{"id":640666,"date":"2026-08-16T20:29:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T20:29:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/640666\/"},"modified":"2026-08-16T20:29:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T20:29:15","slug":"what-you-do-now-might-affect-your-happiness-in-retirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/640666\/","title":{"rendered":"What you do now might affect your happiness in retirement"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’ve all dreamed about retirement, right? How we will spend our days when we are finally off the clock \u2014 permanently.<\/p>\n

While having enough money to enjoy it is generally the first thing people plan for, experts say retirement can be a shock to the system if you’ve not considered how you’ll spend your time.<\/p>\n

Loneliness, a loss of identity and family expectations are just a few things that can be challenging to navigate.<\/p>\n

Here’s what to consider, and when.<\/p>\n

Consider transitioning to retirement slowly<\/p>\n

Retirement is one of the most significant transitions working Australians go through, according to Nick Tebbey, the national executive officer at Relationships Australia.<\/p>\n

“I think a lot of people really approach that with a great sense of excitement,” he says.<\/p>\n

“But also, [there’s] trepidation and perhaps a little bit of stress about what life is going to look like on the other side.”<\/p>\n

Mr Tebbey recommends people start this planning at least five years<\/strong> before retiring to allow themselves time to adjust.<\/p>\n

“[If you can] over a few years, start reducing your hours from full-time to part-time, or part-time to a casual arrangement,” he says.<\/p>\n

“This allows you to test out and adapt to fewer hours at work and more time at home.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Being socially connected in retirement is important for wellbeing. (Pexels)<\/p>\n

Lachlan Searle, the chief executive for national suicide prevention charity for RUOK?, says mapping out your retirement is as important as the financial planning.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“I think like any transition in life, whether it’s in early adulthood, it’s whether it’s getting married or having children or buying a new house, these things need to be planned for,” he says.<\/p>\n

“The tricky thing is that you go from being busy to not being busy.”<\/p>\n

Discuss your plans and expectations with loved ones<\/p>\n

Relationships Australia says retirement may change the dynamic and expectations<\/strong> within close relationships.<\/p>\n

“Have the necessary conversations with your loved ones about what retirement is going to look like,” Mr Tebbey says.<\/p>\n

“[This] helps family and friends adjust their expectations and gives them insight into what might be appropriate to ask of you.”<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Nick Tebbey is the national executive officer of Relationships Australia. (Supplied)<\/p>\n

He says to consider talking through the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n