What can retirees do if a retired lifestyle makes them miserable? Plan your retirement in just the same way you planned your career. Think ahead and try different things that may make life more interesting? There may even be many false starts, but at least you are trying something and learning from your mistakes. Exactly what you used to do on the job! This critical step appears to be what many pre-retired people and newly retired people seem to forget. Get going and do something, anything that has some interest for you. We will disscuss a step by step process that retirees can adapt to their own situation. But the important thing is for the person to get started.

What can Retirees Do if a Retired Lifestyle Makes Them Miserable

The following is our step by step approach:

Make a list of those things that you could do to improve your life. It could even include going back to work, volunteering, travel etc.

For each item on your list, describe how you would achieve or complete it. This could include steps such as updating your resume to looking for organizations that need help.

Create a satisfaction index from one to ten and describe in your own words what you are looking for that would increase your level of satisfaction. e.g. more social interaction, more challenge, giving back etc

Apply these criteria to each item on your list and rank then from one to ten.

Discuss your plans with a partner or your spouse or a friend. Ask for their input and what they think about each one as it applies to yourself.

Take the time to investigate each item on the list based on your ranking factors. Then decide which one or perhaps even several that you will pursue. There may be some false starts. Some may not turn out the way you thought they would. That is ok you are learning more about yourself and what will make you happy instead of being miserable in retirement.

For more information about finding a new meaning in life and changing careers, click here.