Semi-retirement and FOMO - finding balance

Semi-Retirement and FOMO: Finding Balance

Many of you know that I recently went from a full time Director role, leading an amazing team to a part time single contributor role supporting engagement.  I’ve been doing lots of reading about how to make this work for me and thought I’d share some tips and my own thoughts to help anyone who is considering making the leap! Feel free to share!

The concept of retirement has evolved over the years, and many of us are now considering alternative approaches, such as semi-retirement to easily move into a new and different lifestyle. Semi-retirement involves reducing work hours or transitioning to part-time work while maintaining some level of income, providing more time and flexibility to pursue personal interests and passions. However, like any major life decision, semi-retirement comes with its own set of challenges, and one common one that I am dealing with is FOMO. FOMO, or the fear of missing out, is the fear that one is not experiencing or enjoying something that others are, sometimes fueled by social media and the pressure to constantly be "in the know" and "keep up with the Joneses."

In the context of semi-retirement, FOMO may arise when individuals worry about missing out on career opportunities or always knowing what’s happening due to reduced work hours and less connection meetings. However, it is possible to find balance and overcome FOMO while pursuing a semi-retired lifestyle.  The key is to be doing the things you love to do in your time away from the job so that you're not checking email and chats to see what's happening when you're not there!

It’s important to remember that everyone's journey is unique. Comparison can be a thief of joy, and what works for one person may not be the best fit for another. It's essential to define your own values, priorities, and goals when considering semi-retirement. Reflect on what truly matters to you and what you want to prioritize in your life, whether it's spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, traveling, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life. By aligning your choices with your personal values, you can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond societal expectations or external validation.

One common fear associated with semi-retirement is the worry about financial security, particularly when it comes to potentially reduced income. It's essential to create a solid financial plan that takes into account your current and future expenses, including living costs, healthcare, and unexpected emergencies. Building a financial safety net and being disciplined with spending and saving can help alleviate financial stress and minimize FOMO related to financial insecurity.  Making sure you have enough money to do the things you want to do (travel, travel, travel) is very important and can make or break the semi-retirement/retirement happiness factor!

Another strategy to overcome FOMO in semi-retirement is to focus on the benefits of your chosen lifestyle. Semi-retirement offers the opportunity to create a more balanced and fulfilling life. With more time and flexibility, you can explore new interests, develop new skills, and strengthen relationships. You can prioritize self-care, focus on your physical and mental well-being, and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. By shifting your mindset from what you may be missing out on to what you are gaining, you can cultivate a positive outlook and a sense of gratitude for the opportunities that semi-retirement offers. For me that's been working on a long list of unfinished projects, catching up on some great reads, doing a bit of travelling, and actually doing nothing at all!

Building a supportive community can be valuable in navigating the challenges of semi-retirement and overcoming FOMO. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share similar values and interests. Connect with other individuals who have chosen a semi-retired lifestyle and seek out their guidance and support. Join social groups, clubs, or networks that align with your hobbies or passions. Giving back in your community will also bring you social connections and joy! By building meaningful connections and engaging in social activities, you can create a fulfilling social life that goes beyond work-related events and opportunities, and reduce the sense of missing out on social interactions.

For me, it’s taking some getting used to but so far the benefits of having more time to do the things I want to do is outweighing the FOMO!! I just need to remind myself that I don't need to know what's happening 100% of the time....