Despite what your state pension may say, the “right” time to retire is different for everyone.

Some people find purpose and fulfillment in their work well into their seventies, while others feel the pull to retire earlier, ready for new experiences beyond their careers.

Thus, the decision to step away from a career has more to do with inner signals than the balance in your retirement fund.

But how do you know when it’s time to consider retirement?

According to psychologists, the answer lies in a series of subtle, personal signs – mental, emotional, and even physical.

These signs reveal not just your readiness to leave a job, but a deeper desire to embrace a new phase in life

1) You’re constantly counting down

One of the most telling signs you’re ready for retirement is when your job starts to feel like a countdown.

We’ve all had those days where we’re watching the clock, eager for the workday to end. But when this becomes a daily habit, it might be a sign that you’re yearning for more than just a day off.

If you find yourself constantly counting down the days until the weekend, or even until your next vacation, it’s worth asking yourself why.

Could it be because you’re ready to step away from the daily grind and start enjoying the fruits of your labor?

2) Your passion has faded

I remember when I was fresh out of university, eager and hungry to make a difference in my field.

The excitement I felt every morning was palpable. But years down the line, that enthusiasm began to fade.

There’s no shame in admitting this. It’s a natural part of a long career. When you’ve been doing the same thing for many years, it’s normal for the initial spark to dim.

If you’re experiencing this fading passion, and attempts to rekindle it have proved futile, it might be time to consider retirement.

It’s important to remember that retirement doesn’t mean an end to passion and productivity. On the contrary, it could be the beginning of a new chapter where you get to explore other interests that have been on the back burner. 

3) Work-related stress is impacting your health

Workplace stress is a common occurrence, but when it starts to impact your physical and mental health, it’s a serious issue.

Research has shown that prolonged exposure to stress can lead to various health problems like:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Mental conditions like depression and anxiety

If you’re noticing persistent health issues that seem to be tied to your work-related stress, it might be time to consider your options.

Retirement could provide the break you need to prioritize your health and well-being. After all, what’s wealth without health?

4) You’re financially ready

This is a big one. Financial readiness is a crucial factor in deciding when to retire.

Have you been diligently saving and investing throughout your career?

Do you have a solid retirement plan in place that ensures you can maintain your lifestyle without a regular paycheck?

If you’ve reached a point where your savings, investments, and pensions can comfortably support your post-retirement life, you’re in a good position to consider retirement.

Remember, financial readiness is not just about having enough to get by, but having enough to enjoy the retirement you’ve worked hard for. 

5) You have a post-retirement plan

Retirement isn’t just about leaving your job. It’s about entering a new phase of life that can be as fulfilling, if not more, than your working years.

Do you have a clear picture of what you want your retirement to look like? Have you thought about how you’ll spend your time?

Perhaps there’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to pursue, or a cause you’re passionate about that you’d like to volunteer for.

If you already have a plan for your post-retirement life and are excited about it, it’s a strong sign that you’re ready for this transition.

Retirement is the beginning of a new journey, so make sure you’re prepared for the adventure.

6) Your loved ones are ready, too

Retirement isn’t just a personal journey, it’s a shared experience with your loved ones.

Perhaps your spouse has already retired, and you’re eager to join them in this new phase of life. Or maybe your grandchildren are growing up fast, and you want to be there to witness their milestones.

Retirement can offer you the precious gift of time – time to spend with your loved ones, create lasting memories, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

If the thought of spending more quality time with your family and friends fills your heart with joy, it’s a beautiful sign that retirement might be the right step for you.

After all, at the end of the day, it’s not about how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.

7) Your bucket list is calling

I’ll never forget a conversation I had with a close friend many years ago.

We were both in the prime of our careers, working long hours and juggling multiple responsibilities. Amidst our busy schedules, we decided to create a bucket list.

Years later, I found that list again. It was full of dreams and aspirations – some fulfilled, others still waiting.

It was a stark reminder of my own mortality and the fleeting nature of time.

If you’ve got a bucket list that’s gathering dust, or dreams that have been shelved due to work commitments, it might be time to rethink your priorities.

Retirement could be your chance to finally do the things you’ve always dreamt of. 

8) You’re no longer learning or growing

One of the most fulfilling aspects of a career is the opportunity for continuous learning and personal growth.

But there might come a point when you feel like you’ve hit a plateau.

If you’re no longer feeling challenged or stimulated at work, and there are no further opportunities for professional development or advancement, it’s worth considering if you’re truly happy.

Retirement could open up new avenues for growth and learning that aren’t tied to your career. It could be the perfect time to:

• Explore new interests
• Learn new skills
• Go back to school

Learning doesn’t stop when your career does. In fact, it can be the start of a whole new journey of personal discovery.

9) You’re ready for a new adventure

Retirement is more than just an end to your working years. It’s the beginning of a whole new adventure.

If you’re excited at the prospect of having the freedom to dictate your own schedule, explore new interests, and spend time with loved ones, then it’s a clear sign that you’re ready for retirement.

Retirement is not a period of decline, but an opportunity to embrace life in a new and exciting way.

The world is your oyster and it’s waiting for you to explore it. Don’t be afraid to take the leap.

The heart of the matter: It’s about fulfillment

Deciding when to retire is a deeply personal journey, and recognizing the signs that you’re ready can make the transition smoother and more fulfilling.

These nine signs aren’t just signals that you’re ready to leave work – they’re reminders that you’re ready for something new, a chapter that prioritizes your passions, well-being, and freedom.

As you consider this next phase, remember that retirement doesn’t mean the end of purpose or ambition.

It’s an opportunity to reinvent what fulfillment means to you, whether that’s traveling, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or even embarking on a new passion project.

Listen to your intuition, embrace the possibilities, and trust that you’re stepping into a stage of life filled with endless potential and meaning.