The UBC Emeritus College recognizes that the withdrawal from work, aka retirement, is a major transition in a faculty member’s life.
For many academics, status and professional achievements have become inseparable from their identity and self-esteem. Research findings indicate that retirees want to feel engaged and lead purposeful, worthwhile lives. Retirement can and should be a time of continued productivity, learning and meaningful connections.
It is never too soon to begin the planning process. Indeed, there are many decisions and activities that would benefit from attention in early to mid-career to ensure a successful retirement. Just a few of these include ensuring a healthy work-life balance, taking an active interest in financial matters, becoming familiar with flexible work options and post-retirement benefit plans, and considering later eventualities (e.g., wills and future care documents).
There are multiple options or pathways that academics can follow prior to and following retirement. Although, there is no navigation system to guide one on the retirement journey, there are steps that you can take to become better informed about this major transition. We encourage you to explore the resources on this portal; consult with family, friends, and colleagues; and seek professional advice.
Primary Resource
The UBC Faculty Guide for Retirement Planning is an excellent starting point, which will lead you through a series of questions meant to guide your planning and decision-making. These questions range from financial considerations, health care options, one’s sense of self, the effect of retirement on those we share our lives with, to how one might spend the rest of their life.
UBC Seminars and Resources
Transitions to Retirement is a retirement planning seminar that has received excellent reviews from attendees. It is normally offered twice each year by UBC Faculty Relations in conjunction with the UBC Emeritus College. These half-day seminars are for Faculty Association members; spouses and partners are welcome to attend. Invitations to register are e-mailed from UBC Faculty Relations to Faculty Association members aged 55 or older about 6 weeks in advance of the seminar. Contact: ubcfrel-g-admin@mail.ubc.ca. The seminar focuses on the impact of retirement on self and family, financial planning, work-reduction options, health and travel insurance benefits for retirees, plus optimizing life in retirement. Please note that information on the UBC Faculty Pension Plan is not included in this seminar; the Finances and Pension section of this web portal includes relevant details and a link to upcoming pension seminars.
UBC Emeritus College members are a great resource! You are invited to attend College events prior to retiring. As well, members of the College are available to answer questions as you undertake your retirement planning. Please contact the office by email or telephone (604-827-6359) to pursue this option.
UBC’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) offers confidential counseling services related to relationships, health, workplace and career issues, including retirement counselling, financial advisement, support and resources to help you make better-informed spending and retirement management decisions.
Other Resources
The UBC Emeritus College is a member of the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE). The Emeritus College participated in the development of a highly successful webinar series, Reimagining Retirement, which was launched by AROHE in January 2024 and is available on their website. The three sessions focus on retirement planning, finding meaning beyond academic life, and developing new social connections. Additional webinars are being planned.
There are other avenues to participate in learning opportunities about various aspects of retirement. One of the post-retirement health insurance options that some members consider is offered by RTOERO. They offer free retirement planning workshops, with part of the focus being on their organization and insurance offerings.
See also, Recommended Resources: Readings, Videos & Organizations for more great resources, including Dr. Riley Moynes’ presentation, “4 Phases of Retirement...and the Psychological Challenges” (TEDxSurrey February 2022).