Embracing Active Retirement: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Service

The Four Phases of Retirement

Phase One: The Vacation Phase

• Overview: Characterized by excitement, relief, and a sense of liberation, retirees enjoy newfound freedom from the rigors of work.
• Emotions: Energy and joy abound as individuals indulge in long-deferred plans like travel, hobbies, and leisure activities.
• Challenges: This phase is often short-lived; the novelty of a “permanent vacation” fades, prompting a quest for deeper purpose and structure.

Phase Two: The Loss Phase

• Overview: As the initial excitement wanes, retirees may feel a profound sense of loss—of identity, purpose, routine, and social connections that once defined their careers.
• Emotions: Frustration, confusion, and even depression may arise as individuals grapple with the existential question of “What now?”
• Challenges: Redefining one’s identity and finding new meaning can be emotionally taxing, leaving retirees feeling unmoored and directionless.

Phase Three: The Trial and Error Phase

• Overview: In this phase, retirees experiment with new activities, relationships, and routines to fill the void created during the loss phase.
• Emotions: Exploration marks this stage, as individuals try various pursuits—volunteering, part-time work, hobbies, or new social circles.
• Challenges: Not every endeavor will be successful, leading to moments of trial and error as retirees seek a balanced mix of activities that foster purpose and joy.

Phase Four: The Reinvention Phase

• Overview: The final phase represents reinvention, where retirees discover a new sense of purpose and identity beyond their former careers.
• Emotions: This phase is characterized by satisfaction, contentment, and a renewed sense of direction as individuals embrace their new lifestyle, contributing to their communities, families, or personal projects.
• Challenges: Reaching this stage requires patience and adaptability, often following the emotional lows of earlier phases.

Moynes cautions that phases two and three can become treacherous sand traps. It demands awareness, hard work and perseverance to transition into phase four. The obvious question then arises, “Can I just skip phases two and three and go right to phase four?” Interestingly, he notes that only about 10% of retirees manage to bypass phases two and three, most often being entrepreneurs or individuals who discovered their calling prior to retirement—much like myself.

Moreover, it is pertinent to consider the insights of Abraham Maslow, who expanded his hierarchy of needs by introducing the concept of self-transcendence as a level beyond self-actualization. Initially presented in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation,” Maslow positioned self-actualization as the pinnacle of human needs, signifying the fulfillment of personal potential and creativity. However, in his later works during the 1970s, Maslow proposed that self-transcendence involves a focus on higher values, altruism, and a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, such as community, humanity, or spirituality. This evolution in Maslow’s thinking acknowledges that many individuals seek meaning and purpose beyond their own achievements.

Conclusion

As I move into this new chapter of my life, I recognize that the journey through retirement is not merely a transition from one phase to another but a profound exploration of identity and purpose. The emotional landscape outlined by Moynes resonates with my experiences, particularly the challenges and rewards of serving the senior community. By embracing my calling to support others, I find fulfillment that transcends personal ambitions, echoing Maslow’s concept of self-transcendence. This journey is rewarding as I foster deeper connections with others, engaging in acts of altruism that enrich not only my life but also the lives of those I serve.

In one’s role in active retirement (emphasis on the word ‘active’), it becomes increasingly clear that fulfillment lies in the service of others, ultimately leading to a richer, more meaningful existence. I share all of this for two reasons: first, as we embark on retirement, we will all encounter the challenges and opportunities that Moynes has structured into a framework of four phases, and I encourage you to explore the concepts in his book; secondly, writing this article and declaring my calling is an essential step in my journey of self-transcendence. It truly is my honor to serve the senior community as they seek and explore care options for themselves, their partners, and dear friends.