Research shows that deciding to retire means grappling with three psychological issues. First, identity issues are a big challenge for professionals who are deeply committed to their work. Even a short break from their career can leave them feeling confused about who they are without it. Second, many older professionals are resistant to leaving meaningful work. And third, they worry about losing the strong relationships they’ve built over a long, successful career. New research suggests that leaders can be much better able to overcome the psychological barriers to retirement by accurately identifying who they really are and what their work really requires of them.
President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race has made Republican candidate former President Donald Trump the oldest person nominated by a major U.S. political party. Aside from the highly complex nature of the presidential race, it has sparked a national conversation about what age, leadership, and work mean for our identity.