Retirement from the Federal Workforce: Live your best life

This content is provided by Interstate Moving | Relocation | Logistics.

Are you a member of the large and fast-growing cohort of retirement-eligible federal employees?

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 to both of these questions, you may be part of a recent trend that saw a 14% increase in the number of workers retiring from the federal workforce in 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. The number of retirement claims received by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in 2021 totaled 104,699, with year-over-year increases occurring in each month except for February and October.

In the two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic here in the U.S., telework has become the ‘new normal’ for a large percentage of the federal workforce. 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. A 2007 University of Alberta study, published in Research in Nursing and Health, surveyed more than 400 adults aged 60 and older living in British Columbia and found that health, wealth and meaning are key drivers of the quality of life in our golden years.

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 can be an opportunity for you to pursue a second career as a consultant, an educator or in an entirely new field. Retirees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) receive benefits from the basic benefit plan, Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and have the flexibility to pursue lower-paying, more enjoyable jobs that afford more leisure time.

Volunteer

Retiree volunteers provide valuable services ranging from volunteer park rangers, museum docents and hospital volunteers. Volunteering for a cause or organization you are passionate about allows you to connect with others who share your values and provides you with the satisfaction of helping others.

Life of Leisure

Moving to a beach or luxury apartment community with resort-style amenities can help you feel like every day is 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 who work or volunteer at a golf course year-round or in a seasonal capacity will help to enrich the visitor experience and may qualify for discounts, player privileges and other valuable benefits.

Back to School

Living in a college town, even the one where you attended school, will give you access to sporting events, cultural activities, libraries, speakers and live concerts. 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?

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.

Visit www.MoveInterstate.com to take your next step and to speak with one of our move consultants.

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