Retirement - adjustments in an individual's identity.?

Question

Retirement, early retirement and unemployment require adjustments in an individual's identity by challenging their financial and lifestyle security. Explain the necessary adjustments for each.

Answer 1

I suspect this is an essay question, as the response it very multi-faceted for each situation.  Most people, especially in the baby boomer generation, had their identity associated with their job and how much their earning potential was.  However, with retirement, there is a loss of self - and it is akin to a grieving process.  Some never actually get over it (increased incidence of mortality upon retirement), while others are more successful at carving a niche for themselves in hobbies and social support groups.  The reduced income is another issue, especially if the person had not put money away. This identity loss is increased because it is a loss of perceived self-worth as well.  

Most good companies should ease their retiring personnel into a transition program for awareness.

Answer 2

can only speak for myself.  Retired/disabled due to wrecked immune system from chemo. Do I miss work? Not really, I miss some people from work...I realized a long time ago,my worth was not invested in where I am,what I do,what I have, but who's I am. Every day is a gift. You can spend it rejoicing even through the muck of having cancer,chemo, whatever..or..you can bow to the alter of all the negetives of life. It's a choice. I don't have as much money now, but I have more wealth in other areas that money could ever buy....Some things aren't as I always figured they should be, but many things have been worked out in ways that defy mans logic or manipulation far better than ever imagined...True unless you've put your interests in something higher than a job,money and security, you "are" courting the recipie for anxiety--I've many friends there right now!