A man in his late-60s has opened up about feeling "lost" and "redundant" just months after retiring and selling the business he once ran.
The Retirement Struggle: A Loss of Purpose
In a letter to renowned agony aunt Coleen Nolan, the gentleman explained his predicament. Having retired a few months ago, he finds himself struggling with an unexpected sense of emptiness. While his wife continues to work part-time, volunteers, and maintains a bustling social life, he feels left behind.
"I’m feeling a bit left behind if I’m honest, which I hope doesn’t sound pathetic," he wrote. His hobbies, including occasional golf and tinkering with his car, alongside seeing his grandchildren, aren't filling the void left by his career.
Coleen Nolan's Compassionate Response
Responding in her column, Coleen urged the reader to be kinder to himself. She emphasised that retirement is a huge adjustment, particularly after years of running a company and being responsible for others.
"It’s going to take a little time to figure out what you want to do and find different routines," she advised. Nolan identified two core issues from his letter: a desire for more purpose and a wish to feel more connected to his still-working wife.
Practical Steps for a New Chapter
Coleen's first suggestion was open communication. She proposed that the man talk to his wife about his feelings and suggest activities they could enjoy together, from travel to local pursuits.
For finding independent purpose, she recommended exploring groups tailored for retirees. She specifically mentioned u3a.org.uk (the University of the Third Age), a nationwide organisation offering learning and social opportunities for retired and semi-retired people.
"This can be a great period of your life and you deserve to enjoy it to the full," Coleen concluded, encouraging him to experiment with new interests to discover what truly fulfills him in this new chapter.
