Retirement is an enviable prospect to many people, and a day most of us look forward to. Many stressed out people in the middle of their career dream of trading the hours spent sitting behind a desk, commuting, meeting deadlines, and completing mountains of paperwork for time to travel and visit with friends and family, or just relax and do nothing. But once you get over the emotional and physical exhaustion from years of work, the reality of retirement might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Many folks find that when they retire, the reality isn’t as appealing and begin going stir-crazy looking for ways to fill the time. It can cause some to respond by “un-retiring” because they’re not quite ready to call it quits! Some may un-retire for a financial boost as well. The extra income can build confidence and savings in extended retirement years. Others have the desire for a purpose-filled life that involves contributing in one way or another within their community. Thus, working part-time is a good consideration to beat boredom and resolve the isolation that can result from leaving the workforce, especially if the work brought significant meaning and purpose to his or her life. What retired people typically miss about work include the challenges, accomplishments, and professional camaraderie. A recent study showed that 39% of employed Americans who are 65 and older had previously retired. And half of those who are 50 and older who are not currently working said they would work if the right opportunity came along.
If the retirement “vacation” has lost its allure, you might want to consider volunteering or even part-time work. Feeling connected and having a heightened sense of purpose through work just might be the ingredient needed to reignite your personal vitality.
