"There should be no retirement from the life of the mind"
John Bugge, Co-founder Emory University Emeritus College
The UBC Emeritus College recognizes that the withdrawal from work, aka retirement, is a major transition in a faculty member’s life.
For many academics, status and professional achievements have become inseparable from their identity and self-esteem. The link becomes especially apparent when one is on the cusp of retirement (Wilkes, Helen (2018) The Aging of Aquarius: Igniting Passion and Purpose as an Elder Gabriola Is., BC: New Society Publishers, p. 3). Research findings indicate that retirees want to feel engaged and lead purposeful, worthwhile lives. Retirement can and should be a time of continued productivity, learning and meaningful connections.
It is never too soon to begin the planning process. With tongue in cheek, Seymour Benzer’s rule may offer some assistance in retirement (and other) decision-making:
“If everyone you talk to says you shouldn't do something, you probably shouldn't do it, and if everyone says you should do something, you should also probably not do it; but if half the people you talk to tell you to do it and half say you're crazy, then you should definitely go ahead.”
(as cited in Tenner, Edward (2011, July 14). When should academics retire? The Atlantic)
There are multiple options or pathways that academics can follow prior to and following retirement. Although, there is no navigation system to guide one on the retirement journey, there are steps that you can take to become better informed about this major transition. We encourage you to explore the resources listed in the menu on the left hand side or, if on a cell phone, in the menu list.
