La fabrique du sens lors de la transition emploi–retraite : une analyse phénoménologique interprétative

Abstract

Our aim

While it is accepted that the transition from work to retirement involves a major adjustment for individuals, the experience varies greatly from one person to another. The aim of this research is to explore the subjective experience of this transition qualitatively, by exploring the individual meanings associated with it and the mechanisms by which meaning is constructed.

Method

Eight interviews, based on interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), were conducted with French new retirees.

Results

The results suggest that the meaning that links things and the past, present and future offers a relevant key to understanding the transition to retirement, not as an isolated event but as an experience embedded in a personal and professional trajectory, within a given society.

Conclusion

The cross-sectional analysis of the eight cases enabled us to identify three main interrelated levels of meaning: the meaning of retirement, the meaning attributed to the transition experience and the meaning of life in retirement, linked to sources of meaning. The meaning, or rather meanings of retirement appear to be closely associated, on the one hand, with the relationship to work and the last job held and, on the other, and more implicitly, with the relationship to age and ageing. This study has also enabled us to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in adapting to retirement, and to envisage extensions to better understand the links between the construction of meaning, well-being and transition. It opens up a number of possible applications, including support for people affected by this transition.