The transition to retirement is often associated with joy and relief. Finally time for yourself, for hobbies, travel or simply to relax. But for many people, saying goodbye to working life can be surprisingly sobering. The supposed freedom often conceals a deep loss of identity, which can lead to an existential crisis.
In our Western society, a job is far more than just a source of income – our professional role often becomes the central source of our identity. This applies to both men and women. Jobs define us: “I am a teacher”, “I am a doctor” or “I am an entrepreneur”. These roles not only create a daily structure, but also social recognition and a sense of importance. We have often spent years studying hard, doing free internships in companies to enhance our CVs, in other words, many of us have invested time, money and a lot of energy in our personal lives, often already at school, all in order to get a ticket to our desired profession and the chance to gain professional expertise. You were respected and in demand in your profession. The loss of this role can therefore lead to deep insecurity and sadness.
For many people, the grumbling begins even before they officially retire. The question that inevitably arises is: “Who am I if I can no longer do what I have done all my life?" This uncertainty not only affects the elderly, but also many who are only in the middle of their lives. The loss of a job is often perceived as a loss of dignity, social contact and predictability.
The crisis of self-identity
The phenomenon of the so-called “retirement blues” not only describes the sadness that many feel in retirement, but also the associated identity crisis. Researchers have found that retirement is associated with an increased risk of depression, loneliness and even health problems. It's as if the meaning of life is suddenly blown away. The challenge is to find a new identity that is no longer exclusively tied to your professional role.
In addition, the move into retirement often leads to a loss of the social interaction that many have enjoyed in the working environment. The sudden loss of regular contact with colleagues can lead to isolation and loneliness. The everyday conversations that took place during work are often not easily replaced by other social activities.
Strategies for re-identification:
To combat the feeling of loss of identity, there are a few strategies that can help:
1. discover new interests: Retirement offers the opportunity to pursue hobbies and passions that have been put off for years. Whether it's painting, gardening or learning to play a musical instrument, new interests can help shape a new identity. Many people report that they can “suddenly” do things that they have just learned. They just never had the time in their professional past to discover their talent or enjoy it.
2. maintain social networks: meeting up with friends or participating in group activities that cover a wide range of interests can restore social contact and counteract isolation. Volunteering not only offers social interaction, but also the opportunity to continue contributing to society.
3. further training and new skills: Many retired people choose to take courses or continue their education in new areas. Learning new skills can not only promote mental fitness, but also enhance a sense of relevance and personal growth. Some also take on a part-time job or become self-employed.
4 reflection and acceptance: The transition to retirement offers an ideal opportunity for self-reflection. Questioning your own values, dreams and goals can help you discover a new purpose in life and redefine your identity.
Conclusion
Retirement is not just the end of a chapter, but also the beginning of a new phase of life full of opportunities. While the loss of professional identity can be challenging, it is also an opportunity to reshape and rediscover yourself. By taking active steps to redefine ourselves and maintain our social connections, we can overcome the “retirement blues” and create a fulfilling, meaningful retirement. A coach can be an important support in this phase, as family & friends are often stuck in their own daily lives and can't understand this difficult mental situation (“You have so much free time now and can do everything, so be happy and don't complain.”) or don't want to hear the same thing repeatedly.
How can you tell that you have arrived in your new phase of life as a pensioner? That's right, pensioners never have time ;-)
I regularly publish articles on the topics of ‘living abroad’, ‘retirement coaching’ and ‘expatriates’. If you would like to be coached on your individual path to make this phase in your life easier, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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