Exit Strategies: Is There Life After Making Teeth?

My wife and I retired in mid-2011, just short of each of us turning 63. As much as we both liked what we’d been doing for decades, we started realizing our careers were keeping us from “better stuff.” That “stuff” was more time together; more travelling which we’d always enjoyed; and more time with our wonderful sons, daughter-in-law and the best two grandchildren of all time.

Retirement can be a day to look forward to, a day of dread or, more likely, something in-between. No matter your situation, there’s so much to consider before you retire.

First ask yourself: do I still really enjoy working at the lab? How much will I miss the work and the people? If you still really love your job, keep working! If not, consider cutting back but not quitting cold turkey. If you’re a lab owner, consider selling and staying on as a full- or part-time consultant. Having you on board for the transition will increase...