Extraordinary numbers of people are about to join the ranks of the unemployed—by choice. They're about to retire. (Of course some are forced to give up work because of illness, injury, or a major change in circumstances.)
No matter how it occurs, who are you after you can no longer continue in work that in many ways has given you your sense of identity, what you say you are when you meet someone… a detective, judge, reporter, florist, teacher, bus driver.
Faith and longtime contributor Bruce Clements will talk with retired boxing champion Marvin Starling, who lives in Hartford now without much fame, money, and sometimes without any recognition. How does he define himself now? How does he, and how do we, celebrate the past, yet assume new, expanded identities?
If your job wasn't just a job but a vocation filled with meaning, is it more challenging to let it go? Or is the personal and professional skill set you used on the job handy no matter what you do?
The major question is, to what extent are we what we do?
Call and tell us how easy or difficult it was for you to make that transition, one that comes at any age. Or, perhaps you see it coming… how do you prepare for it emotionally?
Join the conversation by email, on Twitter, or on Facebook.
GUESTS:
- Bruce Clements is an author and regular contributor to the show.
- Marlon Starling is a retired boxer who lives in Hartford.
MUSIC:
- “Gne Gne,” Montefiori Cocktail
- “Transitions,” El Ten Eleven
Lori Mack and Jonathan McNicol contributed to this show.
