has been defined by what it’s NOT versus what it is. Many times, we no longer have full-time workloads or the same family responsibilities. Retirees, are in a new place of less pressure and hopefully far less stress nipping at our heels and weighing on our minds. This is also an incredible new time where you enter a new space of freedom to recreate yourself. This new season opens up the possibility of MUCH MORE instead of just MUCH LESS.

At the Delaware Retiree Connection*, we define retirement as that stage of life when you have unlimited discretionary time, and you no longer exchange time for money. But for many people, it can be a confusing time, because your work may have defined you for so long. Perhaps you were tasked with focusing on your growing kids, and now they’re long gone and focusing on their own kids. Whether your profession or your family gave you identity, it can be daunting to step into retirement, a wide OPEN time and space.For others, they’ve day-dreamed of this stage as a time when they can do whatever they wish with plenty of time on their hands. They think of endless days of leisure and recreational activities. But as the Delaware Retiree Advisor, Len shares that many retirees find themselves either at a loss for a new identity or feeling empty with all of their free time.

Many in retirement who find ‘success’ in this new phase understand that it should be much more than just filling in their hours pursuing leisure. They come to understand that the possibility of their ‘personhood’ is right in front of them. In other words, they fulfill lifelong passions, or perhaps finding a new one.

‘Becoming’ is a process, a journey. Now that life has shifted from other responsibilities such as work and raising a family, there is an opportunity to finally put that time to purposeful use. Maybe it’s a hobby, volunteer work, a new sport, joining a club, or even a part time job entirely different from your previous profession. The “Golden Years” are truly golden when retirees recognize their evolution towards becoming the person they truly are.

And enjoying life while they’re at it. At the Delaware Retiree Connection*, we’re excited to help unlock the amazing potential of this new season, connecting you to networks and resources that help you find ‘the new you’ that will flourish in this new stage. Len is one of our key consultants based on his strategic work to partner into people facing this stage. He shares one of the key points to keep in mind:

An essential element of retirement is analyzing priorities while being able to maintain financial stability. This requires a lot of planning, sure, but to do it properly, it is important to honestly evaluate your given situation. Planning is part of that equation.

As you shift into retirement, your “becoming” is an opportunity to embrace. Take advantage of our resources and look for other chances to reflect. Dig in to the community around you. Together let’s make these years golden!

Visit our site for other great resources like: “Maximize Your Retirement – Don’t Botch it Up. ® ”

* Delaware Retiree Connection is trademarked.