Retirement - The Transition No One Prepares You For

The past is certain. You have control over your future.

Retirement is often painted as a reward. The golden years after decades of hard work. But the truth? It's one of the biggest life transitions you'll ever make. And unlike other major milestones, it doesn’t come with a manual.

You go from being needed, busy, and in demand… to a blank calendar, a different identity, and the challenge of turning savings into sustainable income.

While the finances matter (of course), many successful people with “enough” still end up feeling lost in life after work. Why? Because retirement isn’t just a financial decision, it’s an emotional and lifestyle shift too.

Whether you're five years away or already thinking about stepping back, these three questions can help you make the leap with confidence.

1. Have I Had Enough of Work?

Retirement used to mean a hard stop. One day you're working; the next day you're not. But modern retirement is more flexible than ever. You might not want (or need) to walk away completely.

Maybe you still enjoy the mental challenge, the camaraderie, or the sense of contribution. Part-time consulting, mentoring, or even a few days a week on your terms can be deeply fulfilling.

But it’s not just about the schedule. It’s about your identity.

Many professionals underestimate how tied up their sense of self is in their work. So before you retire, ask yourself:

Am I moving towards something — or just away from work?

2. Do I Have Enough?

This is the question most people focus on and rightly so. But “Do I have enough to never work again?” is more complex than it sounds.

It’s not just about your pension pot or investment account. It’s about the kind of lifestyle you want, how much flexibility you need, and how long your money might need to last (which could be 30+ years).

We often meet people who’ve saved diligently, but haven’t connected the dots between how much they have and how they want to live. That’s where a proper financial plan makes all the difference.

With the right clarity, you can make confident decisions, and even small changes (like retiring a year later or adjusting spending) can have a big impact.

3. Do I Have Enough to Do?

This is the one people underestimate the most.

After years of full calendars, travel, meetings, and deadlines, retirement can feel unsettling. The novelty of lie-ins and long lunches wears off quicker than you'd expect. And your friends? They might still be working.

So, what will a good week actually look like?

Think about hobbies, travel, family time, volunteering, and things you’ve always wanted to do but never had time for. Without some structure, even the most hard-earned retirement can feel a bit... empty.

And if you’re retiring as a couple, it’s worth having the honest conversation: How will you both spend your time, and how will you protect your independence?

Why Retirement Planning Is About More Than Just Money

A happy retirement doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning: financial, emotional, and practical.

It’s about being intentional, asking better questions, and designing a life you’re excited to step into. Not just a life you’re stepping away from.

So whether you're thinking about retiring in the next year, or just starting to picture what comes next, it's worth getting clear on these three things:

• Your purpose (What will get you out of bed in the morning?)

• Your money (Can you afford the life you want?)

• Your lifestyle (What will your days actually look like?)

  
  

That’s the work we do. Yes, we help you make the money last. But more importantly, we help you feel ready — for all of it.

Please note, a pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits.