There is an unspoken illusion that all problems and stresses will magically disappear upon retirement. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In actuality you can find yourself having a new set of issues. Choosing to face them head on can be the wisest move you make. Talking out the changes that are imminent in leaving the work force with someone you trust, can help you transition into becoming the productive and successful retiree you want to be.

You will no longer have to face work related problems such as uncomfortable relationships with co-workers, deadline pressures or a demanding boss. The associated stresses of commuting will be a thing of the past too and you can breathe a sigh of relief at not having to fill your gas tank as often. However, a disturbing realization will be that "I have been replaced and the company is operating just fine without me." Being aware up front that you will be facing this can save you needless heartache if you have acquired an attitude of acceptance of where you are in life. Remember, you have closed a door but have the power to open others. Own your power.

There are benefits of working that will be lost, such as the camaraderie in sharing others stories during lunches and impromptu dinners after work. Peer recognition means so much when you get pats on the back for jobs well done. Few will be praising your efforts at improving your golf game, learning a new language or having the cleanest pool in the neighborhood. Have you developed the ability to feel good about your accomplishments, large or small, just for the sake of having done them?

Friends from work call less over time to include you. Even if you do meet with them once in awhile, you no longer fit into the conversations as you once did, and naturally so. You find yourself in a kind of limbo and make excuses for not attending. Losing these benefits can lead retirees to become quickly dissatisfied with the seemingly lackluster life they find themselves in once out of the work force. Decide ahead of time to develop friendships, interests and activities outside of work to fill the void you will find yourself in.

How you handle these and other situations will determine the smoothness of your retirement transition. Success is based on having realistic expectations going in. The attitudes you have developed and decisions you make are ultimately responsible for the direction you move in. Build your retirement around your own personal desires, priorities and talents. Make realistic choices based on who you are and what you love to do. Take responsibility for your life by making decisions with your eyes wide open. You will then find yourself living a balanced and engaging retirement.