Just Call It a Second Wind

With so many people continuing to work after their formal retirement, one can’t help but wonder why it’s so hard to let go.

According to the AARP, 69% of 45 to 74 year olds plan to do some kind of work in their golden years. Why not just go gently into idle days? Part of the challenge, of course, is that we develop our identities through work. Think about being asked at a cocktail party what you do, only to answer, “Nothing!” It seems appealing in theory, but many retired people say that there is a stigma to admitting that you are retired.

Rather than stay at work full time, most retirees seem to be working as business consultants, volunteers or small business owners. There’s a valid reason to remain busy as you age, but there’s also great value in enjoying the fruits of your labor. Do you look forward to telling people you are retired, or are you afraid to let go of work? [New York Times]