ML47. RETIREMENT – A TIME OF CHANGE IN IDENTITY AND PURPOSE

When we wake up the first morning after retiring, we realize that we are no longer defined by the work we do. We ask ourselves, “Who are we now?” We need to find another identity and outlets that give us purpose. It is time to reflect on our skills and interests, and search for how that can be expressed in new ways. We can find meaning in deeper friendships, volunteering, service projects, continued learning, hobbies, or even part-time work. Any of these can bring us a purposeful identity. If we missed this opportunity in pre-retirement, the time to start is now.