For some people the thought of changing from working full-time to not working at all is very unsettling and it may be sensible for them to attempt to arrange to break themselves in gently by working on a part-time basis for a while. This should preferably be arranged in advance of the retirement date. If remuneration is unimportant it may be possible to assist a charity or find other voluntary work. The Pension Service website provides useful information.
If you are thinking about part-time work, it might be worth trying your local Jobcentre Plus office or visit http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Voluntary organizations are generally very happy to use older people and there are likely to be a lot of different local organizations you can become involved with. This is also a good way to make new friends. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) is a body that provides people aged over 50 with volunteering opportunities. The website is at http://www.csv-rsvp.org.uk/.
If you are retiring completely, it may be sensible to take a holiday starting on the first day of your retirement. That way the steepness of the step from full-time work to retirement is reduced. Moreover, there should be added pleasure at the end of the holiday in knowing that you do not have to go back to work the next day.
Article last revised: October 2008
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