What happens after the honeymoon phase of retirement fades?
In this episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie speaks with corporate anthropologist Dr. Andi Simon about the surprising identity challenges many people face after leaving work.
Dr. Andi Simon shares insights from her research on retirement and explains why many people struggle after leaving work. When structure disappears, people often feel lost between who they were and who they are becoming.
We explore why freedom without structure can feel draining, why community becomes essential, and how curiosity helps people design a meaningful next chapter.
Key Topics Covered:
- Retirement as an identity transition
- Why structure matters even when we crave freedom
- The stages of retirement: honeymoon, awakening, and restructuring
- Why community and relationships become critical after leaving work
- How curiosity and intentionality help people build meaningful lives after retirement
- What organizations could do differently to prepare employees for retirement
Themes addressed:
- Purpose & Meaning in Retirement
- Identity After Work
- Personal Growth & Lifelong Learning
- Mindset & Self-Talk
- Resilience & Emotional Strength
- Community & Connection
- Creating a Fulfilling Routine
- Life Transitions & Reinvention
Connect with Dr. Simon:
Website: https://www.andisimon.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon
Book: Rethink Retirement, https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636184278
