Why is "Retirement" Used to Describe Your End of Career?

Springing Forward, Bougainvillaea

Florida - 2004

How the Unnatural Origin of Words Render Them Meaningless

The purpose of language is to communicate ideas effectively. The use of words best serves that goal when their meaning accurately describes reality. Throughout millennia, mankind has strived to deal with the successes and failures of communication.

One example of the inaccurate use of words is the term “retirement.” 

My Encounter With “Retirement”

For many years I used that term as commonly used in the United States. That is, until the time came that I faced the unexpected end of my career as a Plastic Surgeon.

The diagnosis of cancer, its treatment and aftermath had a vivid way of broadening my perspective about life. The good news, is that am cured, healthy and well!

Questions as Teachers

Questions and answers have a way of broadening one’s perspective. Questions like Why and What?

It is especially at times of triumph, tragedy and transition that we tend to reflect and inquire.

You ask yourself questions you previously were not inclined to ask about life.

Then and now, I had a deep, pervasive feeling: I did not like what “retirement” conveyed. It just didn’t feel right. My circumstance was certainly a factor. Yet, I understood that regardless of my situation or what yours might be, the term simply did not accurately describe what the process is about.

What stood out was the sense of an ending and its negative implications. While there is an ending, it implies inaccurately that the End of Career is an event, a final act. It does not convey that it is really a process that includes a beginning. For this reason, it can hinder your development of a more positive attitude toward your future life. 

Throughout this, I was supported by my faith, family and friends as I envisioned my new life. 

I felt invigorated, enthusiastic and optimistic.

But that word kept revolving within my consciousness…and I rejected it. The term did not describe the experience I was living. I wondered how you and others might be affected by this linguistic fallacy.

I thought and instinctively felt that its use is an inaccurate description of the experience. It is also inconsiderate of us humans who live it. 

I believed then as I do now, that the use of that word in the United States to describe the end of your career or mine, is an inadequate use of the English language.

I further questioned its use.

Learning From Language

My native language is Spanish. English is my second.

At one time or another, I have studied Latin, French and Italian.

It is natural for me to strive to express myself accurately. In order to do so, I often find myself researching the meaning of words and sometimes their origin.

I asked myself: “Why is this word used?” Then I searched for answers.

First, I researched the use of the term “retirement” as applied to a person’s End of Career. 

Here is what I learned from one of my best friends:

Merriam-Webster - “pullback, retreat, withdrawal”

Various other sources describe it as: banish, discard, throw away, etc.

Second, I questioned why it came into use if it resonates so uncomfortably in the minds of so many people.

I learned that the word “retirement” did not arise spontaneously from common language to reflect our familiar experience.

Rather, it originated from the language of legislation in Germany and the United States in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, respectively. These were the laws enacted to provide universal government financial support for…”retirement.”

Third, I asked whether other cultures use the same or a similar term.

I found that this varies widely. 

For example, it is interesting that in Spanish culture, “retirement” is not used to describe the End of Career. Rather, the word used is “jubilacion” or jubilation. It originated from Latin: “jubilare” or to shout for joy!

This clearly reflects a very different perspective that exemplifies the impact that words can have on your outlook.

 If Not “Retirement,” Then What?

 Well, a word that describes reality.

I believe that one should strive to use language that best communicates what we really feel and think. 

At this time of your life, you will likely experience a variety of thoughts and feelings. They will reflect what you are leaving behind as well as the opportunity to create a new reality from the dreams you have long dreamt.

It is a time:

To benefit from the opportunity to be creative. 

To be focused, disciplined and courageous to make your dreams a reality.

A time that presents you with incredible potential for renewal, joy and fulfillment.

We Can Choose How to Speak

My choice is: Transition.

In contrast, these are synonyms of Transition according to Merriam-Webster:

“shift, changeover, metamorphosis, transfiguration, transformation, reconversion, remodeling”

When spoken or written, it clearly and instantly conveys a feeling of optimism and dynamism. 

You can imagine feeling engaged in forward motion, that you are transitioning to the next great phase of your life. 

It simply feels better because it is!

Retirement closes doors. Transition opens them.

Let your words really reign and reflect how think, feel and live!

 Date Updated: April 9, 2022

PS: By the way, do you want to learn more about how to prepare yourself and your practice for a fulfilling End of Career Transition and life beyond? I would like to help you. I provide consulting/coaching services that are tailored to your specific needs. Click here to request a complimentary introductory conversation.

Set to Rise

Gulf of Mexico, Fl - 2009