Transitioning away from working life can be a confusing time. That’s why we’re debunking these myths about the process…

Approaching retirement can be a complicated experience. On one hand, the idea of slowing down and spending more time doing the things you love might be appealing, on the other, you might wonder how you’ll cope with the financial logistics, or whether you’ll lose all sense of purpose when you finish work.

In order to make the most of this time, learning more about how to navigate its complexities is key. So, here are five myths about retirement that we’re ready to debunk…

Myth 1: Retirement is a time for celebration

Retirement is definitely something worthy of celebration, but that doesn’t mean you’re wrong to feel a mixture of conflicting emotions about this new life phase. Retirement is a major life transition, and because the work we do is often closely linked to our identity, the shift can be profound.

“For someone who’s been working for decades, it may feel like leaving behind a version of themselves and stepping away from the working world they’ve been part of,” explains psychotherapist Clare Patterson. “This can bring up feelings of sadness, loss, or even fear about what lies ahead.”

In a society that idolises both youth and career status, is it any wonder that getting older and stopping work can feel like something to mourn, instead of celebrate? “There can be a strong attachment, or simply habit, around working, and letting go of that can feel like a genuine loss,” says Clare. “It’s important to give space to whatever feelings are coming up. Once those are acknowledged, the freedom and possibility of retirement may begin to emerge more clearly. Whatever someone feels about retirement is entirely valid.”

Myth 2: You’ll be bored without a job

Writer Annie Dillard famously said: “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” So, when it comes to stepping away from employment, where we spend an approximate 90,000 hours in our lifetime, you’d be forgiven for wondering how on Earth you’ll spend all your newly-acquired free time.

When I ask Clare about the fear of boredom in retirement, she says it’s important to get to the root of that fear. “For many, work provides a structure or distraction that keeps them from facing certain parts of life. Perhaps difficult relationships, unfulfilled desires, or aspects of themselves they haven’t had the time or space to explore,” she says. “When that structure falls away, there’s often more room for reflection. This can be a powerful opportunity to reconnect with interests, people, or even decisions that have been waiting quietly in the background.”

Talking to a trained professional can help in this instance, as, according to Clare, all that spare time to think can “bring up some uncomfortable truths, and that can feel daunting at first”.

“The truth is that boredom usually arises when we’re not comfortable being with our real selves,” says Clare. Yet, when we’re at ease in our own company, that feeling dissipates. So, if you’re worried about boredom, the solution is likely to focus on internal exploration over external distraction. It’s not always easy, but retirement can offer a rare opportunity to get curious about all the hidden parts of yourself that are waiting to be discovered.

Myth 3: Retirement means giving up work entirely

If you’ve got friends and family nudging you to make the leap and you don’t feel ready, there’s no shame in maintaining some sort of connection to work as you test out retired life. Whether you want to continue to work part-time, try out volunteering, or act as a mentor for others, sometimes having a cause to dedicate some energy to can give you a sense of fulfillment, without the full-time commitment.

“One of the gifts of retirement is that it allows us to choose how we want to spend our time. It can be a chance to re-evaluate what work means to us, and to decide what we really want to do, rather than what we’ve always done,” says Clare. “There’s room to explore new roles or projects that align more closely with our values or interests.”

Myth 4: Retirement means living with less

Whether you’re relying on a state pension (around £230 per week) or have additional private pensions or savings to keep you going, you may be scared about how you’ll make ends meet without a regular monthly wage. While it’s absolutely true that you’ll need to have your finances in order, it doesn’t have to mean you face a miserable future.

“There are many fulfilling things in life that don’t require a lot of money,” says Clare. “Spending time with friends and family, going for walks, preparing nourishing meals, reading, gardening, or joining local groups. It can help to reflect on what really brings joy, and whether those experiences can be created in new or simpler ways.”

“That said, there are practical things that can be done, too. Looking into pension options, planning a monthly budget, or considering part-time work can all help ease financial concerns,” suggests Clare. For free guidance on retirement savings options visit moneyhelper.org.uk. It’s worth remembering that peace of mind often comes from a sense of purpose, connection, and overall wellbeing – not just from financial wealth.

Myth 5: You have to slow down when you retire

The image of retirement portrayed in the media is one that doesn’t resonate with everyone. While, for some, physically resting and doing less really is what helps them thrive, for others, it can be more about the chance to pour their energy into exciting new projects.

“Retirement can be a gift,” explains Clare. “It’s an opportunity to move away from the usual systems of routine and pressure, and to reconnect with oneself in a more natural and meaningful way. There’s more time for hobbies, relationships, rest, and exploring who we are beyond the working role.”

So, although you may find yourself enjoying lazy afternoons reading a novel on the sofa, or sneaking in a daily siesta, there’s also a wide array of things that are likely to motivate you to get out and do more – to take up activities and adventures you never had the time to explore before. Whether you’re ready to retire, or are just coming round to the idea, your golden years deserve to be your best yet.