When you hear the word retire, you might think that it’s a long way off, and that you’ll probably stop working many years into the future. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, with as many as half a million workers having to retire early because of ill health.
That might include a physical disability or a sensory issue, such as failing eyesight, or even a mental condition, such as debilitating depression. Whatever your issue, if you have to retire early, it can be a major adjustment for you and the people you’re closest to.
As a part of the C-suite or the senior management of a company, you’ll probably have a high salary to replace and struggle to adjust, both financially and mentally, to your new situation. However, with the help of these tips, you can start adapting and move on with your life following your early retirement.
See If You Can Adjust Your Work To Suit You
Before you retire completely due to ill health, consider if you’re able to adjust your role to suit your changing needs. For example, if you used to work in an office that’s inaccessible to you now due to your physical impairments, you might want to ask if you can work from home. Also, if you’re finding it difficult to manage a full-time role, consider asking if you can take on part-time consultation work. You’ll then be able to adapt to your new life slowly, and still have money coming in even while you cope with your health problems. Not all employers will be supportive, so you might want to consider looking for a new role in an organization that will help you to deal with your changing health. Also, working for yourself could be a useful alternative, so consider all your options to help you ease yourself out of full-time work as a C-suite executive.
Learn What Benefits You’re Entitled To
Whether you’re working or not, you’ll need to find a source of income that can help you to pay your necessary expenses, such as housing, medicine and food. In the US, social security is a government-funded program that can help those who retire before they expect to pay their bills. If you’re unsure about whether you’re entitled to social security and how to claim it, find a local disability lawyer. Each state is different and has unique rules, so you should find someone in your area who has the expertise to guide you through the process of applying for and claiming the social security benefits you deserve. If you’re searching for disability lawyers near me, and want a social security disability attorney in Richmond VA, then contact Corey Pollard. He can help you to understand the benefits available and how you can get the financial support you require to live comfortably.
Adapt Your Home
Anyone who’s retired or adjusted their working hours due to illness will probably find that they spend more time at home. Even if you love going out and about, your home is where you’ll be when you’re at your most vulnerable, and you’ll need to create a space from which you can continue to work, keep up with your former colleagues and generally relax. Depending on the nature of your disability, you might need different home adaptations, so you can live comfortably and safely. Work out what’s best for you and explore different options to find ways to create a home that’s stylish and fits your needs. Many of these adaptations are discreet, so you can still welcome guests and show them your prosperity and ongoing success, both personally and professionally.
Find Someone To Talk To
Adjusting to retirement can be hard at the best of times, and many individuals who have stopped working feel stress and anxiety. Being forced out of work because of illness can be even harder, particularly as a former high-flying C-suite executive who’s adjusting to spending more time at home due to your ill health. As well as your physical wellbeing and adjusting to your disability, you also need to be aware of your mental health and find people to talk to about any issues you might be facing. While friends and family can lend an ear, it might help to talk to a professional therapist. They can give you practical techniques to help you cope with the changes going on in your life and make the transition easier for you and the people who love you.
Leaving a career you love because of ill health is never easy, but you need to be practical and manage the issues you face. If you pretend you can carry on, then you might find that your life becomes harder, and you get stressed. Use these tips to help you manage the change and find a new balance as you move forward with your new life.
