How to Cope With the Emotional Side of Retirement

Retirement — that stage of life when you can step away from work and spend time with family, friends, and pursuits, relying on our savings and retirement plans to finance the daily costs of living — would in theory be nothing but a joyous time. We’re finally able to participate in activities and hobbies that engage our passions and can redirect 40 hours or more every week to things we find fun and engaging. However, there’s an emotional side of retirement that can make the transition difficult.

When the recently retired begin to experience feelings of stress, frustration, fear, resentment and more, they often feel confused. After all, isn’t this supposed to be fun? The truth is that retirement can exact a heavy psychological toll, even (perhaps particularly) for people who are excited about being able to stop working and enjoy life.

Retirement can be an emotional rollercoaster, but with the right mindset and coping strategies, it can be a fulfilling and enjoyable transition into a period of creativity, rest, and exploration — one you’ve earned.

Understanding the Emotional Side of Retirement

Retirement may sound like a dream come true, and for the most part, it does provide well-earned relief and respite from the sometimes absurd demands of work in the…