Psychologists often say losing a job can feel like experiencing a death. Whether that's because your co-workers are suddenly gone, or because you're grieving the career you once had, there are plenty of reasons why a transition like this can be a shock to the system.
However, when you're nearing the end of your career and approaching retirement age, being forced to hang up your hat before you planned to can have profoundly negative effects. Fortunately, the psychologists I spoke to say that there are some ways to offset the negative feelings that can arise from forced early retirement. Keep reading to find out what you should do if you're forced into an early retirement.
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Being asked to exit your company before you planned to leave can leave you feeling a range of emotions, according to Dr. Sharon Grossman, PhD, psychologist, keynote speaker, and executive coach who helps high-achieving professionals prevent burnout and thrive under pressure. "The emotional response can include shock, anger, sadness, anxiety, and even grief," she says. "While people often think retirement is something everyone looks forward to, that assumption overlooks how much of our identity is tied to our work."
For many of us, work means more than a paycheck. "It gives us structure, purpose, social connection, and a sense of contribution," Grossman continues. "When retirement is imposed rather than chosen, people can feel a loss of control over their future. They may question their relevance, their value, or even who they are without the role they've held for decades."
Related: Retirement Shock Is Real—Psychologists Say Most People Never See It Coming
What Can You Do If You've Been Forced to Retire
If you've been ousted from your job early and you're experiencing feelings of loss, shame, or grief, Augusto Blanco, Clinical Psychologist at Man Helping Men, says that sharing your thoughts can put you on the path to feeling better about what has happened.
"The best thing you can do to mitigate those effects is to not shoulder everything on your own and start talking to people close to you about what happened and the emotions that come with it," he says. "It really helps the mind digest the situation and start forming a game plan."
Next, Dr. Natalie Pickering, an organizational psychologist, the author of Leading Becomes You, and the founder of Becoming Works, says you should find a way to remain connected to:
Meaningful contributions and relationshipsLearning and mentoring CreativityCommunity involvement and acts of service"The specific activity matters less than preserving a sense of meaning and purpose and contribution," she says.
Related: The Hidden $124k Financial Threat to Your Retirement That Nobody Is Talking About
Of course, all of that can feel easier said than done, especially in the early days when you're still feeling the sting of the loss of your job and experiencing retirement depression. That being said, Blanco encourages people to remain optimistic about the future, even if it has deviated from their original plan. "Life transitions are not easy to navigate, especially if they show up when we least expect them to, but they can be navigated successfully even then."
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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