The Retiring Mind

It is a well-known fact (and by well-known fact, I mean that I'm making it up here), that there are three types of retirees. 

First of all, there are the totally-happy-to-be retired.  They have lots to do, feel like there still aren't enough hours in a day, and wonder how on earth they ever found time to work.

Then there are the almost-happy-to-be-retired.  They really looked forward to retirement, but are finding they need a little help settling into it all.  They may be a bit overwhelmed, and the reality that it takes some time to transition may come as a shock to this group.

And finally, there are the oh-my-gosh-what-have-I-done retirees.

For those of you in the first two categories, you probably will find your own way to a fulfilling retirement.  You may enjoy reading retirement blogs, and may also appreciate such books as Ernie Zelinski's How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free (my personal favorite), or Richard Bolles and John Nelson's What Color is your Parachute for Retirement.  These may give you just that little nudge you need to design the retirement that's right for you.

But for those in that last group, the transition might be a little tougher.

It's worth mentioning that there are some in this group that maybe shouldn't be retired at all.  Take Gloria Davis (thanks Jonathan Chevreau for the tweet to this post).  She's 83 and unemployed.  Yes, you heard me, unemployed, not retired.  Ms. Davis feels that retirement is a "ticket to boredom, illness, and death."  Clearly retirement is not her cup of tea.

But for those of you that do want to sip some retirement, there is help.  I just received a copy of Robert Delamontagne's The Retiring Mind.  If there's one thing I've learned over my two years of blogging about retirement it's that each person is different.  There, I acknowledged it.  Each person is different.  There is no one-size-fits-all approach to retirement, and those of you in this last group may find this book useful.

The book identifies nine different personality types and discusses the degree of difficulty each may face as they adjust to retirement.  Delamontagne's advice comes from a spiritual, not exactly religious, but certainly "new-agey" angle.  (He even jokes about this himself in the book:  "Now let me say it for you, 'what kind of new age bullshit is this?' ").  The approach may not appeal to everyone, but for those that welcome guidance from such a perspective, you may want to give it a try.

As you probably already know, I vacillate between the first two types of retirees, so my perspectives on retirement are probably of little interest to those in that last group.  But if you think you might appreciate this book, leave a comment or email me by Thursday, May 6th.  The publisher has generously agreed to give three copies of the book away.  I'll pick names from a hat and announce the winners on Friday, May 7th.  Good luck!

Related Posts:

    Is Being Content Preventing You From Being Happy in Retirement?

    Zombie Retirement

    Invasion of the (Retirement) Body Snatchers

Comments

[Jacqueline]

Syd, I hate to see this, but I'm afraid I'm somewhere between group 2 and 3. I've never been in the "slow group" before and feel like I'm missing some critical retirement gene at times.

Thanks so much for the book recommendation. I have Zelinski's book but there seemed to be something missing there for me. Perhaps because the last time I read it, I was still working a lot and dreaming of retirement. I'll pick it up and re-read it.

Just skimming through the first chapter, the author diagnosed me to a T. I also note that at the end of the first chapter, he gives a hint of what's to come - the Enneagram. I've found the Enneagram to be the most helpful personality diagnostic and personal growth tool of all personality typing methods. Looking forward to reading the book!! (This will have to be my one book of the month purchase).

My name is Jacqueline and I am an achievement addict. :-)

[LC]

I'm definitely in group 1, although with some issues. I treasure the freedom to meet all those priorities I set pre-retirement, including spending time helping moms with medical care and other challenges and visits to help with grandkids. I am thoroughly enjoying diving into my to-do list of things I have always wanted to do but did not have stress-free time for while employed. But my goals are modest, and I sometimes think I am "falling short" by choosing this puttering-about way of life. But, hey, I am sticking with it until I get tired of it!

[Forest]

As my job basically involves blogging and a little graphic design (two things I love doing), I can't ever see myself fully retiring! Maybe cutting down a little but never stopping!

[Retired Syd]

@Jacqueline aka achievement addict: Well, maybe you'll win the free copy and then you won't have to tap into your book budget!

@LC: I also need the book that, as far as I know, doesn't exist: How Not to Feel Guilty About the Puttering-About Way of Life.

@Forest: Well your un-retired life sounds a lot like my retired life. Well except no one pays me to do the stuff I love doing. If only I had loved doing accounting . . . .

[Jacqueline]

Thanks Syd, too late, I bought it already. And what's wrong with me that I like doing accounting?? :-( I feel like somebody's paying me to play sudoku sometimes. I just need to have less poverty of imagination for how I can get those same needs met in a non-profit kind of way. I've got a few ideas up my sleeve already - thanks again!

[Ourtakeonfreedom.wordpress.com]

What? You didn't LOVE doing accounting?! :-)

[Ourtakeonfreedom.wordpress.com]

Ok, I take that back. I've 'been served' by Jacqueline!

[Janette]

I would be interested in a read!

[Rebecca]

Depending on the day I can be in any of the three groups.

[deegee]

I am definitely in the first group. Even in my final 17 months of working when I reduced my weekly work days from 3 to 2, I felt that working got in the way of doing my other things. Because of the long, tiring, awful commute, I could not do my daytime stuff or my evening stuff. The only way I could have unfettered access to both every day was to retire altogether. And I am soooo glad I did in late 2008 at age 45.

[Retired Syd]

For those that didn't win the contest, there's a second chance over at: http://blog.canadian-dream-free-at-45.com/2010/05/14/book-review-the-retiring-mind/

[fred doe]

retirement is a work in progress. just like your life. except your free to do as you like and that kind of freedom can scare some but don't be scared. it's just you living your life.