Retirement: Heaven or Hell?

The concept of retirement has changed over the years, but for expats it can be a really difficult time of life-changing decisions. 

Retirement has always been portrayed as the ultimate reward for a lifetime of hard work. That time of life in the far distant future, free from the daily grind; a time for relaxation, pursuing passions, and enjoying stress-free time with family.

Far from being a blissful escape, however, the mere thought of retirement for many raises anxiety levels to a level rarely seen during even the most stressful of working weeks!  Indeed, some refuse to contemplate the very thought of retiring, and deny its existence altogether - particularly amongst those still working internationally, when retirement probably means relocation, and the need to start all over again.

The Case for Heaven

Retirement should ideally be seen as an opportunity to fully embrace a life you create for yourself. Without the demands of a career, you can let your imagination run wild, pursue hobbies you have always dreamt of but never had time for; travel; spend time with loved ones, and so on. The flexibility to set your own schedule without the stress of deadlines or meetings can bring a profound sense of freedom – but only when you know where you are going to be spending that newly discovered freedom.

The Case for Hell

On the flip side, retirement is not always the idyllic experience that one envisions. One of the biggest challenges retirees face is the loss of purpose. For decades, identity is tied to a profession, and leaving behind a structured role can lead to feelings of aimlessness. Without the routine of work and the social interactions that come with it, some retirees struggle with loneliness and boredom.

Furthermore, even with adequate financial preparation, the absence of a regular pay check can reduce even the most confident of people to a quivering wreck.

Add into that toxic mix the need to leave an expat life behind, and craft a new one either back home or somewhere totally new, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Striking a Balance

Retirement, like any major life transition, is what you make of it. Those who thrive in retirement often share some common traits: they have planned financially, stay active both mentally and physically, and maintain social connections. They have decided where they wish to call home during retirement, and continue to seek purpose, whether through hobbies, volunteer work, or even part-time employment.

For those who struggle with the reality of retirement, it is never too late to prepare, and adjust. Staying connected with a community, exploring new interests, and finding ways to give back can help restore a sense of purpose. Addressing financial concerns by seeking advice from a professional can ease some of the stress.

For tips on how you can begin the process of planning your retirement years, visit my Blog here

For a conversation about working with me, to help you plan your ideal retirement, book a 30-minute no-obligation conversation here