Retirement Counseling
Retirement provides new opportunities – Right?
John* dreamed and waited for retirement, and it finally arrived.
For years before he retired from a long teaching career, John dreamed of the freedom he would enjoy.
He thought about having more time to spend doing things he had always wanted to do and doing the things he and his wife would do together.
After six months of being retired, things didn’t work out as John expected.
John’s honeymoon with retirement ended.
After a few months of having a much-needed break, John sat around the house watching TV day after day.
His wife still worked part time, and John busied himself with menial tasks, trying to fill in the time until she came home. He felt useless and marginal.
John thought about his years as a teacher. He had loved teaching history, forming relationships with his students, and watching them accomplish amazing things. He even kept in touch with a few he had taught 20 years ago!
John started experiencing retirement blues.
Feeling anxious and uncertain, John realized he had lost his purpose in life.
He was getting older; friends around him were dying every day. Maybe he would be next!
John wanted to make the most of his remaining time. Putting his head in his hands, he had to admit that he needed to take some action.
John’s wife was concerned and suggested that he see a counselor.
John’s decision to seek help brought satisfaction.
At first, John resisted counseling. After all, he had been solving his and others’ problems his whole life.
But John had to admit that the time had come for him to seek help.
Because of counseling, John learned to build a new and satisfying life in retirement…
John’s story might be your story.
Maybe you are like John and have discovered being retired is more challenging than you thought.
Counseling can help people with the loss of identity and purpose that they experienced during their careers. Without an action plan after retiring, such loss can create destructive thoughts.
Change of roles, loss of purpose, re-shifting of spousal relationships, and finding new meanings in life take effort and time.
The intersection of aging and retirement can trigger anxiety and fears of death and life regrets.
Counseling helps retirees create new opportunities.
Counseling can help you explore the past, take care of unfinished business, and have new experiences.
If you are in the pre-retirement phase, counseling can help you define your priorities, interests, and goals.
Through counseling, you can learn to develop a proactive plan that will make your retirement less stressful and more fulfilling.
John gained a new life after retirement!
Today, John is now active in mentoring young people in his community. He and his wife worked together to establish a mutually beneficial schedule allowing them time to do things together and apart.
After making new friends, John started a hobby that helped him establish another focus and interest.
Although initially difficult, John can now say that he is thoroughly enjoying his retirement, as he has put together a rich life filled with meaningful and stimulating activities.
Be like John!
If you are struggling with retirement issues or need help to plan for your retirement, reach out and contact me today by calling
(216) 785-9466.
Retirement is one of life’s most important decisions and marks a significant turning point.
Make the most of your retirement! Live it well and fully!
Over the past 20 years, I have helped hundreds of people navigate life’s important transitions.
*Name changed to protect confidentiality.