Now What?
It’s the beginning of a new year, and for many of us this can also mark the beginning of a major life change or transition, such as retirement.
Most people who have worked hard all of their adult life tend to look forward to retirement and the freedom that comes with it from being tied down to a rigid schedule. We think of it as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the get-out-of-jail-free card. I have a friend who, during her final year of employment, counted down not just the days but the hours.
But so much of our identity is tied to our work, and that includes our self-esteem. We rely on our job to define who we are and boost our self-worth. That confidence can take a hit in retirement when we no longer have to prove our professional skills to others and ourselves. While change is a fact of life, it can also cause us to experience identity paralysis, to feel stuck.
I should note here that not all retirees experience this phenomenon. My aforementioned friend for example has fully embraced retirement and is living her best life. But that’s certainly not true for everyone.
Our identity continues to evolve throughout our lifespan, from childhood to adolescence, in our jobs, and as parents if we choose to have children. The latter can be particularly tricky, especially for stay-at-home moms whose identity and self-worth are closely linked to caring for their children, a job that is constantly evolving as children grow up, become more independent, and eventualy leave the parental home.
Researchers focused on social change have been studying how people react to big changes in their life, positive and negative, and have come up with some strategies for mitigating post-retirement identity loss:
Think of retirement not as an ending but as a new beginning and as your next “career move”.
Get your finances in order!
Explore your interests. Learn a new skill, travel, take a class, join a club, or volunteer.
Maintain your relationships and nurture new ones. Keep in touch with former co-workers, reach out to old friends or make new ones.
Retirement doesn’t mean you have to stop growing. Set goals and challenge yourself to achieve them.
Embrace change! Change is inevitable and we have to adapt to it. Try to be openminded.
Self-care! Regular exercise plays an important role in keeping our body strong and energetic as we age. Try incorporating activities you enjoy into your daily routine to keep moving. And of course a balanced diet that prioritizes fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, as well as staying hydrated and getting adequate sleep.
Mental stimulation. Keep your mind active and engaged with activities that challenege your brain such as reading, puzzles, or games.
Get a part-time job doing something you enjoy.
And last but definitely not least, have fun!! Happy retirement!
Sources: www.hb.org, bhf.org.uk