The Question Beyond Retirement and 'Mattering' in Daily Life: [Special Contribution] A Message from Transition Theory Pioneer Dr. Nancy Schlossberg (Part 2)
Hello.
This is the official note of the Japan Career Development Association (JCDA).
Thank you for your continued readership.
Last time, we announced the publication of a JCDA blog post based on a message sent to JCDA Board Chair Sasaki from Dr. Nancy Schlossberg, a pioneer in transition theory.
This time, we would like to introduce the follow-up blog post.
▼ [Special Contribution Part 2] A Message from Transition Theory Pioneer Dr. Nancy Schlossberg
What I felt was important in this contribution is the point that we need to look not at 'retirement itself,' but at the long period of time that follows.
We tend to focus on events like retirement or job transfers. However, I felt that these are merely waypoints, and it is how we spend the days that follow that is truly being called into question.
After retirement, there is 'freedom.' You have more time and can step away from responsibilities. That is certainly a valuable thing.
On the other hand, that freedom can sometimes lead to the feeling that 'I am no longer needed.' Having no plans can lead to anxiety rather than peace of mind.
At that time, the question is not just 'what will I do next,' but 'how will I engage with people and society.' The perspective presented for this is 'mattering'.
The passage that left an impression on me was the following:
“Mattering is the feeling that others notice you, care about you, and above all, rely on you.”
Reading this, I felt that 'being useful' and 'feeling needed' are not the same thing.
Even if you achieve results at work, if you lack connections with people, it can be difficult to feel the meaning of your existence. Conversely, you can feel your role through simple daily interactions, such as being spoken to or listening to someone else's story.
I believe that mattering is not something born from major achievements, but something felt through our connections with others.
Another perspective that left an impression was the following:
“Complete freedom can turn into a feeling that your place in society is fading away.”
I felt that these words apply not only to retirement but to various situations. I sometimes have similar feelings when my roles change or when I feel that my opportunities to contribute have decreased.
That is why I thought it is important to think not only about becoming free, but also about how to maintain connections beyond that point.
The following words from Board Chair Sasaki left an impression on me.
Matter-ing is not something unilaterally given by others, but something nurtured within relationships.
From these words, I felt that rather than 'waiting to be needed,' the act of engaging itself is what is important.
It is the idea that new roles are born through engagement, rather than engaging only after becoming capable of something.
I also resonated with the importance of 'small engagements.'
When we think of careers, we often think of big goals or changes, but in reality, I believe the accumulation of daily actions and realizations is what matters.
What a person notices and how they engage with those around them—I felt that this accumulation might be the foundation for feeling that 'it is okay for me to be here.'
Reading this article gave me time to reflect on my own daily life once again.
Whether or not one is 'needed' may not be determined by special occasions, but rather something felt through daily interactions.
I was also made to think about how to interpret the word 'freedom.' While being free is important, I felt that it is not enough on its own, and that how one engages with others within that freedom is what is crucial.
Through this article, I gained a new perspective on how to live from now on. In particular, I feel that 'accumulating small engagements' and 'having multiple ways of being' are relevant to my own life right now.
It is not about changing something drastically right away, but I felt I would like to be a little more conscious of how I engage in my daily life.
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