The Paradox of Beneficial Retirement: A Journey into the Vortex of Nothingness

Abstract

When individuals decide they are no longer living up to their own expectations of performance in their chosen profession, they may encounter a moral obligation to retire. However, the prospects of retirement may trigger a free-fall into a metaphorical vortex, a descent into nothingness that portends obliteration of identity. Works of literature and philosophy help us to understand whether the encounter with nothingness leads to compensation, rejuvenation or despair.