Retirement: A New Path with a Map to Guide You

We often dream of retirement as an endless vacation, a time of relaxation and simple joys. But as many of us find out, including retirement expert Nancy K. Schlossberg, the transition can be more complex than expected. After a 40-year career, Schlossberg's own retirement wasn't the smooth sail she had anticipated. She found that two major transitions at once (retiring and moving) can be disruptive, and also discovered that her expertise wasn't as sought after as she had hoped. This led to feelings of being lost and irrelevant, wondering what to put on a business card, and what she wanted to do with her life. Sound familiar? You're not alone!

Schlossberg's research highlighted a key issue for many retirees: the need to feel like you matter. Looking back at my own abrupt transition to retirement, I realize that, I too, no longer felt relevant, really appreciated, or listened to. This kind of lack that so many retirees struggle with could be summed up with one word, “mattering,” − the need to feel noticed, valued, depended upon − a concept contextualized by the late University of Maryland distinguished professor Morris Rosenberg.

This feeling of mattering is the need to feel noticed, valued, and depended on. Without it, we might feel invisible, which can lead to loneliness and depression. It's not about a million-dollar pension or a fancy office; it's about purpose, connection, and feeling like you're still contributing to the world. According to the National Council on Aging, 80% of retirees face either a financial or emotional crisis. That's a lot of us who could use a little help navigating this new chapter!

Here are some of the things that retirees or near-retirees can do:

Acknowledge a new normal:

Retirement often means leaving behind familiar routines and relationships. This can bring feelings of grief, anxiety, or uncertainty. Schlossberg's advice to check your "psychological portfolio" just like your financial one is a good place to start.

Look to create purpose:

Be intentional about uncovering new sources of meaning and fulfillment. Schlossberg's research emphasizes that finding ways to "matter" is key to a happy retirement. Others can help you move forward with a renewed sense of purpose, by exploring new activities and roles, for example.

Rediscover yourself:

You have the opportunity to explore hidden or emerging aspects of yourself and discover new interests that enrich your life. Schlossberg identifies different paths for retirees, such as "continuers," "adventurers," "easy gliders," "involved spectators," "searchers," and "retreaters," which demonstrates the need to understand which path you want to follow in retirement.  Personality assessments and tools for clarifying values can help with gaining a better understanding on oneself.

Retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. It’s a journey with its ups and downs, where you might feel like you matter one day and not the next. The key is to keep reevaluating your path and strategies creating a personalized roadmap.

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