Most people I know can’t wait to retire – the ones that haven’t already retired, that is. But there are some that refuse to even consider letting go of their career, working many years longer than their spouses and friends. We call these people workaholics, usually. Is that a bad thing? After all, if you’re really happy and satisfied with your career or job, why not continue working as long as possible unless there are mitigating circumstances (such as declining health) causing you to quit?

Let’s explore some of the reasons why being a workaholic can face unique challenges that can make the transition more difficult than expected. Of course there are ways to make that transition easier, and we can point out some of those as well. Along the way, find some motivation for retirement as well!

Loss of Identity & Purpose

For many workaholics, their job defines who they are. They thrive on productivity, achievement, and recognition. And after leaving a job, this loss of these three things can feel overwhelming to the workaholic. Without a clear sense of identity outside of work, retirees may experience some feelings of emptiness, low self-worth, or even depression at times. But it doesn’t have to be that way, if they start developing new interests, hobbies, or even volunteer work that provides a sense of purpose. This must be done before retiring though, not after! Make sure steps are taken to have a purpose before you actually leave your job permanently.

Struggles with Free Time & Boredom

Workaholics are used to packed schedules and constant productivity. Retirement can feel slow, aimless, and even frustrating. Many find themselves wondering “what will I do all day” in retirement? Instead of enjoying their newfound freedom, they might become restless and irritable at times. Without a plan to replace the busyness of a career, there is a very distinct sense of loss and aimlessness. The solution is to create a structured daily routine with activities that bring intellectual stimulation, like joining clubs, learning new skills, or even starting a part-time consulting gig. Some type of challenge is always necessary for the workaholic to feel as if their life is meaningful.

Relationship Strains

Workaholics often prioritize work over family, friendships, and social life. When they retire, they suddenly have more time with their spouse, kids, or friends—but they may struggle to connect on a deeper level. Issues may arise such as:

• Feeling out of sync with their spouse’s lifestyle.
• Having difficulty building friendships outside of work.
• Realizing they neglected family relationships for years.

Reconnecting with old friends and working on building better relationships with both family and friends will gradually help to replace the feelings of missing out on this significant part of life that most of us enjoy. It will probably take time, but we need to make an effort to strengthen these relationships, which is critical to a fulfilling retirement.

Anxiety Over Finances

Many times, even if a workaholic has saved enough for retirement, they may still feel anxious about not earning money anymore. Even after consulting with a financial advisor and finding out the truth, some still are not convinced they will have enough money to last. The ironic part is that people who constantly worry about money may end up shortening their life span due to stress! Don’t be that person, once you have verified that you have enough money by speaking with a financial advisor (or several if you need to) don’t continue to stress over it. Nobody can tell the future, so knowing what might happen 20-30 years from now isn’t possible, all we can do is plan for the most likely events in life and hope for the best.

Difficulty Letting Go of Control

Workaholics are often leaders, decision-makers, and problem-solvers. Stepping away from the workforce means losing control over projects, teams, or businesses, which can lead to feelings of loss, even a sort of vacuum in their lives that cannot be filled. Perhaps you can start to delegate some of the decisions to others before leaving work or letting a younger family member take over your business gradually with your help. It’s never easy letting go if you have a mindset of being in total control, but at some point, the realization that you can’t be in charge forever has to be made clear. If you are in upper management such as C-suite type of role, maybe starting a small business would allow you to still be in charge but have a much less stressful life where you have to make many decisions on a daily basis.

Health Issues from Stress Withdrawal

Believe it or not, workaholics can suffer withdrawal symptoms when they stop working. Their body and mind are accustomed to high levels of stress and adrenaline, and suddenly slowing down can lead to insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, or even depression. Get help for this if you think you may have any of these symptoms, it can shorten your life or at the very least cause you and those around you extreme misery. In order to lessen this withdrawal, you can stay physically active, practice stress management techniques (like meditation or mindfulness), and find new challenges to stay mentally engaged.

Final Thoughts: A Successful Transition for Workaholics

Retirement doesn’t have to feel like an end, it can be a new beginning. For workaholics, the key is to redefine success, find new passions, and build a life that provides purpose beyond a career. By preparing mentally, emotionally, and financially, they can avoid these pitfalls and enjoy a fulfilling, balanced retirement. Change your mindset, find ways to relax and disengage from thoughts about work. Your friends and family will certainly thank you, and it will bring a more fulfilling retirement experience for you as well.

Planning for your retirement can be tricky, and there are questions you have like everyone else. If you want to learn and explore more ideas for yourself, check out my book here for more information:

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Happy retirement planning!