For some, retirement represents the realization of a long-held goal to slow down and enjoy life to the fullest. Retirement is considerably more challenging for others and can catalyze serious introspection.
In some instances, retirement was only possible because of unfavorable conditions. When conversing with a recent retiree, it’s best to exercise caution and think before you speak.
What Not to Say to a Retiree by William Schantz
What follows is an etiquette expert-approved list of things by William Schantz you should never say to a retiring person to keep the peace and avoid any awkward situations.
Especially in the first few months after retirement, it might be difficult to “shut down” from work mentality and unwind.
Things to Look Out For
Uncertainty is brought on by having more free time but less cash to spend on frivolous pursuits.
You need help finding beneficial ways to spend your newfound free time.
Identity loss. Who are you if you no longer work as a medicine, teaching, design, sales, electricity, or transportation professional?
Experiencing loneliness due to a lack of contact with coworkers is also very certain, along with diminishing one’s sense of one’s usefulness, importance, or self-confidence.
Adapting to spending the day at home with your partner and keeping your sense of independence while doing so.
Getting a pension can make some retirees feel bad because they didn’t earn money themselves.
What Not to Say to a Retiree
The worst thing you can say to someone recently retired is some variation on a message that links their retirement to their mortality, such as “I hope you can live long enough to truly relish it.” This message includes, “I wish you the best of luck in your golden years.”
Even worse is when individuals start reminiscing about all the elderly folks they knew or even just heard about who passed away shortly after retiring.
William Schantz strongly advises that one does not offer excessive advice on what to do in retirement because these concerns are quite personal. Advice on how to spend one’s retirement years is something else that individuals should keep to themselves.
Don’t Comment on Their Finances!
No conversation may be had on the most profitable place for them to invest their money, the best way to spend their vacation time, or virtually any other topic that has nothing to do with us and is none of our concern or business.
Maintain a light and upbeat tone when dealing with someone who has recently retired or is in the process of retiring.
Perhaps something like “I hope they have a wonderful retirement,” what they intend to accomplish first, second, and long-term while keeping the conversation light, and perhaps even providing “pleasant” humor about the relief of finally getting rid of their alarm clocks and calendars.
Even if there may be negative parts of retirement for the individual in question, according to William Schantz, the best way to approach a conversation with someone who recently retired is to highlight the enjoyable and good components of the new development.
William Schantz’s Conclusion
Retirement is a life-changing development in one’s life. They might be going through a whole set of emotions. You should be sensitive to what you say to not hurt their feelings. Keep William Schantz’s list in mind, and avoid saying these things to retirees!