In early retirement, boredom is something that people may complain about. The Galloping Gourmet Keith Floyd wrote of retiring, “Something that I hadn’t factored in was the complete and utter boredom.” Floyd’s reaction, given a sudden change from hectic days making TV programmes to endless leisure is understandable but dismaying when the anticipated rewards of retirement disappointed. But maybe he hadn’t realised how big the change from career to retirement can be.
The kind of boredom that is most likely to strike when you retire is existential -in other words life in general seems boring. Part of the process of transitioning to your new state, this ties in with Robert Atchley’s theory on the six stages of retirement where following the initial honeymoon phase, disenchantment sets in. You feel fed up, outside the loop and perhaps you regret no longer being at work. This chronic form of boredom can be harder to escape , it can also be a way to avoid self- confrontation. Something clearly needs to change, you are the one who needs to do something to make this happen but boredom can be immobilising and a way of retreating from the challenge.
There are plenty of boredom avoidance strategies, from a spot of retail therapy to going to the pub but these are temporary quick fixes but don’t tackle the underlying causes of existential angst. This is a useful nudge to take stock and begin imagining how life might become more meaningful and fulfilling.
It may be hard to imagine when in the depths of boredom but there are absolutely amazing possibilities waiting to be discovered especially now that you are time rich. A theory which explains the purpose of boredom is Hudson’s Cycle of Renewal. Developed by US psychologist Frederick Hudson, it suggests a pattern which rather than being a dead-end symptom of burnout, boredom is a catalyst for pushing us on to a new stage.
During phase one of the cycle we are in go for it mode, then when the goal we sought has been achieved or no longer suits our needs we enter phase two, AKA the Doldrums, where we feel negative, trapped and bored. Phase three is cocooning. This is a time for re-evaluating goals and getting back in touch with our core values. In phase four of the cycle, we become re-energized and begin to research, network and reskill ready for the next chapter.
