The day after retirement

Tuesday, 4.55pm: A reminder pops up on your computer screen that this is your final day at work. You save your work and shut down your computer.

At 4.59pm you hand in your laptop and mobile phone to reception, sign off and walk out at 5pm.

It’s a normal Tuesday evening watching television, and then bed at 9pm.

On Wednesday the 7am alarm doesn’t ring, because you handed in your phone the previous afternoon.

If Peggy Lee could witness this she might say, “If that’s all there is my friend then let’s keep dancing.”

At what point does it become apparent that your life will change after you stop working? What are you going to do all day, and how are you going to keep track?

The first thing you do is head to the nearest Telco shop to buy the latest and greatest mobile phone with a cool calendar app.

What are you going to put in it?  Where’s your plan man?

Retirement, meaningful retirement, is a process that begins years out and involves planning on all levels – financial, health, social, relationships, purpose, identity and aspirations.

The moment you quit your job or sell your business, practice or farm, is the trigger to start putting your plans into action.

Goals don’t just happen. They need to be actioned and adjusted frequently before enjoying your achievements.

Like a productive vege garden, there are goals in progress at all stages, so you have a continuous bountiful harvest.

As a rule, wise decisions require a reasonable ratio of information, commonsense and imagination.

Under the guidance of a professional advisor or coach, the prospective retiree can visualise likely outcomes and make rational choices.

It’s hard to believe, but I met a school teacher who had retired six months earlier and struggled with the concept of a retirement coach.

He said: “I thought all you did is retire and start having fun.”

In the next breath he declared, “I should get a part-time job to support my new lifestyle, but I’m too busy.”

Ten years ago, my best mate finally sold his business and the first thing he did when he got home was take off his watch and throw it in the bin.

I’m pretty sure his mobile phone followed it in because he hasn’t called me since that day.

Keep your phone in your pocket, always charged.

Make sure your calendar is busy and your contacts list is comprehensive and current.

Have your personal goals recorded and access them regularly to maintain momentum. Don’t just observe social media, be a pest!

Let the world know how cool your new life is and when someone comes up with a good idea, steal it.

It’s the right thing to do because you’ll make it better. Don’t worry if someone steals your idea. As soon as they’ve improved it, steal it back!

Have fun with your new freedom.

You probably were a rebel back in the day, now let everyone know.

If this resonates, post a comment at RunawayRetiree.com

Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach at Runaway Retiree Retirement Coaching