Can You Downshift Your Life?
A new age and a new lifestyle
Getting older brings about a whole host of changes to you and the world around you. The passage of time takes its toll on your body while at the same time it seems to speed up the world around you, making everything a bit more confusing and making you feel a bit more lost in a world you thought you knew so well. <br/><br/> Then just when you reach the peak of your working life you have to give it all up and retire. Nightmare? <br/><br/> Retirement can understandably feel like a bit of a shock to some people, with many drifting into a post-retirement depression after the initial holiday period has passed. Here are some tips to help you 'downshift' your life so that it doesn't need to come to this. <br/><br/> Retire Early <br/><br/> One way to take the shock factor out of retirement is to retire on your terms. Instead of waiting for your time to run out, you can set a date for when you want to retire. This makes sure that you are in control and not just freewheeling towards a cliff edge. <br/><br/> All you need to do is to pick a date and tell your work/clients/partners etc. Then set up your pension so that it kicks in at the appropriate time, or make sure you have enough saved up. <br/><br/> Plan for a Post Retirement Career <br/><br/> There is no law that says you can't work after you retire. Retirement is more there as a milestone for government or council workers where they must retire to allow for fresh blood to come through the ranks behind them, it does not apply to everyone, though it is available to everyone. <br/><br/> Instead of reaching for your slippers, start a new career. Perhaps one that is more conducive with your physical changes. You can even take you experience from your regular job and build up, for example, a consultancy based on what you worked as; or perhaps a teaching role working with younger people, helping them get into your former industry. <br/><br/> Semi-Retire <br/><br/> You need not retire at all you know. You can do what is known as 'semi-retire' which means cutting down the number of hours you work gradually. This is good for you as it slides you gently into eventual full retirement (if you want) and allows the company you work for/or the company you own to gradually work in your replacement so that when you finally leave they are already perfectly placed to carry on. It also means you can start working on your retirement income. <br/><br/> What would be your ideal way to downshift towards early retirement?
About the Author
Sam Qam is a retirement director. He helps people into early retirement and manages their retirement income to ensure it is set up to last.
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