Top 3 (positive) Words Associated with Retirement
The TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies conducts annual research about the topic of retirement. Interestingly, they don't just poll those nearing or at retirement age. They span across Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers.
Today’s topic is from their 22nd Annual Retirement Survey of Workers. There are many intriguing components of their research (you can peek around the whole report here) but one of the first things that caught my eyes were the Top 3 Cited Positive Words Associated With Retirement.
They found that a whopping 87% of workers cite positive word associations with “retirement”. Retirement has been marketed to us as a “promised land” of utmost glee. So, it’s not surprising that the vast majority of people envision it positively, while just 43% of folks associate any negative word associations (more on that later).
Our words are powerful. They paint pictures in our minds. They encourage, motivate, and soothe us. Or, they can deflate, discourage, and induce fear. Words set expectations internally and externally. They greatly influence our emotions and, of course, they tell our stories to those around us.
As you picture “positive” think: constructive, optimistic, or confident.
The 3 top cited words certainly embody those characteristics:
Freedom
Enjoyment
Stress-free
What do you envision when you see these 3 words strung together?
I’ve been coaching retirees and soon-to-be retirees for more than three years and every single one is excited about the level of freedom they will have when they’re no longer bound by their career’s expectations. Now, sometimes this new-found freedom comes with decision overwhelm, so it’s important to build a bridge to the retirement you want.
I’ve also found that many workers are often somewhere on the spectrum of exhausted - disengaged - frustrated - lacking passion - or straight up burnt out, so it’s no wonder enjoyment is something they long for again.
As for Stress-Free…this one could be a bit pie in the sky. I have every hope that stress can reduce in retirement! There’s likely the aim of less demands on time, more rejuvenating activities, and planning to be around more kind and supportive people. In some ways, “stress-free” may be a mantra or mindset someone wholeheartedly decides to embody for this life chapter. However, stress is a naturally occurring part of our lives. Political fights, wars, traffic, and sickness will continue to happen whether you’re working or not (sorry =/ ).
Don’t forget we do have many ways we can respond well to stress and influence what’s within our reach. While I totally see how stress-free would be a starry-eyed hope for many anticipating retirees, perhaps it’s more suited to think about choosing your stress.
Turns out this non-working season points back to freedom. Freedom of choice.
For many, this is a huge uptick from what they experienced in their careers.
Increased wholehearted and wide-eyed choosing of their wellness, people, and boundaries. Taking care to clarify the values influencing choices will help more folks experience the stress-free retirement they clearly long for.
Turns out a “promised land” retirement of utmost glee is within reach with a healthy dose of planning and intentionality.
