LibraryScenariosWhen retirement strips away your professional identity
Scenario

When retirement strips away your professional identity

I retired two years ago from being a surgeon and I have no idea how to introduce myself at parties anymore because that job was everything I was.

Juana
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Career-defined individuals often struggle with existential emptiness when professional roles end, leaving them questioning their fundamental worth.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Identity in old age and approaching death?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.