Your decades-long run of morning rush hours, demanding work days, and the pressure to perform is finally over. During those mad-dash days and often headache-inducing projects, it can be hard to imagine retirement, much less dream about it. But before you know it, retirement will come, and once it’s here, you might be surprised by what it’s like, especially in the first six months. You might have thought you’d be jet-setting the globe or donating your blazer collection immediately. Others might find that removing themselves from their life’s work is more challenging than they’d expected.
Today’s retirement experience is dynamic, and how you experience life after exiting the workforce will differ. Physical demands shift, emotional needs emerge, and your identity transforms overnight. The stark difference in routine and responsibility might feel like a blow to the ego or a welcome relief. No matter your vocation, learn about the unexpected realities many new retirees discover to make your transition into retirement easier.