Retirement sounds like a dream, with no alarm clocks, no deadlines, and finally having time to relax. But the truth is, after years or even decades on a fast-paced track, you don’t just flip a switch and suddenly slow down.
A lot of retirees will tell you they didn’t realize just how difficult it was to break some ingrained habits. Here are a few of the most common hard-to-kick habits that retirees admit they didn’t expect to struggle with.
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Waking up early for no reason
Even if they don’t have to get up early for work or a specific activity, some retirees still wake up at 6 a.m. out of habit. Sleeping in is so nice in theory, but their bodies don’t let them.
Checking work emails or messages
They used to be constantly checking messages. When they retire, the compulsion is still there. And some will confess, they still try to check sometimes, even though they don’t have access and no one’s emailing them.
Feeling guilty for relaxing
After a lifetime of being productive, just sitting down to chill can make some people feel guilty. Many retirees said it took them a while to feel like they deserved to kick back.
Saying yes to every request or favor
They were used to being the go-to person at work or home. They had to learn in retirement that it’s okay to say no sometimes, and not feel guilty for it. That’s been harder than they imagined.
Keeping a jam-packed schedule
They were used to having their calendar filled to the brim. Having time on their hands suddenly leaves them feeling uneasy. Retirees say it took them a while to chill out about having open days.
Rushing through meals or routines
In the office, they always saw lunch as something to rush. So, in retirement, slowing down to actually enjoy eating took some getting used to. Some say they still catch themselves wolfing down food sometimes.
Worrying about deadlines or goals
They have no pressure on them in retirement, but they still sometimes get the urge to “accomplish things” or “cross things off their list.” That drive to be productive doesn’t just go away overnight.
Micromanaging things at home
Retirees used to manage employees or projects, and sometimes they can’t help but want to keep that “manager” energy up at home. Often, their spouses or kids have to remind them to relax and let others do their thing.
Focusing on work-related identity
Their job title and role often make up a lot of a person’s identity. In retirement, a lot of retirees have to do a bit of rebranding to figure out “Who am I now?” That’s often harder than it seems.
Skipping hobbies or downtime for chores
They used to prioritize chores or work tasks over fun, so it’s hard to flip the script. Some had to remind themselves to enjoy hobbies just for fun.
Budgeting every penny like they’re still saving for retirement
Some retirees confess that it can be challenging to go from diligently saving every penny to spending the money. They find themselves agonizing over minor purchases, even though they have enough resources.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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