These are not strictly ‘rules’ but more guidelines
1. Prepare for retirement. What are you going to do when, suddenly, you do not have to hold down a job? How are you going to fill your days? How are you going to keep your body and brain active? How will you cope with being at home all the time, perhaps with your partner there as well?
2. Make a complete break. The temptation will be to work part time, to fill in when your colleagues are sick or on holiday. But if you do, you will no longer be given the same respect. Even though you have not changed, they will expect you to perform with less enthusiasm, coast through the work at a slower rate and pay less attention to getting a satisfactory outcome.
3. Do something entirely different. You will approach your new venture(s) with enthusiasm, perhaps passion. This time of life is the opportunity to fulfill your frustrated ambitions and learn new skills.
Renaissance not Retirement 