At some point in your life, you will decide to wind down. You will likely be looking for less responsibility and more freedom. You probably won’t be looking for an abrupt change of your life. That’s what used to happen when people were working full-time one day and retired completely the next. Here are seven tips to consider now, so that when the time comes, you can make a smooth transition into eventual retirement.
The following are seven ways to wind down and take things easier:
- Work fewer hours: The obvious way to edge towards retirement is to take more time off, but keep working. This taper way to retirement can suit employees. Organize it well ahead though; otherwise your employer might be making other plans.
- Realize a dream: If you work in an office but have always wanted to drive a bus, now’s your chance. Retire from the office and drive that bus. In fact many traditionally low-paid service jobs really suit the otherwise retired. Try something really different.
- You can do, so teach: Passing on your knowledge and experience to younger people is very rewarding. You can teach in school, university, prison and many other places. You can do this for pay or as a volunteer; it depends on your needs and your interests.
- Emigrate: Moving to a cheaper, warmer country can make retirement possible when otherwise it would be impossible. Why not teach English when you get settled? It would be a great way to get to know people.
- Write: Not everyone can write books, but everyone has a story to share. Alternatively, write articles for magazines that cover your specialist interests.
- Volunteer: You might not need the money, just the mental stimulation. There are thousands of volunteering opportunities. Your local library or the internet can be a great source of information.
- Travel: Either as a tourist or maybe a tour guide and remember that guides travel for free.
As we have more time on our hands and achieved much of our life’s objectives we should take some time to think about the world about us. We are not tourists here. We all have to start being part of the solution now and not be just adding to the problems. We have to take part, get involved, take action and put something back into this fabulous world around us.
