Interview of Gwen – April 2013
Gwen is a wise and wonderfully creative woman and former coaching client who retired from a managerial position with the BC government in 2009. I recently interviewed her about how she has re-engaged rather than merely “retired”.
Gwen, what most strikes you when looking back over the past 4 years since you retired?
Thinking back, to those years in the workplace, it seems like another lifetime. I realize that the time has gone by a lot faster than I anticipated and I have not gotten to do as much as I thought I would have in nearly 4 years.
As you review those years in your mind, can you discern some of the retirement stages you went through?
Yes, in the year preceding my retirement I started to explore new interests and thought about volunteering but did not really have the time or energy to look into specific opportunities. I was aware that my main challenge was to become ready to let go of my title and be willing to step into the unknown.
Then, following that retirement day, I had a brief honeymoon phase of about 6 weeks where I had a newfound freedom, a bit like being on vacation. After that I started to miss the daily rhythm and structure that my work life implied. I also missed some of the people I worked with and especially the part of my role in which I was encouraging and empowering others towards their next level of success. At times I struggled to find a sense of meaning and direction as I asked myself deeper questions such as who am I without that role at work; I felt lost as I struggled to find a new place of belonging. It took about a year before I started to clarify a sense of calling towards new interests, activities and volunteering. As I got involved in new activities, I also met new people with whom I have been cultivating some lovely friendships.
So you have identified the preceding year and the first year of turning your retirement into a re-engagement, what has your life been like since?
Now I know myself better and I have developed a new rhythm and some specific interests. I have learned to make jewellery with gemstones, I have taken an intensive yoga teacher training program and am now teaching yoga at a local studio and I love that. I have been volunteering at the art gallery. The past year called for me to give a great deal of time and energy towards supporting my parents’ move and being with my father through illness to his death. It was a lesson in considering what is valuable in life.
These days it seems that I have become my own best friend and I really enjoy having time alone to contemplate the beauty of nature, enjoy poetry, to delve into my spirituality and engage in creative endeavours such as writing and painting.
One of my other passions has been to give back by contributing to micro-loans through Kiva. This is an organization that facilitates the process of making micro-loans for small entrepreneurs in developing countries. Even just a loan of $25 to $50 can make a huge difference, helping a woman to develop a small business and take care of her family. So far I have lent money for 25 loans and my goal is to reach 100 by the end of my life.
Is there anything you would suggest to a person wanting to become psychologically prepared for retirement?
I would tell anyone that is preparing for leaving the work environment to be prepared for some sadness to be part of the process as they let go of a role that has served them in their career life. Our culture very much values us in regards to our work identity. It can feel quite strange to just “be” instead of “doing”. It helps to re-imagine yourself in the future as you prepare for the release from the work rhythm. Begin imaging the new rhythm your life will take and what will bring you a sense of purpose and belonging.
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The CGA magazine Outlook has published, in their current spring issue, an article of mine on the journey from retirement to re-engagement. Aside from discussing some of the 10 factors of success, I also explore 3 myths that still linger around that major life transition. You may read the article online through this link: http://www.cga-bc.org/publications.aspx?id=27148
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