Have you recently found yourself with an “empty nest?” Every fall, many parents and guardians are met with this new reality, as children launch into young adulthood by moving away to college, entering the workforce, or pursuing other opportunities away from home.
It can be an emotional time full of complicated feelings—of various degrees—including sadness, loneliness, and even loss of purpose now that children have moved out of the family home. It may be helpful to focus on some positive aspects of this new chapter in your life.
Photos Courtesy of JNBA Financial Advisors
Here are five areas in which you can consider placing energy as you get more accustomed to your new normal.
Focus on you
Kids can easily become the center of our world, and over time, we may lose a bit of ourselves in the demands of parenting. For the first time in many years, you have more time for you. Think about what brings you joy, and then seek it! Consider revisiting former hobbies and passions that you haven’t had time for lately, or explore a new interest! Investigate community education classes or workshops as an opportunity to try something new. It’s also a great time to focus on personal growth—perhaps you have a new skill you’d like to conquer or a professional certification you’d like to achieve. Or, perhaps you want to renew your commitment to your health and wellness—from trying new healthy recipes to joining a fitness center.
Strengthen relationships
With the busyness of raising kids, it may have been a while since you’ve had exclusive time with your partner or significant other. Embrace this opportunity to focus on each other. It’s also a great time to reconnect with friends and extended family. From coffee chats to lunches, walk-and-talks to Mahjong meet-ups, schedule time with those in your circle—and maybe expand it by meeting some new people, too!
Seek out travel and adventure
This is a great time to renew your sense of adventure—close to home and beyond! Consider scheduling a big trip to commemorate this transition. With advance planning, this can be something you look forward to with anticipation and excitement as opposed to dreading an empty house. Brainstorm other dream destinations, and maybe spontaneously book one (when was the last time you did that?!?). But you don’t have to go far to find adventure. Closer to home, evening or weekend events like cultural and recreational activities, festivals, or concerts can bring a boost of excitement.
Contribute to the community
It can be incredibly rewarding to get involved in a cause that you care about. Many people use this time to find a meaningful volunteer opportunity. Another opportunity to give back is mentoring—a student, a junior colleague, or someone you are paired with through a mentoring organization.
Revisit finances
Now you have an opportunity to refocus on your future goals. If you haven’t created a financial life plan yet, because you have been working hard to save for retirement and college expenses, this transition often creates space to think through what is important to you. There are other financial aspects to consider, too, regarding how much financial assistance you’re comfortable giving your child as they learn to be financially independent.
Empty nesting was the focus of a recent episode of “Navigating Life Transitions,” a podcast by JNBA Financial Advisors about the many changes and challenges in life. Hosted by Minnesota media veteran Kim Insley, the podcast brings together professionals, from attorneys to financial advisors, to discuss considerations and implications that are helpful to keep in mind.
If you have questions about revisiting or creating your personalized financial life plan as you transition into an empty nest, or to learn more about how JNBA can help you with your financial life goals, visit JNBA’s website to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation call with their experienced, multigenerational team.
Please see important disclosure information at jnba.com/disclosure.
