Here's how you can manage the emotional aspects of retiring from a career you're passionate about.

Retirement, even when long planned for, will come as something of a shock. This reaches beyond the loss of routine and will touch on self-worth. If you are leaving a job you love and people you genuinely care for this loss will multiply. The person you were is no longer you. That person that devoted long days and true effort to their role is no longer there. Now, it is just you. The you that has always looked back at you in the mirror but you may not have seen. Take that deep breath and get to know that person in the mirror. Spend some time with them. Take a walk. Watch a movie. Read a book or listen to music. As you fill the empty places that retirement creates you will start to feel whole again.

Retiring from a career you're passionate about can be an emotional journey, filled with mixed feelings of accomplishment, loss, and anticipation for the future. It's essential to acknowledge and honor these emotions, giving yourself time to reflect on your achievements and the impact you've made. Stay connected with colleagues and the professional community to maintain a sense of belonging. Exploring new hobbies and interests can provide fresh avenues for fulfillment and purpose. Remember, this transition is a new chapter, offering opportunities for growth, relaxation, and the chance to pursue long-held dreams that were previously on the back burner. Embrace it with the same passion that fueled your career.

Your days were filled with people and challenges and rewards. Full of success and failure. You had people that you worked issues out with. People you trusted to give insight and those you trusted to just listen. Do the same once retired. It may not, probably won't be the same people but there is someone who can fill that spot. Those who have retired and are retiring will find many groups and communities who want nothing more than support. We live in a remarkable time with the internet allowing us to reach out over unlimited distances and talk to someone. Take advantage of that. Use the internet to explore your interests and discover new one. All the information you need is at your finger tips.

Who said change was easy? It is inevitable but not necessarily easy. We have had to embrace change our entire lives and retirement is one of the "big" ones. It does, however, come with a lot of opportunity. And time. Take the time to get used to the new changes. You need to own the change from the 50 or 60 hour work week, the high stress, the worry about things to taking a breath, sit back and enjoy all the things you thought you were to busy to enjoy before. Owning the change means actively embracing this new chapter instead of merely adjusting to it. It encourages individuals to let go of the previous stresses, take a moment to breathe, and engage in activities and experiences that bring joy and fulfillment.

Goals will help. Big ones. Little ones. Mundane ones. "I will make my bed every morning and I will have hit a goal." Then, build on that win. Daily things that won't seem to be a big deal will be the foundation on which bigger goals can be laid. I will walk, I will write again, I will do those things I always wanted to do. Taking it step by step allows you to savor each new experience and gradually adapt to the changes that come with this new phase of life. Embracing these activities at your own pace can lead to greater enjoyment and a deeper sense of fulfillment in your retirement. Step by step allows you to savor each new experience and gradually adapt to the changes that come with this new phase of life.

We all think, wow retirement! I don't have to get up and go to work. Come home. Fix dinner, etc. You don't but with no work the structure of your day is pretty much shot. Many will feel rudderless and directionless. Create new structure. New routines. Define your goals and priorities. Make a new daily routine. Stay adaptable. Maintain and create new social connections. We may not think it but we all need structure in our lives. Touchstones that will help us move forward. Most importantly, celebrate the wins! Stay curious and explore the world. This day I will do this thing and stick to it.