Retirement, Redundancy and Work-Identity Change

Counselling in Ascot, Online and by Telephone

Work shapes more than our days - it shapes our identity, purpose, confidence, routine, and sense of belonging.

So when a career ends, slows down, changes unexpectedly, or no longer fits, it can leave you feeling unsteady or unsure of who you are now.

You may have been planning for this moment.
Or it may have arrived suddenly, before you were ready.

Either way, stepping out of a long-held role can stir grief, relief, confusion, or all three at once.

This transition is often misunderstood.
On the outside, it may look like “more freedom” - but inside, it can feel like loss.

If you’re here, it may be because this shift has touched something deeper than just work.

When Work Changes, Identity Often Shifts Too

Redundancy, retirement or career change can affect your:

sense of identity (“If I’m not this job, who am I?”)
confidence and self-worth
daily structure and purpose
relationships at home or socially
motivation or energy levels
financial stability and future plans
mental health (anxiety, low mood, irritability)
feeling of belonging in the world

Even positive changes - like choosing to retire - can create a surprising sense of emptiness or disorientation.

Work holds more of us than we realise.

You Might Recognise Yourself in These Questions

Why do I feel so lost, when I should be “enjoying” this new chapter?
How do I fill days that used to feel purposeful?
Why has my confidence taken such a hit?
What does my life mean without this role?
How do I adjust to a different pace or identity?
Why am I grieving something I thought I wanted to leave behind?
How do I cope with the uncertainty of “what now?”

These questions are deeply human.
You’re not alone in feeling them.

The Practical and Emotional Impact

Career transitions influence both the inner and outer world.

Emotionally

feeling flat or unmotivated
waves of sadness or grief
anxiety about the future
frustration, irritability or restlessness
shame or embarrassment
a sense of being unseen or not needed

Practically

changes to routine, pace and lifestyle
financial concerns or adjustments
renegotiating roles at home
feeling disconnected from colleagues
uncertainty about how to spend time purposefully

Identity and Meaning

feeling invisible or “past your peak”
questioning what gives life meaning now
missing the part of you that felt competent or valued
struggling with a lack of structure

Work is not just something you do - it becomes a part of who you are.
Losing or leaving it can feel like losing a version of yourself.

Imagine…

...beginning your day with a clearer sense of direction - not defined by productivity or achievement, but by identity, values and what matters to you now.

Imagine feeling more grounded in who you are becoming, and less defined by what has changed.

How Counselling Can Help

Counselling offers a reflective, supportive space to:

explore the emotions underneath the transition
understand the identity shifts you’re experiencing
reconnect with your strengths, values and needs
rebuild confidence and self-belief
navigate the practical stresses and uncertainties
find a new sense of purpose or meaning
create a life that feels balanced and authentic
move at a pace that feels right for you

This isn’t about replacing the past or “finding the next big thing.”
It’s about rediscovering yourself within this new chapter.

Why I’m a Good Fit for This Work

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent over 20 years in the corporate world.

I understand first-hand how deeply work can shape identity - and how disorienting it can feel when that structure changes or falls away.

My own experience of stepping out of a long-term career, combined with my therapeutic training, helps me support clients through both the emotional and practical layers of this shift.

I bring warmth, steadiness and understanding - meeting you exactly where you are, without expectation or pressure.

Working Together

Sessions are available:

In person in Ascot, Berkshire
Online
By telephone

Whether you’re newly retired, recently made redundant, changing career paths, or adjusting to a slower pace of life, you’re welcome here.

Next Steps

If work has changed - or is changing - and you’re feeling unsure of who you are within that shift, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

⬤ Contact me to arrange a free 15-minute consultation.

Together, we can explore what this transition means for you and how counselling may support you.

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