Living the Post-University Life: Academics Talk About Retirement

Abstract

This panel, which took place at International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry in May 2016, examines the experiences of five scholars who have retired from university life and the responses to the panel by two scholars anticipating that transition. Panelists discuss how and when they decided to retire; the role of the university, department, and profession in their post-university lives; and the kinds of activities and connections that sustain their identities and give their lives meaning. Their experiences suggest admiration for and a subtle critique of university life. Their words of wisdom offer support to those anticipating retirement in planning their transition from university life and considering what that life could and might be like.

Keywords

retirement academic retirement meaning aging identity

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