Since this is International Coaching Week, I thought I’d share my responses to a question often posed – “Why work with a retirement coach?”
Retirement coaches help clients clarify what their retirement vision is and guide and support them as they plan and implement this. People may be able to figure this out on their own, but a coach makes the transition easier, smoother, and more efficient. It’s the difference between moving through a major change in your life alone or with a knowledgeable and caring partner. Here are some more specific ways having a retirement coach can be a benefit.
Without a coach, retirees can easily fall into meaningless busyness or endless boredom as they try to manage their new-found leisure time. With coaching, they will have more confidence and resources to try meaningful activities they may never have thought of.
Without a coach, people may give up on retirement after a short period, rushing back to their old job or a similar one just to please someone, fill their time, or get the social stimulation they miss. With a coach, they’ll realize that discomfort or stress in retirement is normal and can be “fixed” by finding a new purpose, learning some time management skills, and exploring some new work possibilities in partnership with their coach.
Without a coach, people may hang on to old relationships from work that are toxic and energy draining just to have friends in their retirement. With a coach they evaluate current friendships, have the support to let go of the ones that no longer serve them, and learn new strategies for expanding their social connections.
Without coaching retirees may say “yes” to volunteering in a boring position just to fill empty hours. With a retirement coach they will be more aware of their own skills and values, as well as a wider range of volunteer opportunities, and more likely choose volunteer service that reflects these.
These coaching benefits assume that the coaching clients have chosen coaches they are comfortable with and are ready and willing to fully engage in the coaching partnership, helping to create a plan and take steps to succeed in their retirement.
If you’re curious about retirement coaching, I invite you during this International Coaching Week to sign up for a complimentary 30-minute coaching session. Email me at inspiredretirement.com to set up your phone or Zoom appointment. The offer expires by May 31st.