Older & Wiser: 20 Unexpected Lessons You Learn In Retirement
Thought You Couldn't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks?
The image of retirement often looks like endless beach days, relaxation, and bliss; however, the reality is quite different. Beyond the freedom from deadlines and alarm clocks, you discover new truths about time, money, health, and even yourself. Here are 20 unexpected lessons that prove growing older really does mean growing wiser.
1. You Aren't Your Job
In our society, it's normal to be asked within one minute of meeting someone new, "What do you do?" You create an identity based on your profession. When you retire, you come to realize your job doesn't define you; it was just a means to an end.
2. Time Feels Different
Time certainly moves at a different pace when you have no work schedule to follow. Without the hectic pace of working life, the pace of life slows right down.
3. Purpose Is No Longer Externally Defined
Most of us build a purpose out of what we do for a living, so one of the biggest challenges in retirement is finding our new "raison d'être." Many people find purpose in giving back to their communities, investing in family, or traveling, but ultimately, purpose comes from within.
4. You Can't Do Everything
You might think that once you're retired, you'll have all the time in the world to do the things you didn't have time for when you were working, but you'll be surprised at how the days still don't seem to have enough hours. While you do have loads more free time, you still have to prioritize.
5. Friendships Shift
It may take you by surprise at first how your friendships change in retirement. The work relationships you've built through years at the office are often the first to go, but this just makes space for new, meaningful connections.
6. Relationships Change
Your romantic relationships are also apt to change. Suddenly, you and your partner have a lot more time for each other. That can either reignite a spark or leave you both feeling overwhelmed.
7. Health Is Wealth
When you get up there in age, health becomes your number one priority. When you were younger, you might have been more preoccupied with accumulating money, but now you understand how important it is just to feel good.
8. Life Really Is About The Simple Joys
When you have time to stop and smell the roses, you do. With life moving at a slower pace, you start to appreciate the small, simple pleasures more.
9. Retirement Income Is Complicated
Moving from having a steady paycheck to relying on your assets can be tricky. The change can be more stressful than you imagined, and you may be inclined to avoid spending money altogether at first.
10. Money Worries Don't Disappear
Most of us are accustomed to worrying about money when we're in the workforce, and we look forward to the day when we no longer have to. However, after retirement, money worries don't just disappear. Oftentimes, they're even more amplified.
11. It's Never Too Late To Learn
With all your extra time, don't be afraid to learn a new skill. It's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks, and you may surprise yourself with what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it.
12. You Never Stop Craving Purpose
Pondering the meaning of life and creating purpose out of the things we do is a uniquely human trait. This doesn't go away after you retire. You'll need to find your purpose again.
13. Boredom Sneaks Up Quickly
Many people begin their retirement in utter bliss, enjoying the silence. However, for many, this feeling is surprisingly quickly replaced by boredom. It's not easy to fill all those free hours, but you'll have to find things you love and continue to challenge yourself.
14. Self-Reflection Never Stops Being Valuable
Many retirees find that with more free time, they reflect more on their past. You'll be surprised at how your new position in life changes your perspective.
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15. Your Definition Of Success Changes
If before, your definition of success was monetary or related to your title ot position, now, the meaning is different. Your notion of success is now centered around the value you've brought to others and the legacy you'll leave behind.
16. Every Day Is A Gift
Because you have the time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in your twilight years, you start to feel like every day is a gift. Small joys like having a coffee on the porch on a sunny day become deeply meaningful.
17. Experiences Are More Valuable Than Things
After retirement, you might find that the pleasure you used to feel from treating yourself to designer products or other items fades. Instead, you start to get more joy from spending your money on experiences like traveling.
18. It's Not Always Blissful
You'll be surprised at how quickly the bliss of the early days of retirement fades. Many retirees feel unexpectedly anxious from boredom, and they need to find ways to continue to stimulate their brains.
19. It's All About Building A Routine
Humans are routine creatures; that doesn't stop being the case when you stop working. Building a routine for yourself in retirement is extremely important. Otherwise, you risk feelings of existential dread.
20. Grandkids Grow Up Fast
Grandkids can be your greatest joy in life. Make sure to prioritize time with them because they grow up astonishingly quickly, acting as a reminder of how fast life moves.
