Before Retirement, Anxiety and Depression

Before retirement, anxiety and depression bites many of us! Why is that?

We should be happily stepping into a new challenge and phase of life -- a time of our own, and yet -- we are afraid.

Before you retire, you have the huge decision on whether you are ready to retire or not? This "before retirement" decision can bring on anxiety and depression in retirement, and many sleepless nights...

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, by Eckert Tolle

This book from Amazon could greatly help you... A New Earth has really helped me to find peace... Retirement Peace! I kid you not... I love this book! It's not about retirement, it's about serenity and peace in life.

My copy is well used, highlighted the important parts, and just very well read. Plus, if you did really want to understand how to find peace in your life, there are weekly lessons on Oprah.com on this book. Folks worldwide tuned in to ask questions on the books concepts... to find their own peace in life. It was a huge online workshop in 2008 and the author will explain part you didn't quite get.

For a few dollars, I really truly think you can find peace and contentment in your own retirement, like I did! Wendy

Back to Before Retirement, Anxiety and Depression

Tell me -- HOW does a person make the mental adjustment to "walk out the door" and retire? I was employed for 36 years with the same employer. I was eligible to retire for four years... and yet, I continued to work. WHY?

Even funnier, even though I know that before retirement, anxiety and depression happens... this was my job! I could help others retire and yet anxiety hit me before my own retirement!

I also realize that finding my own happy retirement is up to me... Love the video on this page. It's true... smile and you'll be happier!

I have done pre-retirement planning workshops for 20 years now, and now it's ME who can't quite retire?

I was consumed with the dream of my retirement. I have many hobbies, love working on my websites, and yet... scared to walk away from work, like so many of you with anxiety before retirement.

I'm not the "retirement" sort... have you guessed that already? Do you think the same for yourself?

I'm not ready for a rocking chair, gotta keep moving! My decision to continue working was not financial, it was purely psychological... purely anxiety before retirement!

Some of my before retirement anxiety and depression thoughts

I want my own time, freedom from work hours, and yet, will I have too much time?-- Now, in retirement, I have all the time I want IF I want to do little.. but I also often do too much for being retired. Perfect as that's how I want it. What will You choose to do with your time? Will I miss being "Wendy from Human Resources"?-- Good Question! Nope! I really truly worried about this. I really thought I'd miss working.

Guess what? All that anxiety before retirement, and it never happened! What a waste of energy! Should I consider part time work or just work from home on my websites?

Personally, I like my work from home job... this retirement site (and a few others). Just suits me perfectly.

Many boomers will choose to work part-time... gaining income, something to keep busy while in the retirement transition phase, and maybe even a bit of simple socializing! What will I do every morning when I wake up?

Personally, I grab my laptop, and start playing online! I do get dressed every morning, I need to do that right away. Keeps me ready for whatever my day brings! What will I do all day, every day?

Now, I can honestly say: "How did I find time to work?" I know that sounds so cliche, but it is sooo true! In fact, I've mentioned to family and friends... how did I work all day and STILL do all I do now? Grin! Don't laugh if you aren't yet retired.. you'll soon see what happens. It's a weird phenomena with retirement and time.

Do I suddenly become "old" when I am "retired"? -- Nope! It didn't happen! What WAS I thinking?

Enough about ME -- how does anyone get past the thought and anxiety associated with the decision of retirement?

While we are excited about the possibilities, the freedom of retirement -- why do we lie awake worrying about whether we are making the right decision? AND, if you were anxious during the retirement decision, imagine if you can't get past it in retirement.

Imagine if you decide, after retirement, that you did the wrong thing and you become depressed in retirement?

For that reason, while you've got the chance, just consider your many options in retirement. Look at retirement as a change in pace, a new challenge in life, new life options... don't allow yourself to fall into that retirement depression rut!

Finally, before retirement, many retirees gave me the same advice, over and over.. oddly enough, they all use the exact same words. It's their mantra.. only they don't realize they ALL say it. What is IT?

"You'll know when it's right... "

Oh my, such simple advice... and I do believe they are right! It happened to me.. I continued to work, unsure of when I'd feel good about the retirement decision. Suddenly, out of the blue, I gave my two week notice (I had always imagined giving one-month notice... but when I finally decided, I was out the door much sooner)!

No need to wait until the retirement angel taps me on the shoulder and whispers into my ear:
"Pssssst! It's time, you can retire, it's the right time...."

It came suddenly, I knew in my heart it was the right time to walk away and start my new life... and I did it!

I retired!

I'd love to hear from you... how did YOU make the decision to "walk out the door" and retire?

Thanks ever so much! Wendy

Update: Wendy Retired April 2010.. woo hoo!