Adjusting to Retirement

Twenty-five years ago, Jack Nicholson starred in the title role of “About Schmidt,” a comedy about finding meaning in life after retirement. Nicholson received a Golden Globe for his portrayal of a widower who learns how to find joy and purpose after retiring. Following are tips for adjusting to life after retirement and resources for making the transition.

Tips

• Clothing – switch to more comfortable and casual clothing.
• Employment – consider working as a part-time lawyer or pursuing a second career outside of law.
• Expenses – cut back on expensive activities like travel if concerned about outliving savings.
• Health – adopt a healthy lifestyle with daily exercise and a nutritious diet.
• Help – identify family, friends, and providers that can help when you need assistance with daily living.
• Learning – continue adult education programs and seminars or pursue a degree.
• Relocate – think about moving closer to family or to an active adult or lifestyle community.
• Social – stay social by cultivating relationships with family, friends, and neighbors.
• Volunteer - participate in pro bono or other volunteer activities.

Conclusion

Retirement provides opportunities for career changers, travelers, and volunteers. Challenges will differ based on your personal situation and preparation. Use the resources that accompany this article to plan a retirement that keeps you active, happy, and healthy. Follow Schmitt’s example by experimenting to find your life after law.

Articles

• Sabrina Felson, Ways to Stay Healthy in Retirement, WebMD, Nov. 29, 2022.
• Rachel Hartman, Things to Do When You Retire, US News, Jun. 21, 2023.
• Amy Morin, Adjusting to Retirement, Very Well Mind, Feb. 26, 2024.
• Lawrence Robinson and Melinda Smith, Handling Depression and Stress, HelpGuide.org, Jul, 7, 2021.
• Marcel Strigberger, What Does It Mean for a Lawyer to Retire, ABA Journal, Aug. 9, 2021.

Books

• Ida Abbott, Retirement by Design, Ulysses Press, Mar. 10, 2020.
• Liz Brown, Life After Law, Routledge, Dec. 30, 2016.
• Sally Balch Hurme, Get the Most Out of Retirement, ABA Senior Lawyers Division and AARP, Dec. 1, 2016.
• Kevin McGoff, Finding Your Landing Zone: Life Beyond the Bar, ABA Senior Lawyers Division, Aug 15, 2023.
• Various, Planning Ahead Guide, New York State Bar Association, 3d ed., Apr. 17, 2023.

Podcasts

• How to Plan Your Post-Law Life, ABA Journal, Dec. 20, 2023.

Webinars

• Financial Planning Before and After Retirement, ABA Senior Lawyers Division, Aug. 17, 2021.
• Living the Life After Law, ABA Senior Lawyers Division, May 25, 2022.
• The Path Forward: A Roadmap for Your Retirement Journey, ABA Senior Lawyers Division, June 25, 2024
• Lawyer Retirement Starter Series, ABA Senior Lawyers Division, April 20, 2023-Present
• Life After Lift-Off: Designing Your Future, ABA Senior Lawyers Division, May 24, 2022
• Preparing for Lift Off: Starting Your Personal Journey to Post-Practice Life, ABA Senior Lawyers Division, March 15, 2022

Websites

• End of Career Resources (ABA Center for Professional Responsibility)
• Planning for Retirement (AARP)
• Retirement Learning Center (ABA Retirement Funds)
• Senior Lawyer Resources (ABA Commission on Law & Aging)
• Volunteer Opportunities (ABA Center for Pro Bono)