Autonomy-the sequel

In the previous article on Autonomy I mentioned how I went to my dictionary to find a definition of the word autonomy. I concluded it means the same as freedom. I then made the point that a retired person has the opportunity to gain lots of freedom. But that cuts both ways. A lack of freedom can come at a cost, for example causing issues within a family. I have an example.

There is a Japanese expression called “Wet Leaf Syndrome”. Just imagine a Japanese “salaryman” who retires after 40 years and, lacking a sense of freedom, follows his wife around each day. To the wife that might feel like a wet leaf stuck to her shoe. Harsh but fair?

I also wondered if too much freedom can cause a retired person to lose track of their meaning/purpose in retirement. You know, buzzing around like a bee. As I like to quote: Busy Is Not Always meaningful: or BINAM.

The remedy is to re-connect with your basic values. These form the moorings of your retired life. Some people in retirement seek social connection and teamwork, others may want to go it on their own through creative endeavours. Obviously a mix of the two is also possible.

As I say to clients, make sure your personal mix fits within your budgets: both your time budget and your energy budget.

If you want clarification on these matters please reach out to me.

  Retirement: You won’t know what it is like until you get there.