- Retirement brings a number of emotional challenges and complexities.
- Focusing on well-being in the present leads to a smoother transition to retirement in the future.
- Find joy in using your retirement to share your knowledge and experiences with others.
All medication strips and packages carry the date of manufacture and the date of expiration. As physicians, we know our date of birth and date of retirement. It is known as soon as you enter employment and maybe a few years different in various regions. Not preparing for a relaxed stress-free post-retirement life is inviting stress.
I worked as a cardiothoracic surgeon in a stressful atmosphere in a reputed academic institution (most surgeons do), where competition to excel and advance was fiercely envied. This was a challenge and an incentive to elevate myself in the profession. I could take it at that age, and each clinical and academic advancement only reduced my stress levels. I set a high standard for my work and refused to deviate.
I knew my retirement date. Three months before the date I researched and noted from published articles three important events at that age (65 plus) were the most stressful and caused serious health problems, such as a stroke, heart attack, or depression.
They were;
1. Losing a job and having to find another.
2. Having to relocate.
3. Being alone at times (separated, wife being away with children, traveling for work)
When I retired in 2009, I was facing all three situations.
After I left my job, I was invited to join a group private practice and suddenly found myself with a new role. I had to relocate for the job and found a new residence near the hospital. At the same time, my wife of 40 years was away a lot helping our daughter with my grandson’s arrival, a happy occasion. I had the almighty and my wife’s prayers, with me.
In my new role, I was assigned by the association to conduct the next annual international conference. I set up the office. I was editing a national professional journal as chief editor. I had work to do on a daily basis.
On weekends I set up our new home to welcome my wife. My long-time close friend who also retired joined me on his holiday at my home, I was not alone. I continued to operate for another 10 years. I helped set up a heart surgery program for a charitable hospital and performed the first few procedures. The COVID-19 epidemic ended my full-time surgical work. I was happy to lay down my instruments and relax. I continued to mentor students at two other charitable institutions.
I have written this article to encourage my younger colleagues to use stress to challenge their intellect and elevate themselves in clinical and academic progress. This will relieve stress at the workplace.
Each success will give you happiness hormones to relieve stress. Since you know your date of retirement, prepare plan B. Announce your retirement in the professional circle of friends. Scout for a job and location. Plan your finances and receipts from retirement. Do not stress your family. Do not allow yourself to fall apart.
In due course, you will come out a winner. You will see how well your life has changed for the better. Your productivity, speed, and skills will stand you in good stead.
Enjoy the music of your choice, enjoy the children and grandchildren if you have them, travel and meet your peers who appreciate your contributions, visit exotic or relaxing locations, and remove the cobwebs from your mind.
I have always taught my students to share their experiences and knowledge. This is a good time. Give it freely. Taking all your experience, expertise, and knowledge to your grave is a wasted life. Share it and see the joy in others.
Publish, write a book of your experiences, or consider writing a technical book. All of these activities will banish any stress you may have suffered and let you relish being alive, free, and well. Good luck and share your thoughts on this article.