What if retirement wasn’t an end, but a new beginning?
Every year, thousands of people leave working life with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Because behind the long-awaited freedom lie deep losses: identity, social ties, status, routine… Retirement is a major life transition, often underestimated.
For over 15 years, I’ve been supporting men and women during this pivotal time.
Some enter it with enthusiasm, others with a quiet anxiety. And all of them, without exception, ask the same question: what will I do with this new freedom?
In this article, I offer you an honest and practical overview of what we lose when leaving professional life — but more importantly, what we can build, provided we prepare actively.
What we lose when leaving working life
Retirement inevitably leads to tangible losses. The first is the loss of professional status.
This status, often socially valued, is a key part of our identity. When one stops working, it’s not uncommon to feel unclear about one’s place in society.
Next comes the reduction in income. Even for those who planned ahead, this financial transition often requires greater vigilance with budgeting. It can resurface old fears, even stir a sense of insecurity.
Finally, the loss of professional and social network is a profound change. Work structures not only our days but also our interactions. Colleagues, clients, and partners vanish from daily life — and with them, part of our social world. Some friendships last, but many naturally fade away.
But that’s not all. There are also less visible traps, just as real. Believing there will be “too much time,” idealizing this new freedom, or constantly postponing personal projects to “later” are strategies that can lead to boredom — even mild depression.
Many field observations show that the period immediately after retirement can be marked by a loss of bearings, especially for those who didn’t anticipate the transition.
Some couples are also surprised by new tensions that arise when both partners are at home. And without a daily structure, some drift into vagueness and passivity.
The most common mistakes at retirement
Starting this new chapter without a clear plan, assuming things will naturally fall into place, or thinking you’ll always be busy — these are common illusions. Many people discover an unexpected sense of emptiness after just a few weeks.
Conversely, overinvesting in a single activity can become exhausting or disappointing. It’s essential to balance freedom, structure, and meaning.
For a chosen retirement, not an imposed one
The success of this transition largely depends on preparation. It’s recommended to start thinking about it at least two or three years in advance.
This allows time to explore paths, test activities, and build realistic expectations.
The more this phase is anticipated, the smoother the transition. And the more retirement becomes an exciting project — not an imposed ending.
Conclusion
Retirement isn’t just a change of pace. It’s a shift in identity, worldview, and lifestyle. It can feel like a loss — or like a rebirth.
Imagine a retirement where every morning has meaning. This vision isn’t a luxury — it’s a real possibility, within reach of those who make the choice. The key? Don’t wait until the last minute. Prepare, ask the right questions, and imagine a desirable future.
And above all, seek support to move forward with clarity, confidence, and enthusiasm.
Retirement is not an exit from the stage. It’s a change of scenery. It’s up to each of us to reinvent our role, rechannel our strengths, and embrace a deeper, more intentional freedom.
Get support during this transition
If you feel the need to clarify your expectations or build a meaningful retirement project, I can support you in this process. As a coach specialized in the psychological and holistic preparation for retirement, I offer personalized one-on-one coaching.
I’m Danilo Gargiulo, coach and trainer specialized in retirement preparation.
I work with:
- Individuals who want to anticipate this stage and build a post-career life plan
- Companies, social clubs, and unions seeking effective support for their staff
Discover my free resources and videos on retirement.
and my personalized programs on my website :
- one month coaching package
- 3-month coaching package
- 6-month coaching package
- 1-year coaching package
To discuss this directly or request a customized training on retirement preparation, feel free to contact me via this form, or simply call me at +33 6 69 46 03 79.
Read this article in other languages
Français : Ce que l’on perd et ce que l’on gagne à la retraite
Italiano: Cosa si perde e cosa si guadagna andando in pensione