Retirement need no formal announcement, especially in circumstances where it comes at the expected age. Most people retire in their early 50s or mid-fifties; it can depend on the terms of contract. But there are instances where you may feel a need to retire earlier than the official age. In this situation, you will definitely need to make a formal announcement to your boss. This can be done using a retirement letter and with so many sample templates for the letter, it should not be that hard to alert your boss about your retirement wishes.
When thinking of retiring, it is important that you start preparing your boss early. Several months in advance before the intended date of retirement will do. You may also feel free to keep your colleagues in the know, but the retirement letter is very important in this process. But what exactly should you include in the letter?
Gratitude - Remember you are not coming back to your place of work and your letter might go into the permanent records of the company. The most important aspect to include is gratitude for your employers. Make the letter as warming as possible for them without exaggerating. Take it as your only chance of really expressing how grateful you are to have worked for the company and under the people in charge. The fact that you are not resigning but retiring could only mean that you were very comfortable with your job; express this as much as possible.
Leaving date - To make the transition as easy and smooth as possible, it is important that you are very clear with your retirement details especially the date you intend to leave the company. If you plan to leave on the 20th of November, then make the date that clear as compared to just mentioning November. This will save you from having to stay longer than you expect or longer than your plans can handle. It also gives a clear date for the employers to make any plans necessary to process your benefits and probably even find your replacement.
Potential proposals - If you feel your retirement is rather drastic and you are willing to help the company adjust, you can mention what you are open to in your retirement letter. For instance, you can offer to train a potential employee to replace you or work part time or do occasional work for a certain period till the company is good to go without you. Your employer may not want to hold you longer than you want, but offering to make the transition as smooth as possible for them goes to show that you have the best interests of the company at heart. You may actually end up being asked to choose a replacement and take them through your role so you leave someone just as competent as you.
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