5 Things You Need to Do Before You Retire

Are you finding it hard to sleep thinking about what life will be like after your last shift? Do you worry about missing the rush of your job and the bond with your team? Retirement is coming and it can be both exciting and scary. In this episode, we're breaking down five simple steps to help you get ready for this big change. Keep listening to learn these five key steps that'll help you not just get through retirement, but I hope enjoy it. Don't miss out.

Your future self will thank you.

I'm retired. You probably already know that if you've listened to the previous episodes or read the show description. My transition to retirement was a mixture of being glad to retire and experiencing an identity crisis. Well, probably crisis is too strong a word, but I certainly felt an identity shift I wasn't prepared for. I remember it was one night about three weeks after my last day, about 10 o'clock one evening.

I was in the backyard letting the dog out when three units from my department passed by on the main road, followed shortly by a fourth unit, all running coded. For the first time, I realized I wasn't going to be called out if anything serious occurred. I also wasn't going to get the admin text giving me the disposition of the call if it was serious. I really was on the outside now.

Mixed feelings, glad I wouldn't get called out and possibly have another night without sleep and let down because I was no longer involved in what was going on on the outside, not even able to look in. I was now a civilian. I know retirement's a huge step, especially for anyone in the helping professions.

I've heard countless stories from first responders, nurses, chaplains, veterans, and mental health professionals who've spent years dedicating their lives to protecting, serving, and caring for others. You've been in high pressure situations, formed strong bonds with your team, and experienced the adrenaline rush that comes with the job. As you approach retirement, you may feel a mix of exhilaration and dread.

It's natural to have questions and concerns about what will happen next. Retirement presents both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, you'll have more free time to spend with your family, pursue hobbies, or travel if that's what you want to do. On the other hand, you might worry about losing the sense of purpose and camaraderie that came with your job.

You might be concerned about staying physically and mentally healthy without the structure of your work routine. And of course, there's the financial aspect, making sure you have enough money saved up to enjoy your retirement comfortably.

That's why preparing for retirement is so important. A successful transition doesn't just happen. It takes planning and it takes effort. By thinking ahead and taking some practical steps, you can set yourself up for a retirement that's not just manageable, but truly enjoyable. In this episode, we're going to talk about the five key steps you can take to prepare for this next chapter in your life. I understand what you're going through and I'm here to help you make the most of your retirement. Before I go too far, as a matter of transparency, I think I was fairly well adjusted when I retired. For sure, I have trouble going to sleep and staying asleep some nights. I have times when intrusive thoughts and images pop into my head when I least expect it. But who doesn't?

But it's not risen to the level of functional impairment. I can still carry on. Unfortunately, not everyone can say that. For those who may be experiencing moderate to profound traumatic stress symptoms or other difficulties, please reach out to someone. There's help out there.

What I'll be outlining here are some simple steps for those approaching retirement and wanting a little help getting ready for that big day. Here goes step number one. Plan for the emotional transition. I can already see the wheels turning in your head. I'm not emotional. As a matter of fact, I don't think I feel much anymore. News flash, annoyed, pissed off, angry, disgusted, stressed, insulted, vengeful, are all human emotions, or at least how we express them. If you're a living, breathing human being, you've got emotions, whether you're in touch with them or not. Usually, it's everyone else around you who feels a brunt of your emotional expressions. So, having said that, leaving a job where you've built strong bonds with your team can be tough. As a first responder or other frontline professional, your co -workers… often feel like family because you face so much together.

It's normal to feel a bit lost when you think about not seeing them every day. The emotional impact of leaving this close -knit environment can be harder than you expect. I've had people ask what retirement's been like for me or how things are going. I said, well, you know, I don't really miss the job so much as I miss the people. I miss being there around everyone. So first, you need to recognize that it's okay to have mixed feelings. You might feel excited about retirement, but also sad or anxious about leaving your work family. Preparing for these emotions ahead of time can make the transition smoother. It's important to acknowledge your feelings rather than simply pushing them aside.

One way to ease this transition is to make plans to stay connected with your colleagues. Regular meetups like monthly dinners or breakfast or meetings for coffee can help these important relationships stay strong. You could also organize, and I know quite a few do this, an annual trip with your old crew to help keep that bond alive.

Another great way to stay engaged is to consider community or volunteer work. This can give you a sense of purpose and help fill the gap left by your job. You might find joy in coaching a youth sports team, volunteering at a local charity, or even mentoring those who just started out in your chosen career. Staying active in the community helps keep you connected and gives you new ways to make a difference.

Retirement doesn't mean the end of your relationships or your ability to contribute. It's just a new chapter where you can explore different ways to stay involved and connected. Planning for these emotional aspects of retirement can help you navigate this change more smoothly and keep you feeling fulfilled. Step number two, make sure you're financially ready to retire. Thinking about money for retirement can feel overwhelming, but it's really important to make sure you're set up for a comfortable future. As you get closer to retirement, you need to have a clear picture of what your expenses will look like. This includes everyday costs like groceries and utilities, but you also have to consider bigger things like healthcare because healthcare can be a huge expense even after you retire or especially after you retire.

You might need to pay for your own insurance, doctor visits, medications, and maybe, hopefully not, but long -term care. It's a good idea to look into these costs early and see what your options are. Now, I'm fortunate. Our department paid for my health insurance and our retirement system continues to pay for it. My wife's also included in our group policy and her premium is very low, but… I know not everyone is in this situation. So remember, we also need to consider other lifestyle expenses as well. Do you plan to travel? Take up new hobbies. I know our hobbies, especially guys, our hobbies tend to be pretty expensive. So knowing what you want to do in retirement will help you figure out how much money you'll need.

To make sure everything is on track. I encourage you to talk to a financial advisor. They can help you understand your pension plan and other retirement benefits. If you've served in the military or have other sources of income, they can help you see how everything will fit together. And regularly checking in with your financial advisor ensures there are no surprises and that you're making the most of what you have. Your pension might look good on paper, but you want to make sure it's enough to cover your expenses. A financial advisor can help you create a budget based on your expected income and spending. They can also help you find ways to save money or invest wisely to make your retirement savings last longer. Remember, it's important to keep an eye on your financial situation even after you retire. Things can change and it's good to be prepared, especially in today's economy. So by planning ahead and getting professional advice, you can make sure your retirement is as stress -free and enjoyable as possible. Taking these steps now will give you peace of mind and help you focus on enjoying this new chapter of your life.

Step three, look for new interest and activities. One of the questions I'll often ask is, what do you do to relax? Or fill your tank when you feel the job sucking the life out of you? Or what's a hobby or pastime you enjoy? The answer I get most of the time, it's, I don't do anything but work or I don't have a hobby. Well, that's not very healthy.

But what better time than retirement to explore new interests and new hobbies. After years of a busy and demanding job, you finally have the freedom to do things you've always wanted to try, or at least you hope you have this new time on your hands. But figuring out what to do with all that free time can be pretty tricky. First, think about what you'd like to do.

Maybe there's a hobby you've always wanted to pick up but never had the time for. It could be anything from painting to gardening or even learning to play a musical instrument. A couple of weeks ago, I was talking to a recent retiree whose house needed some remodeling. She never considered herself to be much of a do -it -yourselfer, but thanks to YouTube, she learned how to work with epoxy. She redid her countertops to look like marble. She showed me the pictures and I couldn't tell it wasn't really marble. Before long she'll probably have her whole house covered in epoxy. But whatever you choose, now is the perfect time to dive into those interests and see what makes you smile.

If you miss the structure of having a job, consider part -time work or a new career path that excites you. Many retirees find fulfillment in teaching, consulting, or starting a small business. These activities not only keep you busy, but also provide a sense of purpose and provide a little extra income, little spending, extra spending money. Many of those I worked with went back to work part -time with the department. I remember when I sat down with our sheriff to let him know I was retiring. He asked what he could do to make me stay. Nothing. I was ready to go. Then he asked if I wanted to come back part time. Again, it was no, but I had other, I had other things going on that I could throw myself into. Now that's always a possibility. Staying active is another big part of enjoying your retirement. Physical activity is great for your health, but it also helps keep your mind sharp and helps your energy levels. Whether it's joining a local gym, taking up cycling or simply going for daily walks, find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine. Developing a daily routine can help replace the rhythm of your work life. Plan your days with a mix of activities that keep you engaged.

This could include exercise, hobbies, spending time with friends, and volunteering.

Having a structure to your day can make retirement feel more fulfilling and prevent feelings of boredom or restlessness. Remember, retirement is your time to explore and enjoy life in new ways. It's about finding what makes you happy and giving yourself the freedom to pursue those interests by staying active and creating a balanced routine. You can make the most of this new chapter in your life. Moving on, step number four is to prioritize your health and your well -being. It makes sense to take care of your health, especially after you move into retirement. After years of working in a demanding job, it's important to continue or maybe start building healthy habits to enjoy your retirement to the fullest. I already mentioned regular exercise, finding something you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine.

Also, taking care of your mental health is just as important. Incorporate stress management strategies into your daily routine. You might also consider talking to a therapist or a counselor, especially if you've been dealing with a lot of stress or trauma from your job. I mentioned a little earlier about some of those intrusive thoughts or those intrusive images. Therapy isn't just for when things are really bad. It can be a great way to keep your mind healthy and handle everyday challenges.

If you have lingering physical health issues from your career, maybe back pain or injuries, now's the time to address them. Make regular appointments with your doctor and follow their advice on how to manage these issues. Staying on top of your health hopefully means you'll be able to enjoy your retirement more fully. Mental health issues such as PTSD or depression can be common among frontline professionals.

If you're struggling with these, please don't hesitate to seek support. There are many resources available from support groups to professional counseling. You've spent your career helping others and it's okay to ask for help when you need it. Remember taking care of your health isn't just about avoiding problems. It's about feeling your best and enjoying life by continuing or starting healthy habits and seeking support when needed. You can ensure your retirement years are enjoyable and fulfilling. Your health is your foundation. Make it a priority. And then lastly, step number five, redefine your identity and purpose.

One of the biggest challenges in retirement is figuring out who you are without your uniform or whatever helper hat you were wearing. For years, your identity has been tied up in your career. Now that you're retiring, it's time to embrace new roles and opportunities. Start by thinking about what makes you tick. What are your passions and interests? Maybe you've always loved helping others, which is why you chose your career path in the first place. That doesn't have to stop just because you're retiring. You can still make a difference in other ways. I know I covered this briefly already, but consider volunteering. Many organizations need dedicated people just like you. Whether it's helping out at a local food bank, working with veterans or supporting disaster relief efforts, volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and keep you connected to your community.

Mentoring is another great option. With all your experience, you have a lot to offer those just starting out. Sharing your knowledge and helping them navigate their careers can be incredibly rewarding. It also helps keep you involved in the field you care about. Getting involved with first responder charities is a fantastic way to stay engaged. These organizations often help people with your background to help with fundraising, outreach, and support services. I know in a previous episode we talked about suicide or crises. There are support helplines that primarily deal with first responders. Consider getting on board with that. Things like this will help keep you connected to your community and it allows you to continue making a positive impact. Don't forget, retirement is a new beginning, it's not an end. This is a chance to learn more about what you love, who you are, and finding a new sense of identity and purpose that can be just as satisfying as your old job by taking on new roles and opportunities. You've spent your whole life helping other people. Now keep that spirit alive in new ways. There are so many other things I could have mentioned like how retirement will affect your spouse or significant other, but I'll leave that for another episode. I hope this helps.

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Surviving Your Shift. I'd love to keep the conversation going and support your journey. Join the community of resilient frontline professionals by visiting survivingyourshift .com and filling out the form in the sidebar to get insider access and weekly practical strategies. I'll even send you a copy of Understanding PTSD: Its history Causes Symptoms and Treatment for you to download. Together, we can help you finish strong.

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Are you constantly feeling like you're living in two worlds, one at work and one at home, struggling to give your family the attention they deserve, thinking you have to give equal time to both? In the next episode, we'll tackle the unique challenges you face in blending your professional and personal lives. Learn how to seamlessly integrate your roles, if that's even possible, so you can bring your best self to both.

Tune in for practical steps to stop feeling torn between two demanding worlds and start creating harmony in your life. Stick around, I'll see you on that episode. Till next time, let's learn how to thrive, not just survive.