Several factors lead to retirement misperceptions

However, a marked number find that the retirement years are not what they expected.

This phenomenon can be attributed to three key areas: psychological, social and financial.

• Psychological – To some, retirement is boring. Structure to each day and a reason for getting up in the morning is gone. Performing meaningful and productive activities is missing. Feelings of uselessness and being unwanted increase. The sense of personal accomplishment and development lessens.

• Social – Decreased interaction with people and lack of a sense of belonging causes important social needs to remain unmet. It is harder to make new friends. A perception of being out of touch with what is happening locally, regionally and nationally increases. The challenge of learning new skills is no longer part of life for many retirees.

• Financial – Poor planning or a lack of opportunities to acquire wealth during the working years results in a shortage of financial resources. Accordingly, the lifestyle the retiree is accustomed to and his quality of life greatly diminishes. Necessities, as well as desires, remain unmet. For retirees younger than 65, securing group health insurance might be essential. For those 65 or older, Medicare might not be enough for medical needs.

Turning things around

To avoid or mitigate these circumstances, several alternatives should be considered. One of those might be to return to the work force.

Forget about your former job title, which will restrict the assessment of other potential career options. Returning to your prior employer in a lower-level position might be ideal.

In addition, providing vacation fill-in or assistance during peak workloads might meet your needs.

Look at less stressful full- or part-time jobs with fewer responsibilities. Positions with flexible hours will enable you to still have free time for family, friends and retirement activities you have dreamed of through the years.

A company that will allow you to work out of your home might be ideal for your particular situation.

The value of experience

Employers value older workers in many ways, so minimize any barriers to re-employment that exist in your mind. Experience, knowledge and skills are usually viewed to be at a peak level.

The traits of loyalty, maturity, sound judgment, a strong work ethic, a desire for quality work and a commitment to company goals are generally seen as being greater in retirees.

Punctuality, attendance, fewer work accidents and lower turnover rates are considered the norm, not the exception, with mature workers.

It is expected that exceptional people skills will be seen in terms of empathy, courtesy, patience and helpfulness. Furthermore, the stability provided and personality traits exhibited are desired as a role model for younger employees.

Accordingly, employers will be interested in your skills. Do not think your abilities will be outdated or your education level insufficient.

You can be trained or retrained to perform tasks. You are still flexible and can adapt. Your family obligations can be accommodated.

Don’t worry if you have not worked in awhile. A critical shortage of workers exists in the area. This trend is predicted to worsen in the next several years.

Don’t let a health condition stop you. Instead, take a job that accommodates your special needs. Don’t be afraid of younger workers. You will not have to compete with them, and you will probably find that you fit in just fine. Besides, you will meet people from all age groups, including your own.

If you have found retirement to be different than you anticipated, regain control of your life and re-enter the work force.

Lynne Haggerman is president/owner of Haggerman & Associates, a retained search, outplacement, in-house management training and human resources consulting firm.