Terraforming our lives Reshaping how we think and feel before and in retirement

Start with why Why retire? Why now? These are important questions to ask ourselves. Is it just time for you to move on to something else? Are you moving to something you can be passionate about? Have the tasks of the position become such that you no longer feel an interest for or the ability to complete to your satisfaction or that of your supervisor?

The 80/20 Rule Research shows that there exists in nature an 80/20 rule that seems to apply to all of us. It is called the Pareto Principle. Briefly: 20% of customers account for 80% of profits. 20% of of the most reported software bugs cause 80-% of the problems. 20% of patients account for 80% of healthcare spending. The Point: If making a 20% adjustment in your worklife enables you to feel the passion that used to be yours, explore to determine if possible.

What does this mean for you? IF you are retiring because you are unhappy with the job-explore why. What is driving your unhappiness? Is it 20% of the job? Is that something that can change? Is delegation a possibility? Is part-time where you get to focus on your strength areas and thus feel more success?

KNOW YOURSELF This is a critical element: Where do you derive your sense of personal satisfaction? What makes you feel the healthiest? When are you most at peace? Where are your friends? What will keep you intellectually stimulated and sharp? What do you want to accomplish in your life IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOURSELF, HOW WIILL YOU KNOW WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOU TO ENJOY RETIREMENT, IF THAT IS WHAT YOU CHOOSE?

RETIREMENTS’ RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS Physical health Regular exercise that challenges you. (make it something you really enjoy) Good nutrition (make it foods you really enjoy and derive significant health benefits) Intellectual stimulation: What will you do to keep your mind sharp? Fitness is part of that, but so is challenging yourself to learn new things. Meaning and purpose: What will give you the sense that you still have a reason to get out of the bed in the morning; a way to make a difference?

RETIREMENTS’ RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS SOCIAL INTERACTION Your work friends tend to drop away if they are still working. (It makes sense.) Involvement in other social groups Social groups (community groups, church, particular interest groups) Family events Sports/fitness activities OLLI classes (very interesting by the way) Taking classes here at UNL

A critical element: Fun If you choose to retire make sure you have a strong element of simply having fun. New travel New hobbies New friends New classes Remember the Pareto Principle? If you can make a 20% change in your life now to be even happier in life, what can change and why wait?

Employee assistance program If you are still unclear of what path to take, get help. UNL-EAP Contact them. They have an excellent staff to help you sort out issues in your life that make life’s choices unclear. Other community retirement resources of which you may already be aware. Use them, they can help or ask your EAP counselor