25 Emotional Signs It’s Time to Retire

Getting your first job as a teenager probably thrilled you. As the years went by, you likely had different jobs, maybe even one or two that you loved or still love. Still, as we get older and closer to retirement, we have to start thinking about when we’re going to retire. If you’re in this situation right now, these emotional signs are a good indicator that it’s time to move on and embrace retirement to the fullest.

1. You can’t wait to retire.

Take some time to reflect on why you can’t wait to retire. Some people can’t wait to leave their jobs while others can’t imagine not having a job. Take some time to think about why you can’t wait and pay attention to how it makes you feel. Do you have butterflies in your stomach at the thought of retirement, or do you feel the cold pit of dread because of the unknown? Regardless of the reason, if you find yourself marking the days off on the calendar, you’re ready.

2. Work isn’t enjoyable anymore.

You spend a lot of time at work, so you should do something you like at the very least if not love. However, if you find yourself apathetic, unmotivated, or resentful, it’s time to move on. If you are someone who finds your identity in your work, this will be much harder and may cause you to have an identity crisis.

3. You feel like work is “in the way.”

We all have personal goals and things we want to do. Maybe you want to travel more, spend more time on your golf swing, or write a book. Feeling like your work is “getting in the way” of your personal goals is a good indicator that it’s time to retire.

4. Feeling “left behind.”

We all hit certain milestones in our lives, like getting married or having babies. This can happen in your work life too, especially if your friends are retiring at once. It’s normal to feel jealous of them when you’re heading to work at seven o’clock in the morning.

5. You and your partner are on the same page.

Before you make the decision, talk to your partner since this will affect your lifestyle, finances, and career. Make sure you are both on the same page.

6. Craving the weekends.

When you count down the days to the weekend, it shows that you’re not fulfilled at your job. If your focus is the blues on Monday, being frustrated on hump day, and feeling unproductive on Friday, then it’s time to retire. 

7. You feel your best years are “behind you.”

If you don’t feel you have more to contribute to your workplace or career and that your best days are behind you, it’s time to plan.

8. No longer making a difference.

If you don’t feel motivated by accomplishments and that your work doesn’t matter to anyone, it’s time.

9. Agitation and restlessness.

If you experience more agitation and restlessness than usual for no reason, and you don’t feel connected to your life’s purpose, it’s time for a change. It’s time for a change.

10. You complain about the same problems over and over.

If there are problems at work that bother you repeatedly, consider telling your boss you’re going to retire. Chances are, by the time it gets fixed, you’ll be on your way out and won’t benefit, anyway.

11. Unproductivity and distraction.

Being unproductive and distracted is another sign that you aren’t aligning with your life’s purpose and it’s time to go. 

12. No sense of identity from your work.

If you no longer have a sense of identity with your work, it’s time to move on.

13. No desire to advance your career.

When we’re young, we are excited to have opportunities to advance our careers. If you don’t get excited about extra responsibilities, new experiences, and pay raises, it’s time to retire.

14. Dragging yourself through the day.

We all have days where we don’t have energy or are tired, but if this is you every day, it’s time to take a second look at your situation. 

15. Daydreaming about retirement.

This one is pretty obvious, but if you are daydreaming about retiring while you are at work and it’s affecting your job performance, enough said.

16. No interest in new job skills or new technology.

There can be two reasons for this. Learning something new becomes pointless when it’s time for you to retire. Reason two is that you feel you don’t have the mental capacity to learn today’s technology. 

17. It takes all your willpower to get out of bed in the morning.

If you are hitting the snooze button repeatedly and it takes all of your energy and willpower to get out of bed, it’s time to retire. There is no way you will have the energy you need for a productive day.

18. Feeling irrelevant.

This can happen because all the people you work with are younger than you or because you are nearing retirement age, which can make you feel irrelevant.

19. Jealousy and envy.

Seeing your friends having the time of their lives traveling, spending more time with their friends and family, and exploring new hobbies will cause envy and is a clear sign to plan your retirement as soon as possible. 

20. No desire to deal with workplace change.

You have no interest in any of the changes going on at work because you know you will retire soon and they won’t apply to you.

21. You’re anxious about your future job security.

Feeling that your job is under threat for any reason is bound to take a toll on your mental and emotional health. It may be a good idea to announce your retirement.

22. Your health is suffering.

No job is worth jeopardizing your health, regardless if it’s physical, mental, or emotional. Depending on your situation, if you can retire, do so. If not, make sure you get the help and support you need from friends, family, and professionals.

23. Resenting your work.

Feeling resentful is a clear sign to get out and move on to a new, happier phase of your life. 

24. You have a great retirement plan.

If you have planned, discussed things with your partner, and feel excited about your future together, then it’s time for both of you to retire and live your dreams.

25. The pros outweigh the cons.

Take some time to sit down and seriously consider your situation. Make a list of the pros and the cons and discuss them with your partner. If your pros outweigh the cons and you have come up with solutions for the cons, then it’s time to retire.

Takeaway

In our jobs, everything is a big decision. Taking our first job is a big decision, changing jobs is a huge decision, and deciding to retire is too. You have to consider a lot of different factors, and that can be overwhelming. However, no job is worth our health and well-being. If you identify with any of the above points, sit down with a loved one and talk about how you feel. Then work together and figure out a way for you to move on to a happier, healthier, more exciting life. When you’re enjoying all your newfound freedom and time, you’ll be glad you did!