The last question to ask while planning for retirement seems obvious, but it's one which most veterinarians rarely consider: What are you going to do after you retire? Retirement may not be the extended holiday you anticipate.  You’ve spent your life working hard and mostly enjoying it, so it’s unreasonable to think that abruptly you’re going to be happy sitting around for the next 30 years.

Sure, a week with your feet up is great, but soon you might find you’re itching for something to do. Because most vets work incessantly in their professional careers, the majority have not cultivated the hobbies that might otherwise fill the empty hours.  To avoid post-retirement depression, you should start thinking now of how you would like to spend your time.

That trip to the French Riviera is appealing, but what are you going to do when you return? Maybe volunteer for a library, work on a political cause or lecture at veterinary schools.  Or maybe you’d like to become a veterinary consultant and help others avoid making the same mistakes you made.  Hey, it worked for me.  <HOME>

Dr. Crootof is president of Crootof Consulting and is a member of the Association of Veterinary Practice Management Consultants and Advisors.