Life begins at RETIREMENT

On Jul 1, 2009, I retired. Today, I am celebrating my one full month of retirement.

Prior to retirement, I planned carefully to ensure a fulfilling retirement. So, what have I done since one month's ago?

For a start, my first month has been very rewarding. I did the following:

- met my financial planner twice
- spent quality time with my family - spouse and children alike
- learning new skills - two of them in fact
- volunteering my time to 2 organizations
- reconnect with friends lost during the past 30 years
- had 2 reunion parties planning a few more till end of year
- more physical exercises
- blogging
- quiet time for myself
- rediscovering Singapore
- traveling
- visited ex-office

All of these were part of my retirement plan. Many of these will continue through the months to come. I have developed a sort of flexible routine which provided orderliness to my once structured professional life. This helps with the transition and will ensure I am not bored.

What have I learned?

1) Absolutely important to have a plan before your retire. So, you can move into retirement life with some zest rather than remorse.

2) Prioritize your activities. While I have a plan, there were times when I feel I was overwhelmed with so many things to do. Space out the activities.

3) Continue to meet and talk to people. This is to keep abreast of their world. Why is this important? This helps with the transition to retirement. Also, it can help you with your financial decisions.

4) Meet your financial planner. This will ensure you know invest wisely.

5) Network with past associates, learn what they do, have coffee/lunch with them. This helps with the social balance instead of just spending time with family. Family members needs a breather from you too.

6) Continue to keep fit. This helps with our ability to enjoy life at this phase.

7) Learn new skills - helps to challenge our limits. This include blogging, a new fitness program, an interactive skill.

8) Volunteer your time. It brings about a sense of fulfillment. I thoroughly enjoy my time with my 2 organizations.

Overall, I would give myself a 9 out of 10. I think I could do more to have quiet time for myself. That's why I did not score full marks.

In any case, the first month has been fun. My calendar for the second month is already filled with training, skill development, travels, parties and social networking.