Rethinking Retirement as an Identity Transition – with Dr. Andi Simon

In this episode of the Beyond Retirement podcast, Jacquie Doucette speaks with corporate anthropologist Dr. Andi Simon about why retirement is far more complex than simply leaving work. Drawing on decades of research and interviews, Dr. Simon explains how retirement often creates an identity gap between who we were during our careers and who we are becoming next.

The conversation explores how people navigate this transition, why freedom without structure can feel draining, and how curiosity, community, and intentional design can help retirees build meaningful lives beyond their careers.

Key Topics Covered

• Retirement as a cultural and identity transition
• Why freedom without structure can feel unexpectedly draining
• The stages of retirement: honeymoon, awakening, and restructuring
• The importance of curiosity and experimentation after leaving work
• How retirees rebuild purpose and community
• How organizations could better prepare employees for retirement

TImestamps

00:00 Introduction and what a corporate anthropologist studies

04:00 Why retirement is such a complex cultural transition

11:00 What successful retirement transitions have in common

18:00 Curiosity, identity, and asking the deeper “why” questions

22:00 What organizations could do differently about retirement

25:00 Reframing retirement as a stage of becoming

33:00 Advice for people struggling with the transition

Guest Links:

Website: https://www.andisimon.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon

Book: Rethink Retirement, https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636184278

READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY?

Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/

Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discovery

Check out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com

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Don't forget to check out Aging With Purpose and Passion. It is a podcast for women over 50 navigating major life transitions.

Hosted by Beverley Glazer, MA, CCC, Work and Life Transition Coach, each episode brings you real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights from women who have faced adversity and created meaningful new chapters in life, work, health, and relationships.

If you're feeling uncertain, invisible, restless, or ready for change, this podcast helps you gain confidence, clarity, and momentum.

Because your best years were never defined by your age. They’re defined by the courage to choose what comes next. Find Aging with Purpose and Passion wherever you get your podcasts. AgingWithPurposeandPassion.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Aging with Purpose and Passion

Reinvention After 50 Starts With One Question: What’s Next? Aging With Purpose and Passion is a podcast for women over 50 navigating major life transitions. Hosted by Beverley Glazer, MA, CCC, Work and Life Transition Coach, each episode brings you real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights from women who have faced adversity and created meaningful new chapters in life, work, health, and relationships. If you're feeling uncertain, invisible, restless, or ready for change, this podcast helps you gain confidence, clarity and momentum. Because your best years were never defined by your age. They’re defined by the courage to choose what comes next. Find Aging With Purpose and Passion, wherever you get your podcasts. AgingWithPurposeandPassion.com