Believe it or not, retirement is a career choice. It is the choice to end a career and either start a new one, go back to college to complete or achieve a degree, or simply sit back and soak in the life you've missed while working so hard.

Several decisions need to be made when planning retirement, because you sure don't want to end up working again if the plan was to never work again.

I've known many people that have gone to college, enjoyed a full career, and somewhere in the path of success discovered their true calling, other interests and passions. When they reach retirement age, they have a party, quit the job and start all over again, in college or a degree program, then on to a new job or hobby.

Reaching for your passions and interests is what life is about and has to offer. Just because you can retire doesn't mean you have to stop there. It is a nice place to be if you don't have any unresolved issues in your career life. Taking self assessment tests throughout your life helps to determine if you are still on track and to discover new traits you have gained along the way. Hopefully, you have been learning and growing, not just getting by or living pay check to pay check.

The most important part of retirement as with all of your other career choices, is to do what you truly want to do, and where there is a will there is a way.

Besides doing what you want, make sure you fully understand your company's retirement program, including medical, dental and other insurance options. Then ask about it again. Don't get caught retiring just so you can pay for your insurance needs.

Understand what your 401 or 403 plan involves, retirement pensions you have, what the payout rates and dates are and most importantly any penalties and taxes you may incurr for removing the money and starting to draw that retirement check.

Set yourself up on payment plans, use the retirement calcluators, benefits departments, advice from retirees and other information you can get your hands on to make your retirement as care free as possible. Be realistic about your spending habits and needs. Trying to ignore certain spending habits or thinking you can tighten your belt or expand it (how nice) may end up costing you more than you plan on. There are still going to be rainy days, so keep saving for those. Always better to have too much than not enough.

Get a head start on your retirement at an early age. Retirement planning is a lifelong process that starts when you graduate high school and choose your college degree or first real job. The one that you will bank on.