Retirement And Identity Crossroads: Who Are You Beyond Your Job Title?
“When I retired, I didn’t know how to introduce myself anymore.” Lorraine Wiseman shares the story of a hospital CEO whose identity was so bound to her title that life after work felt disorienting. Research backs this up: nearly 28% of retirees experience depression within six months—a sign that identity loss is as real as financial concern.
Wiseman encourages “identity archaeology,” the process of unearthing what truly defines you: “Your values and strengths don’t retire when you do.” By reframing introductions around passions, mapping transferable strengths, and integrating (not abandoning) professional experiences, retirees can rediscover a self that feels both authentic and free.
Read the full article on Forbes: