The word “retirement” is of French origin from the 1500s and was defined as the “act of retreating” and the “act of withdrawing into seclusion.” By the 1640s, it was applied to a “withdrawal from occupation or business.”*
While today we may think of retirement as a time of no longer being employed, it does not, and should not, mean that those who are retired need to withdraw from society or play a less active role.
While figuring out the financial aspects of retirement is imperative, longer lives are bringing out the emotional aspects of it as well. For many, work has been a major part of their identity—a large chunk of time is spent there over many decades. Work has given their life structure and often is central to their life and lifestyle.
This new chapter in life can bring many opportunities and choices, but it also brings major changes. The 2025 Trends in Retirement Planning report found that only 11% of financial planners believe their clients are emotionally prepared for retirement. They cite clients’ fear of adapting to no longer having work as well as losing their sense of identity.
It may help to think about retirement not as retiring from, but retiring to. It’s not just about having more relaxed days, but imagining how we will describe ourselves and define our self-worth in retirement.
- Consider planning out future daily or weekly schedules to help you think through your new reality.
- Look at your career and what you enjoy, what your strengths and weaknesses are, and then use those insights to help guide you onto hobbies or volunteer opportunities you might like to do when you retire.
- Get perspectives from your network of friends and family who have already retired to help with the transition.
Our lives are not defined by the work we do or have done. While you need a solid financial foundation (we can help you plan for that), having a clear vision of your future self is key. The definition of retirement is up to you.