Mixed Emotions
Retirement is often portrayed as life's golden chapter, a time to relax and live on our own terms. However, retirement can also bring mixed emotions, including excitement, exhaustion, and anxiety.
Many retirees feel burned out after 30 or more years in a demanding career. It can be challenging to see beyond the relief that retirement promises. As one woman preparing to retire told me, “Work has completely taken over my life in the last 20 years.” After such a big commitment to their work, many retirees are tired. A typical reflection in late career is, "I'm too tired to do anything outside of work. I need weekends to relax."
The stress, the deadlines, and the to-dos can have a heavy impact. They can leave us with little energy for things that bring us joy. It's no wonder retirement feels like the light at the end of a very long tunnel.
You might feel thrilled to have time to explore your neglected hobbies. But what happens when you get there? That sudden stop from the hustle of work to the stillness of retirement can be jarring.
After decades of hard work, it's natural to feel the need for a pause. Many pre-retirees express a desire to simply "nap, read, binge shows, and relax." So, give yourself permission. Curl up in your favorite armchair with a cozy blanket and a good book. After years of a packed schedule, taking time to rest and decompress is normal and healthy.
It's a rarely discussed truth, but many people feel a mix of relief and anxiety. It’s the strange limbo of knowing you’ve earned your rest but also feeling uneasy about what comes next. It's not always easy to answer questions like: How will you fill your time? What will give you a sense of purpose moving forward?
These feelings are all part of the process. Retirement, like any major life transition, requires time to adapt. You might need weeks—or even months—to unwind from decades of demanding work. It's okay to take your time and be patient with yourself as you navigate this new chapter.
When you’re ready, the next chapter will unfold on your terms. Take time to envision what fulfillment means to you in this new phase. Retirement can be as fulfilling as you imagined. You can pursue a passion, give back, or enjoy everyday moments. Like any journey, it starts with taking that first step; sometimes, that step is a well-deserved nap.
* For a guide to help you reflect on your past and dream of your future, download the free Retirement Roadmap here. It has ten journal prompts to uncover what matters as you begin this next chapter of life.