You can’t bring your professional life to an end overnight. This transition involves an emotional process similar to grief: you will be leaving behind an identity, routines, a social status and relationships that have structured your life for decades. This change can bring up a wide range of different emotions according to the individual: either immense relief and enthusiasm for a new freedom, or anxiety in face of the unknown, the feeling that you have lost your purpose or fear of social isolation etc. 

The people who manage their transition best, are those who actively prepare for it. This preparation doesn’t just involve the administrative and financial aspects, but also the psychological, social and personal elements. The more you have thought about what you want to do with this free time in advance, the better you will cope with this stage and the faster you will find your new balance.

In the months preceding your departure, make time to arrange the completion of your ongoing projects and schedule time to pass on your skills to your successor. This transition period is important, not only for your employer, but for you as well. Writing summary documents about your key tasks, informing your professional partners that you are leaving and ensuring your work can be continued smoothly, will allow you to leave with peace of mind and the sense of satisfaction that comes from a job well done.

Don’t underestimate the symbolic importance of the leaving do. This officially marks the end of one era and the start of a new one. It’s a ritual that helps you to say goodbye to your colleagues in a fun and friendly setting, to recognise your professional achievements and to turn the page serenely, avoiding a sudden break with your past working life.

The financial aspect is vital. It is essential to prepare for it properly as this will allow you to take full advantage of this new stage in your life.

Begin by evaluating your resources, examine what you are entitled to upon retirement, your savings and any investments. To maximise these, you may have taken out a retirement savings plan like easyLIFE Pension, or perhaps your company has offered you the benefit of a supplementary pension scheme? 

To avoid, as much as possible, retirement being synonymous with reduced income, don’t hesitate to call in an expert to explore your supplementary pension options or savings options. 

Good to know: You can take out a retirement savings plan right up to the eve of your 65th birthday. This contract will moreover allow you to enjoy immediate tax benefits. 

It is then advisable to establish a budget. That will allow you to identify your needs and adjust your spending. Some expenses will diminish naturally at the end of your professional activities, such as transport between home and work, eating out, work clothes etc. Others may increase, namely leisure activities, travel, cultural activities and, with advancing age, health costs. 

You can sign up for yoga or meditation courses, or for sports activities. As well as improving your mental well-being, it will help you to keep physically active and take care of your health. 

To enjoy your retirement to the full, it is in fact vital to be in good health. From the age of 65, you are advised to pay more attention to this. Consider to get regularly check-ups for :

• a cardiovascular and blood pressure
• a bowel cancer
• an ophthalmological
• an osteoporosis

These recommendations can vary according to your individual needs and medical history. Consult a healthcare professional for specific advice.

Retirement can occasionally lead to isolation if you don’t pay attention to maintaining your relationships. To avoid this, plan regular meetups, invite friends or former colleagues to meet for coffee and use new technology to keep in touch with your loved ones, even if they live further away.

If you have children, your role can evolve by offering them more support. Whether it involves looking after the grandchildren or helping them financially with their projects, you have precious experience and resources to provide. 

Create opportunities to pass on your skills physically or verbally, by helping with DIY tasks on their home, for example, or passing on the secret to a family recipe. 

Preparing for retirement is a process that requires reflection and organisation. By anticipating the financial aspects, by getting involved in hobbies and social activities and by maintaining your current connections, you can approach this new stage in life with serenity and enthusiasm. Everyone’s retirement is unique and should be savoured fully, so get ahead of the game and make a plan to suit you. We hope this guide will help you to get to grips with your retirement and to build a new, rich and fulfilling life.