Redefining Retirement: More Than Just an End
Retirement is often perceived as the conclusion of a career, a time when a person leaves the workforce and steps into a new phase of life. However, for me, its meaning extends beyond this definition and has evolved into representing not just an end, but a move towards something new involving possibly a series of transitions that can change and enrich my life in unexpected ways.
Multiple Transitions
I have had multiple “retirements” throughout my life. Each transition has given me an opportunity to explore and redefine what fulfillment looks like and to transition into new paths for personal and professional growth. My focus has shifted from retirement as a finish line to a continuous journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.
Exploration of Identity
The departure from a long-held role can lead to a profound reassessment of one’s identity. When a role is retired, it’s possible to initially feel a sense of loss or confusion.
My first major retirement was from being a college student to a “stay at home mom”, which lead to an immense change in my identity. I had a hard time relating to the identity of “stay at home mom”. My intention was to pursue a career when my two children reached school age, so during that time, I focused on my planned future identity. When I retired from being a “stay at home mom”, I did shift my identity from “stay at home mom” to “professional” and “mom”.
Social Dynamics
Retirement also significantly impacts an individual's social connections. When you retire from one role and move towards another, your primary source of social interaction and community can shift dramatically. This transition can be challenging, as it requires the cultivation of new friendships and networks outside the professional realm. However, this challenge also presents opportunities for growth.
When I decided to retire from the corporate world at 48, when both my son and daughter had finished college, retiring from that role and life was crucial for my well-being. I knew what I was moving from but I didn’t know what I was moving to. It was a period of uncertainty and a catalyst and time for self-reflection.
I had planned for two years to try to figure out who I really was or wanted to be and what my passion was. I explored many ideas, traveled, took courses, and spent much time in self-reflection.
This change had a major impact on my social connections. People with whom I had worked for up to 20 years were no longer part of my life. I turned to family in the beginning, and with time focused on developing new communities. For me, this is challenging and takes energy.
Reflection
As I reflected over those two years, I began to gain a broad perspective of what I was moving towards after I had retired from my corporate life. The new path included a major component of professional involvement, but it has taken on a very different form. My passion is much more focused on people, helping them to better achieve those goals that are important to them, focusing on their professional lives as it contributes to their personal fulfillment.
Legacy
At certain stages of the retirement journey, usually fairly far down the road, people may focus on their legacy. For me, as far as legacy is concerned, I have to admit I haven’t focused much on that. I am still very much into my today and I am wondering what my next venture may be when I retire from what I am currently doing with my life.
