Focus on what you have, not what you’re leaving. Retirement is a brand new chapter of life. I’ve adjusted really well — in fact, most people who thought they knew me are rather stunned that I haven’t kept the mantle of working nurse — at least on a part-time basis. But I was more than a nurse, we are all MORE than our career choices.
From a financial point of view — get used to living below your means before you retire. I was able to live on about 2/3 of my take home pay for the five years or so before I retired. That made the financial transition to living on my pension seamless.
Here’s a piece I wrote about the pleasant surprises I found in retirement. It has more information about the specific points that were welcome additions to the retirement plan I thought I had in place.
Best of luck! I love being retired & highly recommend it! :)
