8 Tips to Successfully Transition to Retirement Making a major life change can be disorienting. Here are some ways to stay grounded. Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on NewRetirement. The transition to retirement can be a time of feeling a little stuck. It’s kind of like being in a pandemic: You are not quite where you want to be or doing what you want to do — but you might almost be there. These types of in-between times can be difficult in that you are waiting for something to happen. However, just because you are waiting, you needn’t give up happiness and fulfillment.