"If you can find a path with
no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere."

-Frank A. Clark

Five Stages of Retirement 

Research indicates people are likely to experience five stages of retirement. Recognizing these phases can provide insights into your personal experiences in retirement and more importantly, how to deal with them.

1.  Anticipation: This is the dreaming/planning phase before you actually retire. As retirement nears, there may be a gradual disengagement from the workplace along with thoughts and planning for retirement. There can be a sense of hopefulness or even euphoria. As the ‘big day’ nears there may be some anxiety and discomfort, as you anticipate what your post-retirement life might be like.

2.  Honeymoon: Immediately following the retirement event there is often a period of elation, with feelings of freedom and happiness. You might view life as being a permanent ‘vacation’ and feel relieved of the stress and responsibility of working life. This stage may last a few months to a couple of years. Eventually, if you have not found a life purpose or focus, you may become disenchanted, bored and unfocused.   

3.  Disenchantment:  There is often a feeling of letdown and boredom following the honeymoon phase. You may begin to realize that there is more to life than pursuing leisure activities and pleasure. But what?  A fulfilling retirement life is more challenging to achieve than it seems. Unaddressed, disenchantment can lead to depression. Approximately 30% of retirees experience some depression within the first 3 years of retirement. This can open the door to other health problems. 

4.  Reorientation:  This phase is about taking stock. Now is the time to discover what makes you happy, what doesn’t, and how to improve the quality of your life. 

Some questions to ask yourself in Reorientation are:

• What do I enjoy doing?

• What’s missing from my life?

• What are my talents and interests?

• What do I regret not having done yet in my life?

You might go back to school, start a business, become active in your community, join a volunteer or service organization. You are only limited by your imagination and resources. Some people view this phase as a second chance for a rewarding retirement. A goal in reorientation is to design a fulfilling and satisfying life.

5.  Fulfillment:  The ultimate goal of retirement! This phase – for those who reach it - is most likely to lead to a healthy, balanced life with satisfying family relationships and friendships, and worthwhile activities. 

The Joy of Retirement includes:

• A fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle

• Being open to new sources of engagement, learning, and exploration

• A sense of purpose, accomplishment, and balance

• Rich, rewarding relationships