I can’t wait to retire so I can sleep in when I want  and go to bed when I’m good and ready. I want to get together with friends, stay out late and not worry about hauling myself into work in the morning. I want to do what I want, when I want, where I want, without someone telling me I can’t or I shouldn’t.

As much as retirement may call out to you, like a beacon in the night, don’t be in such a hurry to answer unless you know what awaits you. Here are a few takes on the subject that might cause you to consider your options before you close one chapter and begin another.

I thought I’d love retirement and there are parts of it that are great, like doing my thing and not having to answer to a boss, a customer, or a co-worker. And it is nice to stay up late if I want with no penalty to pay the morning after. What I hadn’t planned on is I’m not sleeping like I used to, for no better reason than I’m “older”, so there’s no great joy in staying up late or sleeping in. I’m up half the night, whether I like it or not.

I thought I’d enjoy spending time with my friends. What I didn’t count on is that my friends have lives and family and friends besides me. They like spending lots of time with their grandchildren, and taking trips to places they’ve always wanted to go.

I thought I’d spend most of my time taking care of projects I never had time to tackle when I was working. I got them all done in the first three months I was home. Now I spend my time walking around the house and the yard hoping to find something broken so I can fix it. My spouse has warned me to knock it off. Seems that I’ve taken to suggesting that there are some things about her that need fixing and she’s not taken kindly to it, or to me. She wants me to find something to do away from the house so I’ll have some structure in my life. I think she’s right. 

I thought retirement would be my chance at a second career.  What I didn’t realize was that this job market would be closed to all but the youngest, brightest, least expensive help to be found and I don’t qualify. I’m volunteering and that’s fine, but I’m not as excited, challenged, or stimulated as I’d like to be.

So before you plan your retirement party, plan your retirement. If you want a second career, be sure there’s a market for it and for you.  If you’re counting on friends for entertainment, figure out how you’ll entertain yourself when they’re busy. If you want to spend time doing fix it jobs, figure out what you’ll do after they’re all fixed. If you depend on your spouse for company, better make an appointment. He or she might have plans that don’t include you.