What Should You Do In The First Week of Retirement: 8 Tips To Guide You

what to do in the first week of retirement

“What should I do now?” That thought shouldn’t be the first thing to cross your mind after retirement. Instead, imagine an enthusiastic, “It’s time to get started!” ringing in your head.

Ideally, you should have a good sense of your wants and needs before taking the leap into retirement. But if you didn’t plan ahead (life happens), it’s okay. Maybe planning just isn’t your forte or you’re just swamped with your career and daily troubles.

So, relax! You’re not alone. Whether you’re still navigating the planning stage or scrambling to find your footing in your first week of retirement, I’m here to help. Let’s turn that “What now?” into “Let’s do this!”

1. Celebrate Your Retirement

Celebrating marks the exciting first chapter of your retirement journey! The day before you say goodbye to the daily grind, expect an outpouring of farewells—heartfelt messages, thoughtful quotes, surprise gifts, and maybe even festive parties!

The longer your tenure, the more send-off festivities you’ll likely receive. Remember, these celebrations honor your dedication and commitment. So, take a moment to savor them with colleagues, friends, and family.

How you choose to celebrate is entirely up to you. Do you want to focus on making your last day unforgettable? Perhaps plan a grand exit that leaves a lasting impression? Or maybe use your retirement party (or parties!) as the perfect platform to inspire others with your next chapter.

2. Reward Yourself

While you’ll surely be showered with gifts during your retirement party or sendoff, don’t forget to reward yourself as well. I surely did it myself! And there are a lot of options to choose from, depending on your retirement goals.

For example, if you’re a travel bug, you might want to purchase a recreational vehicle and be a certified digital nomad like me! Traveling around the country and some parts of the world has been very rewarding for me ever since I retired. So, if you choose the life of an adventurer on the road, be sure to wave if you ever see me hiking or driving!

Meanwhile, if you want to focus on learning and studying, you may want to get yourself enrolled in an online course. There are many online learning platforms out there to choose from. I highly suggest MasterClass, mainly for its plethora of different subjects and instructors—just imagine Gordon Ramsey teaching you his techniques in the kitchen!

Of course, there are other great instructors there: Ron Finley, Aaron Franklin, Dr. Jane Goodall, Serena Williams, Christina Aguilera, Hans Zimmer, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Stephen Curry, Carlos Santana, Jimmy Chin, Dan Brown, and many others.

Yes! Go To Masterclass >>

3. Understand Your Situation

The transition from work to retirement is a slow burn. Your farewell party or even within the first exhilarating week doesn’t mark the end of your transition. Adapting to your new life as someone outside corporate life and hustle-and-bustle has its unique rhythm and timing. Even years in, I still catch myself going through my morning routine when I was still employed on autopilot, only to realize that part of my life is over after drinking my cup of coffee.

Consider the week before your retirement as your own personal honeymoon phase. Think celebratory retirement parties, joyous reunions, and adventures—both planned and spontaneous. Enjoy the experience, and embrace the busyness; it’s a beautiful prelude to your retirement.

To avoid feeling shell-shocked when the honeymoon phase ends, it’s crucial to prepare and understand your new reality. Set realistic expectations and acknowledge the vast differences between your pre-retirement and post-retirement life. During the first few days of your first week, you’re basically fish out of water.

To give you a more concrete idea of what you’ll go through, here are the five stages of retirement you might encounter in the first week and months to come:

Pre-retirement: While still working, you’re actively planning your retirement future or imagining what it feels like to be a free man. As the big day approaches, expect loved ones and colleagues to excitedly discuss your impending departure.
Honeymoon: Your last days at work and the initial euphoria of retirement are filled with celebratory showers, and fun activities provided to you by your loved ones, colleagues, and even your boss!
Disenchantment: Similar to a wedding, the emotional high eventually fades, and reality sets in. Welcome to your first week as a retiree where time dilates and idle moments can stretch out before you. Your body craves the structure of your former work routine, leading to awkward and weird moments.
Reorientation: This is where you rediscover and redefine yourself in this new chapter. Remind yourself that the work grind is over, and it’s time to embrace new possibilities. Experiment with hobbies. Also, incorporate different habits and set fresh goals that ignite your passion or combat boredom.
New retirement: Here, you’ve found your footing and established a comfortable new identity. Those occasional work-related habits might still surface, but instead of feeling strange, they’ll likely evoke a chuckle or two, becoming humorous reminders of your past life.

Retirement unfolds through these stages, but everyone’s experience with them may be unique. While everyone goes through the honeymoon, disenchantment, and beyond, the timing and intensity vary.

Knowing these five phases can ease the inevitable feeling of emptiness and confusion as you redefine your routine and embrace the unknown. Stay flexible, trust your adaptability, and savor the journey of crafting your fulfilling post-retirement life. By the way, to know more about these five stages, I wrote an article about it: What Are The Stages Of Retirement. I suggest you read it after this.

4. Start A Healthy Routine

Start a healthy routine, and get right into it. You’re officially off the clock but remember, employer insurance plans might change after retirement. So, while you’re celebrating and settling in, weave healthy habits into your days. After all, if you weren’t able to retire early, the best you can do is to make sure you live long enough to fully enjoy your retirement longer.

Nourish your body with good food, embrace the joy of movement, and prioritize your mental well-being. I’m not a doctor, but I know well that these are fundamentals people often undervalue and don’t do. Even as a young retiree, I wouldn’t let myself go as I don’t want a bad knee to stop me from hiking and traveling.

With those things said, the first thing you need to do is establish a morning routine. It’s a must for anyone transitioning into retirement. Why? It’s because of the following:

It fends off bad habits: Retirement signals a time for change, but it doesn’t translate to lounging until the afternoon. Establishing a morning routine serves as a powerful tool to stop bad habits from forming.
It eradicates potential time-wasting: With more time on your hands, avoiding wastefulness becomes paramount. A morning routine efficiently kick-starts your day, providing a structured set of tasks to get things done as early as possible, leaving for more time later in the day.
It positions you for success: Many successful individuals credit their achievements to a foundational morning routine. This routine cultivates a focused and driven mindset, leading you to eagerly tackle the most valuable tasks throughout the day.
It primes you for planned activities: A strong start generates momentum, propelling you toward your goals and fueling a day of small victories. Whether it’s learning a new language or skill, a well-structured morning can enhance focus and readiness for the challenges ahead.
It enhances your mental well-being: A solid morning routine provides a sense of structure and purpose, which can be vital for combating loneliness and isolation that sometimes comes with retirement. Starting your day with positive habits like exercise, meditation, or journaling can significantly boost your mood and overall well-being.

While everyone’s perfect morning routine is a unique blend, its benefits to your overall well-being as a retiree are undeniable. “Win the morning, win the day,” as they say! So, craft a fruitful morning that sets you up for a positive mindset throughout.

By the way, you might be wondering what my morning routine is, so let me tell you. I start with a light walk with my wife the moment after I wake up. I follow it up with breakfast preparation. After savoring our morning meal and a refreshing shower, I dedicate an hour to catching up on emails and news. And then, voila! I’m free for the day! It’s a simple yet flexible routine that I adapt to my mood.

Of course, our routines can’t be completely the same. You may want to spice things up, or you may want to settle for a milder routine. Regardless of the “flavor” you want your morning routine to have, be sure to prioritize the following:

Exercise: Your first week is all about finding what works for you. Walking is a fantastic starting point, but if you have a lot of time on your hands already, try hiking, running, or even yoga. Consider investing in exercise machines or weights to build strength. Remember, consistency is key!
Food: Fuel your day with a healthy breakfast, ideally one you’ve prepared yourself. Cooking is a great way to bond with family and ensures you’re nourishing your body with nutrient-dense food. Plus, it’s a fun skill to experiment with!
Mental Health: Don’t just focus on your physical health. Always remember that your mental health also needs caring, too. Be sure to free up your mind during walks or try to meditate. While I rarely do the latter, I always give myself at least 15 minutes of quietness. Usually, I do this after I’m done checking my emails and the news. It helps declutter my mind and get rid of unnecessary stress caused by things I read.
Learn: Keep your brain sharp and engaged! There are endless opportunities to learn during your morning routine. In my case, whenever I walk or hike in a new place, I try my best to learn about the place and the local flora and fauna.
Gear Up: End your morning routine with a ritual that preps you to face the rest of the day. This could be affirmations, reading a few lines from your favorite book, a hug with your partner, or even a moment of quiet reflection, as I do. Find what works for you and let it empower you to win your day!

To set your expectations, you won’t nail your perfect morning routine in your first week of retirement. Take your time, experiment, and find what works best for you.

Free Download: 45 Ideas For Your Morning Routine >>

5. Make A Concrete Retirement Plan

Beyond crafting and following a rock-solid healthy routine, your first week of retirement is prime time for making concrete plans and setting goals. A pre-planned roadmap is your anchor against the sea of freedom you’ll be in once your retirement is finalized. Without a plan, it’s easy to drift into aimlessness and retirement boredom, wondering what to do with endless free time.

But don’t be fooled! A retirement plan isn’t just about ticking off travel wish lists or splurging on new toys. It’s about actively shaping your future—and your eventual end. Morbid, but true. That’s reality, so decide how your retirement unfolds, not just where it takes you. So, here are some reminders you need to consider when dealing with your retirement plan:

Manage your finances: Dealing with your 401k, adjusting insurance, and ensuring your savings keep pace with your needs are crucial aspects of preparing for a secure future. This lays the foundation for a worry-free retirement and allows you to focus on enjoying it fully.
Future-proof your life: Planning for healthcare, potential family needs, and even writing a will are responsible steps that provide peace of mind and avoid future complications. These proactive measures offer a safety net and ensure your loved ones are cared for, no matter what.
Reconnect with your elders: As you step into retirement, those who took care of you when you were young, particularly your elders, might be stepping out. Now, with more time, prioritize checking in on them, offering support, and showing your gratitude for their love and guidance.
Leave your mark: If you feel you haven’t made an impact on the world or achieved your goals yet, retirement is the perfect time to rekindle your purpose. Is it time to write that book, volunteer for a cause you care about, or start a meaningful project? Retirement offers the freedom to leave your legacy and make a difference.
Structure for freedom: Finally, it’s important to establish how you will spend your retirement. While spontaneity and carpe diem moments are wonderful, having a structured routine can bring fulfillment and balance. This could involve hobbies, learning new skills, or simply creating daily rituals that bring you joy.

Remember, retirement isn’t just about leisure; it’s a whole new chapter with its challenges and opportunities. Feeling overwhelmed is natural, especially during the first weeks, but having a concrete direction and clear goals equips you to navigate it with confidence. So, give yourself a purpose, set achievable milestones, and watch your retirement blossom into a fulfilling journey.

6. Rediscover Your Identity

While it might sound weighty, let’s dive into rediscovering your identity in retirement. Your first week is the best time to start soul-searching and forging a deeper connection with yourself. It’s a perfect period for reflection, understanding who you’ve become, and embarking on an ongoing journey of self-discovery. This, believe me, is a universal experience for retirees—an ongoing journey, even for me.

The moment you bid farewell to your work, a significant part of your perceived identity vanishes. You’re no longer a boss or an employee; you’re simply yourself. The respect tied to your title may fade, and the daily camaraderie with colleagues may become forgotten. Eventually, someone else will fill your shoes in the company you poured years into.

This is the reality, and even before retiring, I witnessed many grapple with this. And trust me on this: they struggled to reinvent themselves as retirees—they were ill-prepared.

Moments or days after leaving behind your career, questions bubble up: “Who am I?” “What do I truly enjoy?” Old passions and interests, long neglected in the pursuit of a paycheck, may resurface. This is normal, especially in your first week as a retiree.

This phase can be daunting; yes, but it doesn’t have to be! Remember, you still have your loved ones, your friends, your family. You’re still someone’s kid, a parent, a friend. As this realization dawns, your priorities shift, and your approach to life reconnects with its essence.

Of course, this realization alone might not fully fill the void left by your career. So, explore! Dive back into old hobbies, create a bucket list, and even craft a life mission statement as if an imaginary boss demanded it. These endeavors can help you redefine yourself. You can boldly transform into anything you desire! A traveler (like me), a YouTuber, a writer, the possibilities are endless.

But remember: This journey of self-discovery doesn’t end in your first week; it’s a lifelong adventure. However, the key is to be fully aware of it. As you brainstorm your retirement plans, remember that this crucial aspect deserves your attention. Embrace it, explore it, and discover the vibrant, multifaceted you that awaits.

7. Treat Yourself Well And Rest

Let’s take a breather from the serious stuff and talk about something lighter, which is treating yourself well and resting. Your first week of retirement deserves a generous helping of treats and indulgence. While I’m a big advocate for healthy routines, please don’t let life’s small, delicious rewards become completely off-limits to you.

Your first week as a retiree is also the perfect time to revisit your favorite waffle house, pizzeria, or coffee shop to dine and splurge. Or, you can step outside your comfort zone and discover what’s got the younger kids buzzing—bubble tea, poke bowls, avocado toast—the possibilities are endless! By the way, I’d be honest that I have no idea what a poke bowl is, but it’s very popular according to the internet.

Another thing you may do is… nothing! That first feeling of freedom in your first week of retirement is hard to describe, but it can be overwhelming. While I might be pushing you to do a lot during your first week, remember that it’s okay to give yourself some rest and quiet time. Take it easy, unwind, and embrace the quiet moments. Remember, retirement is your well-deserved vacation.

So, while there’s a whole world of possibilities waiting to be explored, there’s no need to rush. You’re no longer bound by deadlines or early morning alarms. You’ve earned your retirement! No office calls at midnight, no Monday morning blues, just the boundless freedom to do what brings you joy.

Enjoy your first week and the coming years, but don’t forget about the other important stuff I said. While there can be a lot of work to do, the difference now is that it’s for yourself, not for a paycheck or an unruly boss.

8. Prepare Yourself To Say No

Word’s out: you’re retiring! While free time awaits, brace yourself for eager requests from well-meaning folks. Resist the urge to overcommit, especially in your first week. This time is for you, to indulge in well-deserved rest and navigate your transition. You’ve traded “working for others” for “working for yourself,” and that deserves some grace.

Saying “no” might feel awkward—rude even—but managing expectations can ease the sting. Be honest about your plans, and let them know you’re “fully booked!” However, don’t apologize. You’ve earned this freedom. Years of hard work culminated in this moment, where comfort and personal priorities reign supreme. Any retiree worth their salt will understand, and these people who’ll ask for your help will be in your shoes in the future. And, hopefully, they’ll understand, too.

Also, don’t be guilty. You’ll actually have time to help later. Once you settle into your routine, solidify your retirement plans, and work your way out of the emotional shifts of being a new retiree, you’ll have ample time to lend a hand. Be patient with yourself and with them. This first week and the coming few months are all about you, and that’s perfectly okay.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may have missed a few parts while reading the sections above or you may have some unanswered questions still. Here are some frequently asked questions and their respective answers.

How should I structure my daily routine now that I’m retired?

In the first week of retirement, it’s helpful to establish a loose daily routine to maintain a sense of purpose. Start by setting a regular wake-up time and planning activities you enjoy. You can experiment with different schedules to find what works best for you, allowing flexibility as you adjust to your new lifestyle.

Should I plan any major activities or trips in my first week of retirement?

It’s advisable to take the first week to relax and decompress rather than diving into major activities or trips. Use this time to adjust to the change and reflect on how you want to spend your retirement. Once you feel settled, you can start planning trips and larger activities that align with your interests and energy levels.

How can I stay socially active in retirement?

Reconnect with friends and family you might not have had time for during your working years. Join clubs or groups related to your hobbies, or consider volunteering for causes you’re passionate about. Social interactions are crucial for maintaining mental health and preventing feelings of isolation.

What are some healthy habits I should adopt now that I have more free time?

With more time on your hands, focus on adopting healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. Incorporate activities like walking, yoga, or swimming into your routine. Also, consider mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling to enhance your mental well-being.

How should I manage my finances in the first week of retirement?

Review your retirement savings, pension plans, and any other income sources to ensure you have a clear understanding of your financial situation. Create a budget that reflects your new lifestyle and spending habits. It might be helpful to consult a financial advisor to make sure your retirement funds are managed wisely.

What should I do about my previous work-related responsibilities and contacts?

Take some time to formally close out any remaining work-related responsibilities, such as returning equipment or completing final paperwork. Inform your professional contacts about your retirement and provide updated contact information if necessary. This can also be a good time to reflect on your career and perhaps write thank-you notes to colleagues who made an impact on you.

How can I find new hobbies or interests in retirement?

Explore new hobbies or revisit old ones that you didn’t have time for while working. Attend workshops, take online courses, or join local community centers to discover activities that pique your interest. The first week of retirement is an excellent opportunity to start experimenting with different hobbies to see what you enjoy.

What should I do to maintain a sense of purpose after retiring?

Consider engaging in volunteer work or part-time consulting to use your skills in meaningful ways. Set personal goals, whether they are related to fitness, learning, or travel, to give you a sense of direction. Having projects or commitments can help maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

How can I ensure I stay mentally active and engaged?

Challenge your brain with puzzles, reading, or learning new skills. Stay informed about current events and consider joining discussion groups or book clubs. Keeping your mind active is important for cognitive health and can be very rewarding.

Should I spend more time with family and how can I balance this with my personal interests?

Retirement provides a great opportunity to spend more quality time with family. However, it’s important to balance this with your personal interests and independence. Communicate with your family about your availability and also ensure you have time for yourself and your hobbies.

Conclusion

The confetti has settled, the farewell speeches faded, and you’re officially retired! The moment you’ve prepared for is here: your first week of freedom. But instead of a blank page, your retirement’s opening chapter is already brimming with goals, plans, and direction.

And with that, I hope my advice and recommendations have been helpful. If any questions or curiosities linger, don’t hesitate to look around the site! Here are some of the articles I recommend that you read!

Happy reading!