Itunu had a few months to retiring from her 9 to 5 job, after about 25 years of active service.

She really put in her all, and had many awards to show for it, including the glorious company pens and wrist watches. As she wound down to retirement day, these thoughts flashed through her mind:

• She didn’t have a Clear Vision, Goals and Priorities for Retirement.
• She needed to reassess her current situation and have a Financial Retirement Plan.
• She had buried herself in her work and was not sure what else she could do with her life, outside of what she had been doing at work, all her life.
• She feared she would be bored stiff if she didn’t go to work as usual. 
• She felt a certain sense of loss and lack of purpose.
• She wondered what she would do regarding health matters in Retirement. Her office had her on an HMO plan.
• She wasn’t sure how to navigate this new phase of life ahead of her.
• And the list goes on and on.

Itunu was terrified!



Hopefully this doesn’t sound like you.

Our careers give us more than just a regular pay-check, they give us status, identity, purpose, relationships, leadership, achievement, and accomplishment.

A successful retirement plan is not just about income replacement - it's about finding ways to replace the meaning we derive from our work.

Work doesn’t just provide us with opportunities for achievement, accomplishment, learning, challenge, socialisation, and leadership; it also offers clearly defined goals, structure, and a regular routine. It's important to consider that what you like about your work will be what you will miss when you leave it.

So, what aspects of work will you miss?

Take the time to identify the benefits of work that you value most and find new ways to replace them. With this you can create a retirement that is just as rewarding and satisfying as your career.

Many people nearing the end of their careers also want to continue to feel a sense of purpose and fulfilment. This can be achieved through volunteering, staying engaged with the community, or continuing to work in a different capacity, such as consulting or mentoring. People also focus on hobbies, family, and travelling for fun and enjoy.

Staying socially connected and engaged in activities that one finds enjoyable can help improve overall well-being.

To be successful in post-work life means that you find satisfying and fulfilling replacements for work and find happiness in interests, relationships, and activities in your daily life.

You also need to be happy with your new identity and role in life. This way, your life continues to have meaning after your job has ended.

That’s a win-win.

Inyang Sami-Orungbe (The Retirement Planning Queen)

Founder of The Bloombox Platform