Adjusting to Retirement

You have looked forward to retirement for years, and now that it is here you may feel oddly flat, restless or lost. Or you may be retiring earlier than planned because of health or retrenchment. Both are common, and both deserve some thought and support.

What is happening

Work gives us much more than a salary. It gives structure to the day, people to talk to, a sense of being useful and often a big part of our identity. When it stops, people often go through a honeymoon phase, then a dip, before finding a new rhythm. The dip is normal. It usually lifts faster when you plan for purpose, not just rest.

Retirement can change your relationships too. Couples who now spend all day together may need to renegotiate space and chores. Family may expect you to become the full-time childminder, the family bank, or the person who moves back to the rural home. You are allowed to choose what you take on.

Money is a big part of retirement stress. Decisions about your retirement fund, such as how much to take in cash and what kind of annuity to buy, are hard to undo, so get advice from an FSCA-authorised financial adviser before you sign. If your savings are small, the SASSA older persons grant may help from age 60, subject to a means test. Our Money hub explains retirement fund choices, and our Health hub covers staying well as you age.

Signs to notice

• Days feel long and without purpose
• You miss colleagues and feel cut off
• You are sleeping more, or poorly, and feel low
• You feel irritable with your partner now that you are home together
• Money worries keep you awake
• Family are making plans for your time without asking you

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. Go with your first honest answer.

• Do most days feel empty or without purpose?
• Have you lost regular contact with people outside your household?
• Are you worried your money will not last?
• Are you sleeping or drinking more than before retiring?
• Is tension at home higher since you retired?
• Did you make, or are you about to make, a big money decision without independent advice?

0-1 yes: You seem to be settling into retirement. Keep building routines and connections.
2-3 yes: The change is harder than expected in some areas. Some planning and support can make a real difference.
4 or more yes: Retirement is weighing heavily on you right now. Please consider speaking to a counsellor and, for money matters, an FSCA-authorised adviser.

What you can do next

• Today: Write down three things work gave you, such as structure, people or purpose, and one way you could get each of them now.
• This week: Set a simple weekly routine with at least two regular commitments outside the home: a walking group, church, volunteering, a class or part-time work.
• This month: Review your retirement income with an FSCA-authorised financial adviser and make a realistic budget.
• Talk openly with your partner and family about how you want to spend your time.

Your tool

Retirement Adjustment Check - a private check that looks at purpose, routine, relationships, health and money, and suggests where to focus first.

When to get professional help

Get help if low mood lasts more than two weeks, if you are drinking more, if loneliness is affecting your health, or if money worries are overwhelming. A counsellor can help you work through the loss of your working identity and plan what comes next.
Who can help: counsellor, psychologist, FSCA-authorised financial planner, career coach

Getting help in South Africa

SASSA (sassa.gov.za) handles the older persons grant. Check any financial adviser's authorisation with the FSCA (fsca.co.za). The Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline on 0800 212 146 can arrange counselling. Many communities have seniors' clubs, faith groups, U3A-style learning groups and volunteer programmes that welcome retirees. See also our articles on loneliness after retirement and starting again after a life-changing event.