But if closing the chapter on your work life leaves you uneasy, you’re not alone. As with any life change, the transition into retirement can bring on a huge range of emotions for many people, from anxiety to excitement and even sadness. Many people struggle to get organized and established in their new lives once their career is behind them.

With more people retired than ever before, a new professional field of retirement coaching has emerged to help people navigate the challenges and opportunities of post-work life. Dorian Mintzer is one of these professionals.

“Retirement is clearly no longer the destination that it used to be,” Mintzer told the New York Times. “Now, the likelihood is you have 20, 30, maybe 40 more years ahead of you, and that’s a long time to not know what you want to do.”

What is a retirement coach?

A retirement coach helps you make sense of the many changes that come your way when you stop working. They work with you to:

• Identify what’s important to you. After retiring, you may suddenly have more time than ever before to pursue your interests and passions. It can be overwhelming to think about how you want to spend the rest of your days, and a retirement coach can help you think things through.
• Create a schedule. Most people who transition into retirement go from a full workday that they schedule their lives around to … a whole lot of free time. While it can sound delightful at first, many new retirees find they miss having a daily structure. A retirement coach can assist in developing a routine that works for your lifestyle, plans, and purpose.
• Look after your health. Nowadays, retirement can last decades, so it’s important to stay physically and mentally well enough to enjoy it! A retirement coach can help you craft a healthy diet plan and exercise routine, organize your doctor’s appointments, think about the best ways to care for your mental health, and prepare for how your health or abilities may change in the future.
• Develop new relationships. Unless you worked remotely, you probably spent the majority of your days with your colleagues. When that built-in social circle disappears, a retirement coach can help you figure out ways to make new friends, and perhaps even navigate difficult relationships with loved ones.

Learn more about making new friends after retirement.

Every retirement coach is different, and some may offer different services, like basic financial advice, as well. Be sure to look around for one that meets your needs.

Finding a retirement coach

If the idea of a retirement coach sounds appealing, there are a few places you can look to find one. Many retirement coaches are certified by Retirement Options. These coaches focus on non-financial planning. Search for a coach in your area on the Retirement Options website.

Another group worth looking into is the Retirement Coaches Association, founded in 2017. Members include experienced certified coaches, financial professionals, and human resource specialists. Many coaches offer both one-on-one sessions and video conferencing.

Be forewarned that retirement coaching isn’t cheap. Coaches typically charge between $100 to $300 an hour, depending on location and expertise. Still, it could be a worthwhile investment in making these coming years the most rewarding phase of your life.