Leaving a job isn’t just about packing up a desk and closing a chapter—it’s about stepping away from a piece of who you are. For federal employees, the transition from active work to Federal Disability Retirement can feel like losing a part of your identity. It’s natural to feel anxious and uncertain, but you’re not alone.
In this article we’ll address the emotional, mental, and financial impacts that come with this transition, and offer practical advice to help you move forward with confidence.
Emotional & Mental Impact of Retirement
Two of the biggest challenges federal workers face during this transition are the emotional and mental impacts.
If you’ve spent years dedicating yourself to your job, do you relate to any of these?
- The sudden loss of my daily routine and coworkers is hard to navigate.
- I’m not defined by my work, but my sense of purpose feels in flux right now.
- Others have had years to prepare for retirement, but I didn’t have the time to get ready for the change because I was struggling with a worsening medical condition.
If you identify with any of these struggles, or are feeling weighed down by the life changes, we’ve compiled some resources that may help you identify and address your emotional and mental needs.
Mental Health Resources:
- 6 Steps to Get Emotionally Ready for Retirement
- How to Prepare Mentally and Emotionally for Retirement
- Adjusting to Retirement: Handling Depression, Stress, and Anxiety
- Mental Health America
- Mindfulness apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises that can help with emotional preparation for retirement.
And a few online communities you may find helpful:
It’s important to acknowledge how you’re feeling and seek support from loved ones or even a mental health professional if needed.
Financial Impact
In addition to the emotional changes you may experience, there are financial changes to plan for too. Federal Disability Retirement acts as a supplement to your income, but it won’t entirely replace your federal salary.
You may be eligible for additional disability benefits to help supplement your income, but there could be interactions between these benefits and your disability retirement payments. You also have the option to work in the private sector and earn additional money to support you and your family.
Both the TSP and OPM websites provide valuable resources to help with your transition into retirement:
- The TSP website features online webinars designed to guide you in making informed decisions about managing your retirement funds.
- Meanwhile, the OPM website hosts a comprehensive online retirement center that offers detailed information on tax implications, insurance options, and survivor benefits.
Financial resources:
- TSP Online Learning
- OPM Retirement Center
- Savant Webinars
- Next Avenue: Retirement Planning
- Webinar | How Much Can You Make on Federal Disability Retirement
It’s recommended to speak with a financial advisor to properly plan for this new step in your life.
New Opportunities
Life after transitioning from active work to Disability Retirement can open a world of opportunities.
Free from the demands of your federal job, you can prioritize your health and well-being. We’ve seen many of our clients use this opportunity to explore a new job or an educational opportunity. With the stability of your Federal Disability Retirement payments, you have more flexibility to pursue passions and interests.
Having support during this stage of your life is crucial. It’s important to seek legal and financial guidance to ensure a smooth transition from federal employment to disability retirement. Take time to process and adjust to this change, but look toward the future with a sense of possibility.
If you’re considering applying for Federal Disability Retirement, schedule a free consultation with our firm so we can provide you with a clear path forward.
