As the summer vacation season approaches, no one can predict what will happen when the summer heat fades. As we work throughout the years, we can only look forward to retirement. However, we don’t think about what to do when the time to retire comes. We’re so used to a daily work routine that we may not know what to do with ourselves after we retire. It may be easier for those who retire at the planned time, but what about those who are forced to retire?
The only way to confront retirement fears is to quickly acknowledge that it will inevitably happen to us and start preparing for it. With only a few months left until the end of the year, now is a great time to begin retirement preparation, hoping to get through this year smoothly.
Here are five things you need to do to prepare yourself for retirement.
1. Prepare a Memorable Retirement Speech
“Why prepare a retirement speech when I don’t even know when I’ll retire?” you might think. However, imagining the moment of retirement is the first step in preparation. Ask yourself, “What will I say to my long-time colleagues I cherish like family?” The moment you pose this question, retirement becomes a reality. Also, think of a heartfelt message for yourself, who has worked the hardest. This will be the warmest comfort for your next journey. By imagining how you’ll bid farewell, you can shape how that moment will be.
2. Assess Your Career Competitiveness
If your goal is reemployment after retirement, you need to objectively assess your career competitiveness right now. The reemployment rate for middle-aged individuals exceeds only 10%. Moreover, the longer you stay at one company and the higher your rank, the greater the psychological shock and the lower the possibility of reemployment. Therefore, if you wish to be reemployed, you must meticulously examine your competitiveness instead of relying on vague hopes. Assess your expertise, market outlook, job performance skills, and acceptable salary. Update your resume and, if necessary, seek advice from a career expert. Reemployment is easier when you’re still employed.
3. Carefully Review the Company’s Support Programs
There are various support programs for involuntary retirees over 50. Especially for businesses with more than 1,000 full-time employees, outplacement services are mandatory. However, retirees often show little interest. For example, a typical reaction from retirees to HR managers is, “I still have six months left; why talk about retirement now?” Some even express discomfort or ask if they are on the early retirement list. While it’s crucial for HR managers to communicate carefully and clearly, retirees must actively seek out suitable programs and support systems themselves.
4. Find Successful Retirement Cases That Suit You
Despite everything, imagining your post-retirement life is not easy. Leaving behind the familiar life of an office worker to find a new direction requires significant thought and energy. Since many people don’t know where to start, it’s helpful to first search for retirement cases that interest you. Many media outlets feature retirees who have transitioned to independent lives. From these examples, you can clarify your retirement direction. Some companies offer technology-based NPT (New-UP Planning Tool) to help retirees find new careers.
5. Establish a Routine for Retirement Preparation
Once you’ve covered the four points above, incorporate small actions into your daily life. While immediate tasks may seem more pressing, remember that you are the one who will shape your post-retirement life. If you are eligible for mandatory outplacement services, consider utilizing work hours for training. Alternatively, dedicate specific times to learning something new or developing a business plan.
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