Letting Go

I made the decision to retire some time ago.  I knew I would take advantage of the opportunity to move on and I had some ideas about how I would spend my time in retirement.  However, I did not really think about how I would let go of the projects, people, and my opportunities to "make a difference" at work.  

We let go of people and places numerous times throughout our lives.  It is never easy and it helps to have some strategies to assist with the change.  Letting go of work is just another of those transitions.  It is hard to let go of the projects and work that you have taken such pride in for so many years! 

In speaking with other retirees, I have realized that we all handle this part of retirement differently.  Of course, there are those who choose not to leave work.  I have heard people say they love their work and don't feel they have "worked" a day in their life.  Others retire and then find they miss the workplace or have more to give.  They may return to work part-time for a while.  

Many of us, however, decide it is time to let go of the old and create a new life.  This was my plan but to be honest, I did not think much about how it would be to let go of all that had been important to me for so long.  

So, for those of you who are contemplating retirement in the next few years, here are a few tips that might ease that transition.

1.  Clear your desk and your mind

• finish up projects, and try not to take on new ones
• mentor others to pass on your knowledge 
• keep your end date in mind so you can schedule accordingly

2.  Allow the younger staff to take control of the direction of the organization
This is tough to do, but it is time for you to step back and let them propose ideas, make decisions and steer the organization.  Of course you will speak up if you see something really wrong, but you also may have to bite your tongue a few times! 

3.  Meet new people
Once you retire you will have a lot more freedom to join classes, go to the gym, and join groups.  This will make it easier when you all of a sudden are not part of the workplace gang.  

4.  Discover your passion and do the things you love
As you prepare for retirement, think about the things you have always wanted to do and didn't have time for.  Plan for a couple of projects that you can get into immediately.  This will help ease that transition into "no fixed schedule".  It will give you a purpose until you can really figure out what you want to do with all your time.  

5.  Share with your friends
Those of us retiring now are part of the baby boomer generation - we are certainly not alone in trying to figure this out!  You no doubt have a couple of friends who are already retired and can help talk through these changes.  

Letting go is just part of the process and being aware of it can help ease the transition.  Finally, as my mother used to say, just breathe!