Rente: Finanzpsychologe Valentin Haas: „Der Ruhestand wird gesellschaftlich glorifiziert“

Valentin Haas, a financial psychologist in Hannover, encounters individuals daily who are under immense stress due to major life choices, including retirement or leaving their business. He has observed that many people look forward to retirement as a form of redemption. However, the question of what comes after retirement often leads people into a crisis of purpose.

In the current debate on pension reforms, which also addresses the need for longer working years, Haas has noticed similar reactions to those he experiences in his practice. In an interview, he discusses the pitfalls of part-time work and why retirement is not just a financially sound plan, but also requires individuals to plan for freedom.

He also explains why artificial intelligence cannot replace humans. Read the full interview here. The retirement reform, which includes making the retirement age 63, causes strong emotional reactions in many people. The initial reaction is often one of fear: "Someone is taking something away from me." While the demographic trends and increased life expectancy make this reform necessary, the immediate concern is the loss of perceived time.

Retirement is often seen as a goal, not just a financial one, but a time for self-determined living. Advertisements often depict retired people enjoying life without constraints, which can lead people to fantasize about such a lifestyle. However, this is a common reaction, especially during stressful periods. When projects don't go as planned, workloads are high, and personal matters need organizing, people seek relief in their minds.

This is a normal reaction, particularly in the weeks leading up to vacation. The concept of a stress-free retirement creates a mental image of a time when stress will end. Retirement provides a deadline for stress, allowing people to work towards it. Many people Haas works with are professionals, particularly entrepreneurs and senior executives.

These individuals are deeply invested in their work and feel proud of what they have built. They may not be immediately satisfied with the idea of retiring, as they are often attached to their achievements. However, such individuals should not assume they can stop working abruptly. A successful retirement requires careful financial planning.

Without it, early retirement may not be feasible. While having money in the bank can provide comfort, it cannot solve all problems. Planning ahead ensures that individuals know when they can stop working. But the question remains: what will they do when they are no longer working? For some, travel can be a solution, but it is not a full-time lifestyle.

Even with an empty calendar, individuals often find that their minds are still occupied. The brain needs both rest and stimulation. Too much time without work can lead to boredom, while too little can cause restlessness. To address this, people should not wait until their final workday to plan their retirement. Many individuals plan for their post-work life after leaving their job.

However, the real preparation should begin earlier. Even as a new professional, one should learn to seek recognition and feedback outside of their work. Retirement is not just about leaving a job; it's about shifting one's identity. For those who have identified their self-worth through their career, retirement can feel like losing a significant part of themselves.

However, those who view their job as merely a job will have less to lose when they retire. This is just one price of retirement. Continuing to work, even part-time, or providing advice to younger professionals can be beneficial. However, the key is not the number of hours worked, but the overall impact on one's life.