How do you introduce yourself when you meet someone new? And how will that change when you leave your full-time career behind?
“What do you do?” is often the first question we hear when we meet someone new. During our working lives, it’s easy to simply respond with a job title or profession. But after retirement, that same question can lead to a moment of awkwardness. What do I say when I no longer have a job title to define me?
It’s common in western culture to closely connect our identity to our jobs. But work is just one dimension of who we are. We are much more than our job titles, yet we rely on our work to validate our worth.
Who am I without my job?
When we leave our careers behind, a world of possibilities opens up for us. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be scary. Many retirees report feeling lost without their jobs. They feel unmoored, cast adrift, and find themselves missing the structure, social connections and sense of purpose they got from their work. In short, they struggle to answer the question, “Who am I without my job?”
These feelings can be magnified by the ageism that exists in our society. Many people associate retirement with the end of our useful and productive life. Older adults are truly making a difference in the world, yet the media paints an unflattering picture of aging and the stereotypes persist.
Instead of looking back and thinking of retirement as an ending, the happiest retirees approach their next chapter as a new beginning. They see this time of great freedom as an opportunity to cultivate curiosity and explore new things.
But how do we sum all that up in a few words when we meet someone new?
How will you introduce yourself?
In an earlier post on replacing work in your life, I discussed how taking steps while you’re still working to build a life that’s about more than work can help you make a successful transition to retirement. It’s about looking forward, and retiring to or with something rather than looking back and retiring from something.
In my coaching and workshops, I challenge people to think of a way to introduce themselves without using their current or former job title or the word “retired”. Think of it as a retirement slogan or catchphrase—something short that describes your life and sums up who you are now. Use it as a conversation opener. Ideally it should pique someone’s interest enough to want to learn more.
Creating your retirement slogan
To create your retirement slogan, take some time to reflect on what you want your next chapter to be. Click the image below to download a worksheet to help you through the process.
- Start by making a list of your top five personal values. If you’re stuck, this free values assessment can help.
- Next, write down three causes you care about.
- Now, list all the activities you have on the go. Include your hobbies, volunteer activities, fitness routines, community involvement, and anything else you do on a daily or regular basis. Review your list and highlight your favourites—activities that bring you joy and make you lose track of time.
- Next, list the roles you play with personal relationships: spouse, parent, sibling, friend, grandparent, neighbour, caregiver, etc.
- Now, put together a short phrase that sums up how you’re living your values on a daily basis. This will be your retirement slogan.
Retirement slogan examples
Here are some examples of retirement slogans to get the creative juices flowing:
- Making every moment count
- Exploring all life has to offer
- Unlocking new passions
- Learning, growing and making a difference
- Writing the next chapter of my story
- Savouring the joy of life’s simple pleasures
- Exploring the world, one book at a time – Replace the word book with whatever your passion is: trail, marathon, concert, restaurant
- Rocking and rolling into the future
- Giving back with gratitude
- Seeking deeper meaning
Articulate how you’re making your slogan a reality
Before you consider your slogan final, expand on it by listing what you’re doing to support your philosophy. For example:
- “I’m giving back with gratitude by volunteering at the hospital where I received cancer treatment, and donating to health related causes.”
- ”I’m unlocking new passions by trying new things and learning something new every day.”
- ”I’m rocking and rolling into the future by making music with my friends and attending live concerts in my area.”
- “I’m writing the next chapter of my story by learning, writing, and helping others discover their purpose.”
Your retirement slogan will be as unique as you are. In addition to offering an interesting way to introduce yourself to someone new, it serves as a benchmark to align your daily activities with your values and passions. Revisit it from time to time as your life evolves.
The next time you meet someone new, introduce yourself with your slogan to see how they respond. And instead of asking “What do you do?” try “Tell me about you.” or “What are you up to?” instead. You might be surprised by what you learn.
When you’re ready to create your unique retirement slogan, contact me to chat about how I can help.
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