Which phase are you in?

In 2000, Robert Atchley developed six phases of retirement that represent a process individuals go through when they transition from the workforce to the recliner. Phase 1 is called pre-retirement, which involves “disengagement from the workplace and planning for what retirement will entail.”

When I retired from teaching in 2010, I had no plan except to take up residence in this small state which boasts lower taxes, less traffic and shorter lines at the DMV. I knew I wanted to write and publish some work of merit. I recall my uncle pulling me aside and expressing concern that my husband might have a hard time in retirement because he wasn’t sure he had outside interests to pursue. He will figure it out, I said.

Atchley says we often take one of three possible paths in Phase 2, called retirement. “Some of us opt for the ‘honeymoon’ path, where we become very busy doing many of the leisure activities we never had time for, especially travel. Others take to the ‘immediate retirement routine’ and create comfortable, yet busy schedules right away. A third of us fall into the ‘rest and relaxation’ path described as a period of very low activity.” This group, he suggests, is often exhausted from stress and working long hours.

Many of us cross onto all three paths. At first l took watercolor classes, yoga, and basket weaving. Ray and I took a trip to Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Then I needed a schedule. I began to volunteer in the community. I want my time to count for something important.

Phase 3 he titles disenchantment. “There may be a period of disappointment or uncertainty. A person may miss the feelings of productivity they experienced when working. Disenchantment with retirement can also occur if there is a significant disruption in the retirement experience, such as the death of a spouse or an undesired move.”

Debbie wrote to me in January. “I love to read your articles in the Cape Gazette. My last day of work was on Aug. 7, 2013. I reached a place at work when I realized I could not keep working and take care of my mom.  Even though I handle her finances and she is in a senior living facility, I am just beginning to feel like the word retirement might fit into my life.”

Phase 4 is reorientation. “After a period of rest and relaxation or feelings of disenchantment, it is common for people to ‘take inventory’ of their retirement experience and outline ways that will improve their retirement role.”  I don’t like wandering the aisles at Home Goods, searching for dish towels or a new tea kettle, one that whistles Dixie perhaps. I talk about writing great works, but there is no boss to keep me on task.

Mastering a comfortable and rewarding retirement routine is the ultimate goal of retirement, and this is Phase 5. Are you happy with your routine? My friends Bud and Tina have babysat their two grandchildren two days a week for the last five years. Some of my friends have been volunteering on the same days at Beebe Healthcare for over 10 years.

Phase 6 is described as the termination of retirement, which could mean assisted living like Debbie’s mother, where she and her mother’s caregivers are making decisions for her welfare.

Whatever stage of life you are in brings challenges just as the work world did. What do you think?