Work together to recognize expertise that could apply in new contexts. For example, a retired executive might have valuable organizational skills for nonprofit boards, or a former teacher might excel at tutoring or mentoring. Questions like “Which aspects of your work did you find most satisfying?” can reveal skills they’d enjoy using in new settings.
Explore opportunities where they can guide others, whether formally or informally. This might include mentoring young professionals, participating in industry associations, or sharing knowledge within community groups. The key is finding settings where their accumulated wisdom is genuinely valued.
Identify short-term projects that offer meaningful impact without requiring long-term commitments. These might include consulting on specific initiatives, participating in community improvement efforts, or contributing to family projects. Project-based work provides clear boundaries while still offering real opportunities for contribution.
These techniques work because they address the core need to feel that one’s knowledge, skills, and perspective still matter. The transition from a structured role with clear impact to an undefined post-career phase can be jarring. By identifying concrete ways to contribute, you help bridge this gap and maintain a sense of purpose and value.
Remember Boundaries
While supporting exploration of new avenues is helpful, be careful not to impose your own ideas of what meaningful contribution should look like. Different individuals find fulfillment in different types of impact, and personal choice remains essential.
See also: Understanding the Drive For: Need for Relevance and Tip: Supporting Identity Transitions
