It is worth planning this transition well so as not to feel loss due to the end of active work life.
While some people are counting the days until retirement, others cannot imagine what will come after their working life. In any case, you need to plan your time after work well.
According to experts, there are ways to realize that retirement time has come and what to watch out for after leaving an active working life.
Of course, there is no single right time to retire. “Older workers are not a homogeneous group,” stresses Laura Romeu Gordo, deputy director of research at the German Center for Gerontology.
“While some are still fit and productive at age 60, others are less so at five years younger. However, when asked about the time of retirement, most people are guided by the standard age limit ”, highlights the researcher.
The scientist bases her argument on the German Survey on Aging, among other studies. In Germany the retirement age limit is between 65 and 67 years. In Ecuador, workers with social security affiliation can retire at age 65 with a minimum of 15 years or more of contributions. While the person who has 480 contributions (40 years), can retire regardless of age.
What are the conditions that must be met to retire in Ecuador?
According to Romeu Gordo, men tend to want to work longer, and the same is true for people with higher education. On the other hand, people in physically demanding jobs often want to retire before the standard retirement age.
According to the gerontology specialist, in general it is more common for people to leave their jobs earlier and not to work beyond the working age limit.
“In particular, the less qualified people and those who have health problems are more likely to quit their job earlier than expected,” he clarifies.
Will my retirement money afford me?
Another important factor in deciding when to retire is money. Most must calculate very carefully if they can and will accept the financial losses that early retirement often entails.
For those who can make decisions regardless of money and health, there are other signs that it may be time to retire.
For the German psychologist Kristine Qualen an indication is when she observes in her clients a more economical use of their energy reserves. Many of those on the home stretch no longer want to spend time on unpleasant things.
“For example, they no longer get angry about structural problems at work that take a long time,” he says.
According to Qualen, a sign that you are entering a new phase of life can also be when a new professional step no longer seems interesting or if you no longer want to accept any commitment to advance up the career ladder.
The psychologist adds that many people reject innovations with phrases such as “I’m older” or “I don’t have to deal with that”, which could also indicate that the time has come to rethink whether it is worth continuing work or it is time for a most fundamental change.
This is also true for when one returns to the routine and feels tired from work after a period of rest or vacation. Or even when verifying that the work generates health problems.
The new challenges of life without work: why think about a gradual retirement
Qualen emphasizes that you don’t always have to think about permanent retirement from work first. It is often enough to change working hours, as long as, of course, it is allowed. In principle, the expert advises not to make an abrupt cut between work and retirement.
A gradual transition is usually healthier and more satisfying and there are several possibilities to carry it out. For example, reducing working hours, mentoring younger staff or working on a voluntary basis.
“In this way, recognition and sense of accomplishment can be maintained to transmit what one knows how to do well, “says Qualen. However, he adds that it is not always easy to find a replacement, especially if you have worked with a lot of dedication.
However, once the person has decided to retire, a clear deadline should be set for when they want to leave work. “It is especially true for the self-employed, otherwise there may be a very long process of back and forth,” he warns.
“When the time comes, new challenges await you, since you have to reorganize the new life without work”, Emphasizes Romeu Gordo.
Immediately after the retreat there is usually the so-called honeymoon effect: this is a brief period of joy for the new freedom. But later, according to the scientist, for some people the reality seems less rosy. “Routines, social contacts and tasks disappear, which can have a negative impact on mental health,” he highlights.
In that sense, Qualen advises think before about how you want to use the new freedom: Do I need some peace and quiet first? Or do I want to keep my social contacts and go out a lot? In any case, the psychologist recommends including the couple in these considerations. (F)
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
