The decision to maintain work connections after retirement is a personal one. Whether it's important to maintain work connections after retirement depends on your personal goals and circumstances. It's important as you REWIRE! to have a social network. Work is where many of our friends reside. Ask yourself if you want to maintain relationships with colleagues after you retire? Some things you may want to consider as you make that decision:
Social Interaction: Work connections often form a significant part of your social network. If you enjoy the company of your colleagues and find value in maintaining those relationships for socializing, it will be important to keep in touch.
Professional Networking: Even in retirement, there may be opportunities where your professional network could be beneficial. This could include consulting opportunities, part-time work, or even volunteering in your field of expertise. Keeping in touch with your former colleagues can help you stay informed about such opportunities.
Mentorship and Guidance: You may have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience throughout your career. Maintaining connections with your colleagues who are still working can allow you to continue to be a mentor to them, which can be fulfilling and rewarding to them and you.
Personal Support: Work connections often provide emotional support during significant life changes, such as retirement. Staying in touch with former colleagues can offer a sense of continuity and support during this transition. Don't think retirement is all fun and games. It can be emotionally challenging. Periodically you may welcome the support.
Interest in Past Projects: If you were involved in ongoing projects or initiatives at work, you may want to have continued interest in your team's progress even after retirement. Keeping in touch with your former colleagues can allow you to stay informed. It's always nice to have them seek you out for advice or guidance. It can help you keep up your skills and learn new ones, as well.
Some retirees prefer to distance themselves from their former work life entirely and focus on new pursuits and relationships outside of the workplace. That's fine, too. It's your decision. You may change your mind about work when you're retired. Then you will wish you had stayed in touch. REWIRING is about making choices that will benefit you in the future. Think longer term when you make those choices.
