You can afford to retire. So why can't you bring yourself to do it?

Most people judge retirement by one question: "Can I afford it?" That's an important question. But it's only half the picture. The other half is emotional.

Here is an example. Many people hold off retirement by continuing to work longer than they need to financially. Often they will rationalise their inaction by stating that no-one can replace them at work. What’s wrong with that?

It's easy to tell yourself you're indispensable. Sometimes that's true. More often, it hides a deeper anxiety: stepping into a life you've never experienced before.

So how will you know if you’re emotionally ready to retire?

If you've spent thirty or forty years working, it's perfectly normal to hesitate. That is natural because the transition to retirement is a major life change.

Here are four questions worth asking yourself:

• Am I retiring towards something, or simply away from work?

• Can I picture how I'll spend a typical Tuesday six months after I retire?

• Apart from my job, what gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning?

• What will give shape and structure to my week once work has gone?

You don't need to have all the answers today. But these are questions worth thinking about before you retire, not afterwards.

Are you reading this and thinking:

"That's exactly where I am. I could retire, so why haven't I?"

Then let's talk. A 15-minute, obligation-free conversation may help you see the next step more clearly. My details are below.

Here is a final thought. No-one taught us how to leave work. We spend decades learning how to build a career, but very little time learning how to let it go.

Tel: 0409 116 766

Email: jon@64plus.com.au

Doctor Jon Glass Retirement Specialist and Coach