The variable experiences of becoming retired and seeking retirement guidance: a qualitative thematic analysis

Robinson, Oliver C., Demetre, James D. and Corney, Roslyn H. (2011) The variable experiences of becoming retired and seeking retirement guidance: a qualitative thematic analysis. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 39 (3). pp. 239-258. ISSN 0306-9885 (Print), 1469-3534 (Online)

Abstract

Thirty interviews were conducted with individuals across the UK who had retired between two and ten years ago, with the aim of exploring the variability of retirement experiences in terms of (a) retirement antecedents/reasons for retirement, (b) change in wellbeing and satisfaction over time, (c) personal relationships and (d) retirement guidance. Interviews were subject to a multi-level thematic qualitative analysis. Four meta-themes were established: 1 – positive continuity and challenge; 2 – liberation and release; 3 – loss and gain; and 4 – restriction, regret and decline. Participants can be classified by meta-theme, and the themes encompass co-occurring pre-retirement antecedents, post-retirement experiences, relationship factors and retirement guidance attitudes/experiences. The four themes provide a holistic, in-depth view of the wide variability of the retirement transition experience in white-collar workers in the UK. The variability-focused approach taken in the study can help towards identifying particular subgroups of retirees for bespoke retirement guidance or counselling

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