03/24/22
Are you part of the large and fast-growing cohort of retirement-eligible federal employees? In this blog, we will explore retirement from the federal workforce and how to successfully transition into the next chapter of your life.
And will the President’s recent call for the ‘vast majority’ of the federal workforce to return to the office amid improving COVID-19 conditions be the tipping point in your decision to retire in 2022?
If you answered yes, you might be part of a trend: a 14% rise in federal workforce retirements from 2020 to 2021. However, in 2021, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) received a total of 104,699 retirement claims, with year-over-year increases in most months.
Telework is the New Norm
Over the past two years, since the onset of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic, telework has become the ‘new normal’ for many.. Increased productivity, higher employee morale and cost savings are among the benefits realized by federal workers and their employers. A contributing factor to this success is the attainment of a better work-life balance – one that allows federal workers to engage and connect more with family, friends and pets.
“Our quest for a more meaningful life – where we feel engaged, connected to a greater sense of purpose and free to pursue our passions with others who share our values – often starts with a move or relocation….”
It’s a natural inclination to want to continue this lifestyle, particularly leading up to and in your retirement years. In a 2007 University of Alberta study, over 400 adults aged 60 and older in British Columbia revealed health, wealth, and meaning’s importance for quality of life in later years.
Seeking Stronger Connections
For many of us, our quest for a more meaningful life – where we feel engaged, connected to a greater sense of purpose and free to pursue our passions with others who share our values – often starts with a move or relocation to pursue one or more of the following retirement lifestyles:
Second Career
Retirement presents the chance to explore a second career as a consultant, educator, or in a completely new field. FERS retirees get benefits from basic, Social Security, and TSP, allowing them to pursue enjoyable, lower-paying jobs for leisure.
Volunteer
Retiree volunteers provide valuable services ranging from volunteer park rangers, museum docents and hospital volunteers. Additionally, volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about lets you connect with like-minded people and find satisfaction in helping others.
Life of Leisure
Living in a beach or luxury apartment community with resort-style amenities can make everyday life feel like a vacation. As a retiree, you could start your day with a swim and end it with a spectacular view of the sunset, either over the water or across the urban skyline. And, you’re likely to enjoy easy access to a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Golf and Exercise
Relocating to a golf community can provide you with opportunities for fresh air, regular exercise and making new friends. In addition, retirees working or volunteering at golf courses can enhance the visitor experience and potentially receive discounts and privileges.
Back to School
Living in a college town provides access to sports, culture, libraries, speakers, and concerts, even if it’s your alma mater. Additonally, many colleges and universities also offer free or discounted tuition to alumni and senior citizens, so you’ll be free to pursue your passion for lifelong learning even in your retirement years.
Are you ready to retire and live your best life?
Summary
Whether your next step in retirement takes you down the street, across the country or around the world, the experienced professionals at Interstate Moving | Relocation |Logistics can get you started on your move or relocation to the retirement lifestyle you aspire to.
Contact one of our move consultants or visit MoveInterstate.com to take your next step in your retirement journey.
