Commentary: Who am I when the phone stops ringing? Lessons from my first month of retirement

Last month marked the inaugural month of Jeffery Tan's retirement. Despite extensive preparation, the transition left him both liberated and unsettling. The transition from a career defined by meetings, deadlines, and decisions to an unstructured existence felt both liberating and disorienting. Gone were the days of driving into the office and answering a buzzing work phone.

Replaced by long walks, park bench mornings, and silence. Yet, the question of identity remained: What happens when work no longer shapes my sense of self? Retirement brings a shift in contribution, which does not equate to a loss of purpose. For men of his generation, career often defines identity. However, meaningful contribution can exist in various forms post-retirement - mentoring, writing, caregiving, or being a steady presence for younger family members.

The real challenge lies in finding meaningful engagement that does not rely on hierarchy or dependency. Preparation for retirement should encompass social and psychological readiness, not just financial planning. This includes developing new skills, nurturing relationships, and integrating routines that sustain meaning without the trappings of a professional title.

The recent changes in retirement age in Singapore underscore the need for a holistic approach to retirement - one that treats it as a stage of societal and psychological redesign, not merely a point of financial exit. Employers and community organizations can foster a post-work infrastructure that values experience and encourages continued contribution through mentoring, teaching, and volunteering roles.

Ultimately, a successful retirement is not measured by how long one remains in demand, but by the ability to find meaning when that demand fades.