Pension: Financial psychologist Valentin Haas: "Retirement is glorified by society"

Valentin Haas, a financial psychologist, describes how retirement is often glorified by society, despite the emotional turmoil it can cause. The debate on pension reforms, including raising the retirement age to 63, evokes strong emotions. Haas explains that the first thought many people have is "They're taking something away from me."

However, with longer life expectancies, it's necessary to reconsider retirement. People often view retirement as a goal, not just a financial one, but also a time for self-determined activities. The glorification of retirement in advertisements leads to a sense of loss when it's postponed or when people can't fully enjoy it. Haas notes that many feel a sense of relief with retirement, as it brings an end to stress.

For entrepreneurs, stepping down gradually is often better than quitting abruptly. However, the biggest question for these individuals is whether they can afford to retire without risking their established lifestyle. Financial planning is crucial for a stress-free retirement. While retirement may seem liberating, it can also feel restrictive, leading to stress and unhappiness.

Haas advises people to plan their retirement early and build a second structure alongside their professional life. This could include part-time work or advising younger colleagues. The key is not to let work define one's entire identity.