Early Retirement Blog

Brett Favre announced his retirement from football – again.  The 39 year old star quarterback, claiming his “throwing shoulder isn’t what it used to be”, is finally throwing in the towel and retiring after 18 seasons in the NFL.   Everyone who is planning their own retirement, or more importantly “not” planning their retirement, can learn a lesson from the Brett Favre retirement saga.

Why was Brett Favre’s retirement from the Green Bay Packers so messy?   Why did he un-retire himself and endure a forgetable season with the Jets?   The answer is contained in this one sentence, from his latest retirement announcement, “I have no idea what I’m going to do, and I’m fine with that. Right now, I have no desire to do anything.”

Brett Favre never had a retirement plan, he never envisioned a life beyond his career, he was un-prepared for life after the Footbal.  His entire self-identity was wrapped up in being a Pro Football “Player”.   When retirement came the first time, he sat on the couch for a while and then asked himself, “What the hell do I do now?”   Brett Favre had no answer.

Do you see yourself in Brett Favre?   Are you so wrapped up in your career that you can’t see life after your job?   Do you identify yourself by your occupation?   Do you have any idea what you will do when you retire?

Here is a quick test to see if you suffer from the same retirement denial syndrome that has afflicted Brett Favre.   Complete the following sentence:

Hello: My name is _________,   I am a __________.

If you filled in the sentence with your name and occupation, you may be setting yourself up for an unhappy retirement, when you no longer are whatever occupation you entered.   Many people retire without a plan, and after a while regret their decision, and try to return to their previous occupation.  And it usually works out as poorly as Brett Favre’s retirement.

To avoid repeating Brett Favre’s retirement mistakes, take a moment and try to envision life after work, and think about what you would like to do with your life beyond your career.  Otherwise, you may be setting yourself up for the same type of drama surrounding Brett Favre’s retirement, except there will be no cameras to capture your tears.

Don’t be like Brett Favre, imagine your life after work, and go to the Early Retirement Website , try our free retirement calculators, and learn how to retire early.

Update September 2010:
Well, he did it again this year, threatening to retire from football.  Only after his teammates flew down to his home, and personally begged Brett Favre to return for one more season, did he agree to un-retire himself yet again.  Pathetic.