Retirement

Retirement is a career phase that most doctors find challenging. Medicine has usually been an integral part of finding meaning in life for the previous 40 plus years. For some retirement can become a huge financial stress and for some it can trigger a relationship crisis. Unsuccessful retirement occurs when one of the four existential needs is not met: love, hope, meaning and control.

What you can do

  1. 1. Discuss financial plans as early as possible
  2. 2. Build up non-work meaningful hobbies or volunteer work that you have something to look forward to and are continuing to impact people’s lives; eg, music, writing, teaching English to migrants, travel
  3. 3. Nurture your relationships so that you have someone to love and be loved by.

Further Reading

Closing your medical practice and transitioning into retirement

Older doctors and retirement