We spend decades dreaming of the day when life won’t be dictated by alarm clocks, commute times, meeting schedules and office politics.
Then reality sets in – retirement can be kind of a drag. And there may be 20-plus years of it ahead of you.
While traditional retirement planning covers financial essentials – expected returns, inflation, withdrawal rates, portfolio rebalancing, tax planning – most plans won’t prepare you for the emotional challenges of post-work life.
You may dread the drudgery of employment, but there’s something to be said for the structure it provides.
Work is where many people derive their sense of purpose. It can also provide framework for your days (projects, meetings, deadlines) and a sense of community (thanks to water coolers, slow elevators and happy hours).