Retirement may be new to you, but it isn't to OMERS and to our retired members. Here, we provide information and member advice on how best to prepare for and to enjoy your life after work. How can I prepare mentally and emotionally to make the most of my retirement? How am I going to spend my time?
What are my choices if I work for an OMERS employer (including my previous employer) while I am receiving an OMERS pension? Working for a non-OMERS employer while on pension Advice from Other OMERS Retired Members Health and Well-being
Awareness: Maintain an alert, active outlook on life to increase your interest in others and theirs in you. As you age, you're more aware of the finite quality of time and life. Limits are understood, and friends and family often take on deeper meaning. Flexibility: Keep your attitudes toward life, family and friends flexible, interested and open. Changes occur daily—be open to them. Independence: To keep financially, mentally and emotionally strong, it's important to make clear and independent choices. Independence: To keep financially, mentally and emotionally strong, it's important to make clear and independent choices. Expansion: Develop new goals, and keep involved in meaningful projects that will help you keep growing.
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If you start working for a non-OMERS employer after you start your pension, it will not affect your pension payments.
"Plan early enough so retirement doesn't seem to loom up suddenly before you're ready for it." "Start early in your preparation, then keep learning and updating your plans and records. Pick a good financial planner who meets your own (family) needs. Include your spouse/partner/dependents in your learning about your financial situation. They need to know all about your pension benefits, especially survivor benefits from OMERS, CPP, OAS, etc. You should also remember about estate planning and making a will." David, 63, retired member and former school custodian "Retirement is not an extended holiday. Make sure you have interests and/or hobbies not related to the workplace. Keep active physically and make sure you can fill the brain gap left by retirement." Georgie, 62, retired member and former personnel officer "I learned as much as possible about the [OMERS] pension plan, CPP, and so on." Ron, 57, retired member and former firefighter "Prepare mentally for retirement. You simply cannot spend the way you did when you were making a full salary, and there is definitely mental preparation for this." Mary, 59, retired member and former head secretary Read more Advice from OMERS Members.